Thailand news

What is changing for travellers and residents in Thailand: visas and entry, flights, weather, laws and prices. Every story is checked and approved by our editors and links to its original source.

1. 24 October 2026Thailand puts off 1,000-baht fee on every trip abroadThe Thai government has delayed a plan to charge 1,000 baht to everyone leaving the country. On 22 October, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas cited economic uncertainty and high energy costs caused by the war in the Middle East.
2. 24 October 2026Anutin orders Pattaya motorcycle taxis back into orange vests, MP saysSince 19 October, Bang Lamung district has been moving Pattaya's motorcycle taxi riders from orange vests into dark blue ones. On 21 October, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a return to orange, according to a Chonburi MP. There is no official date for reversing the change yet.
3. 24 October 2026Anutin orders checks on nominee land held for foreigners by December 2026On 19 October, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a nationwide operation against land held through nominee structures on behalf of foreigners. The Department of Lands suspects 1,397 legal entities of holding 2,360 plots worth about 14.01 billion baht.
4. 24 October 2026Similan Islands reopen on 15 October, Maya Bay welcomes visitors from 1 OctoberThe Andaman Sea season has begun: the Similan Islands in Phang Nga reopened on 15 October after a five-month monsoon closure, and Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh has been open since 1 October. TAT expects the dry season proper to settle in by December.
5. 24 October 2026Virgin Atlantic launches nonstop flights from London Heathrow to PhuketThe first Virgin Atlantic flight VS214 from London Heathrow landed in Phuket on 19 October. The seasonal nonstop service runs three times a week until 26 March 2027.