Staged on Monday 2 November 2026, the project’s launch and handover ceremony drew executives from Royal Phuket Marina, along with local officials, teachers, and students from Ban Bang Khu School, a public school in the Ko Kaeo sub-district of Phuket’s Mueang district.

This new educational facility has an annual capacity of 274 students. It includes four large classrooms and improved learning facilities, enabling the school to continue its commitment to educating and empowering the next generation. It also demonstrates Royal Phuket Marina’s philosophy of “Building Brighter Futures Together”.

The Learning Centre forms part of Royal Phuket Marina’s commitment to “Building Brighter Futures Together”

“I am delighted to celebrate this important, meaningful occasion with Ban Bang Khu School. At Royal Phuket Marina, we are committed to working side by side with our community partners to create a brighter future for young people in Phuket. By collaborating with like-minded local organisations, we are striving to drive positive social, environmental and economic change,” said Royal Phuket Marina chairman Gulu Lalvani.

As one of Phuket’s premier waterfront destinations and Asia’s first carbon-neutral marina, Royal Phuket Marina believes its role extends beyond tourism and yachting. It is committed to contributing positively to the community in which it operates, with education, sustainability and local engagement forming important pillars of this long-term vision.

The launch of the Royal Phuket Marina Learning Centre marks the latest stage of Royal Phuket Marina’s partnership with Ban Bang Khu School. Last year, the two parties jointly staged an environmental awareness workshop and a recycling competition, and Royal Phuket Marina has also provided the school with plastic waste separation bins.

To learn more about Royal Phuket Marina, visit royalphuketmarina.com. 

(Source: Royal Phuket Marina)

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The half-day guided trip to Wat Pha Lat temple on foot, then to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple by vehicle, has been certified by the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), which the Department of Tourism appointed to conduct the assessment.

Khiri applied to participate in the Thailand Tourism Standard programme, which led to the inspection. The institute’s Trekking Standard for Tourism (TTS 401:2016) certification is valid for Khiri Travel to use for this trip from now until September 2029.

In August, auditors from the Department of Tourism assessed the quality of the hiking experience, guide knowledge, safety procedures, Khiri’s management practices and commitment to responsible tourism.

In-depth audit

The Department of Tourism’s audit included interviewing staff about operational procedures, joining the hike, quizzing Khiri’s local guides, and reviewing how the DMC prevents accidents and responds to incidents. Among many lines of enquiry, the institute reviewed how the company collects and responds to customer feedback before, during and after the trip.

“The Wat Pha Lat hiking trail is one of our signature experiences in Chiang Mai, loved by our clients for its peaceful atmosphere, immersion in nature and cultural significance,” said Khiri Travel Chiang Mai office manager, Naphat Kasikitworakul. “The auditors from the Department of Tourism went deep into all aspects of the trip. It was a very involved process.”

Khiri Travel can now display the Thailand Tourism Standard logo when promoting this specific trail.

Wat Phra Lat — ‘monastery on the sloping rock’ — was founded by King Kuena of Lanna in the 14th century. The temple, at an elevation of 630 metres (2,070ft) in the hills just west of Chiang Mai city, was originally a resting place for pilgrims walking to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at 1,073 metres (3,520ft), deeper into the mountain range.

(Source: Khiri Travel)

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This recognition reflects the company’s continued commitment to conducting its business in accordance with good corporate governance principles, with a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, ethical business practices and responsibility to all stakeholders.

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth commented: “Receiving the Five-Star Excellence rating is another proud achievement for Bangkok Airways. It reflects our continued efforts to strengthen corporate governance across the organisation, with transparency, ethical business practices and accountability at the heart of everything we do.      

“We believe that good corporate governance is fundamental to sustainable business operations and essential to building trust among shareholders, investors, customers and all stakeholders.”

(Source: Bangkok Airways)

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The events brought together travel agents, corporate travel buyers, and MICE planners, creating opportunities to strengthen industry partnerships and promote Thailand as a destination for leisure, business, extended-stay, and golf travel.

Ascott Thailand participated in a travel trade roadshow in Seoul, South Korea, before continuing its outreach in Taipei, Taiwan, where the team engaged with more than 30 travel trade partners. The events aimed to raise awareness of Ascott’s accommodation offerings across Thailand and strengthen relationships with key industry stakeholders.

With more than 20 properties across Thailand, Ascott offers a portfolio of brands including Ascott, Oakwood, Somerset, Citadines, lyf, The Crest Collection, and Preference, catering to a broad range of traveller needs and preferences.

“South Korea and Taiwan continue to be important source markets for Thailand, with demand across leisure, corporate, MICE and extended-stay segments,” said Ascott Country Director of Sales & Marketing, Thailand & Laos, Tanyarat Pengtangmo. “These events provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with our travel trade partners while showcasing the breadth of experiences available across our portfolio in Thailand.”

Ascott Thailand highlighted key properties including Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, Ascott Thonglor Bangkok, Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok and Somerset Pattaya, as well as its portfolio in Sri Racha, a strategic destination within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor that continues to attract corporate and golf travellers.

The Taiwan event also brought together representatives from Ascott’s operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, highlighting Ascott’s growing regional portfolio and collaborative approach to strengthening travel trade partnerships across Asia.

Ascott also shared updates on its continued expansion in Thailand, including the upcoming opening of Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, further strengthening its presence across both business and leisure destinations.

(Source: The Ascott Limited)

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The Serbian data research website NUMBEO recently released its mid-2026 data on the world’s safest cities. NUMBEO is a large-scale quality-of-life database that collects and publishes data on the cost of living, quality of life, and safety in cities worldwide.

The data shows that Chiang Mai, Thailand, remains the safest city in Thailand, ranking first among Southeast Asian (ASEAN) cities, 10th in Asia, and 18th globally, with a safety index of 78.0.

The top 10 safest cities in ASEAN

• 1. Chiang Mai, Thailand: 78.0
• 2. Singapore: 77.7
• 3. Davao, Philippines: 71.2
• 4. Penang, Malaysia: 71.1
• 5. Hanoi, Vietnam: 66.2
• 6. Makati, Philippines: 62.3
• 7. Bangkok, Thailand: 61.6
• 8. Iloilo, Philippines: 60.5
• 9. Pattaya, Thailand: 54.9
• 10. Cebu, Philippines: 51.1

According to the data released, Chiang Mai ranks first among ASEAN cities with a safety index of 78.0, slightly higher than Singapore’s 77.7; Bangkok ranks 7th in ASEAN with 61.6. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai ranks 18th globally for city safety.

(Source: Trip.com)

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The signing marks Ruby’s first hotel in Asia Pacific since joining the IHG portfolio and represents another milestone in IHG’s continued expansion across one of Southeast Asia’s key markets.

Speaking at last week’s press conference, IHG Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, Rajit Sukumaran said: “The introduction of Ruby to Thailand marks a significant milestone for IHG and our valued partners at Asset World Corporation. “We are delighted to introduce Ruby’s first hotel in Asia Pacific following IHG’s acquisition of the brand, in partnership with AWC, bringing an exciting new premium lifestyle brand to one of the region’s most compelling travel markets.”

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) Chief Executive Officer and President Wallapa Traisorat stated: “The debut of Ruby in Bangkok marks the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with IHG. Together, we are bringing the first Ruby hotel in Thailand and Asia Pacific to Bangkok’s Sathorn CBD.” 

Bangkok has a proven track record as the launchpad for new IHG brands in Southeast Asia. Ruby is the sixth IHG brand to debut in the city before expanding across the region, following Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton and Vignette Collection.

Set to open in 2027, the hotel will feature 184 rooms and bring the brand’s approach to hospitality to Thailand for the first time. Inspired by the tropical glamour of 1920s Siam, the hotel will combine design, music, and local storytelling to create a stay experience rooted in Bangkok’s character. Signature hallmarks will include a 24/7 bar, music-led experiences and live evening performances.

“With over 40 hotels open and in the pipeline across Europe and the United States, and ambitions to grow to more than 120 hotels over the next decade, Ruby’s arrival in Thailand marks the beginning of the brand’s Asia Pacific growth journey. Following Bangkok, IHG sees further opportunities for Ruby in urban destinations across the wider region,” Rajit concluded.

This signing further strengthens IHG’s growing presence in Thailand. Today, IHG’s portfolio in the country includes 42 open hotels and a pipeline of 41 additional properties across 11 destinations and 11 brands, reflecting sustained confidence in Thailand’s long-term tourism growth.

(Source: IHG)

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Organised by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), with TAT, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Phuket Province as co-hosts, the summit will provide an international platform to present Thailand’s healing traditions and travel experiences, supporting the country’s aspirations to become a “Global Health & Healing Destination”.

Held at Angsana Laguna Phuket under the theme “The Science, Art & Soul of Wellness”, the summit should welcome around 600 Thai and international delegates, including wellness industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and medical experts. As host destination, Phuket offers established wellness services, natural surroundings and Thai hospitality, while providing a gateway to experiences nationwide.

Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana is scheduled to preside over the official opening ceremony on 11 November and deliver the opening address. The four-day summit will feature international industry discussions, innovation showcases, networking activities and an exhibition of wellness products, services and tourism experiences.

The programme opens on 10 November with delegate welcome activities and evening receptions. Following the royal opening on 11 November, keynote presentations, plenary sessions, panel and roundtable discussions will examine global wellness developments, complemented by networking opportunities.

On 12 November, highlights include a student-focused “Shark Tank of Wellness” competition, the Innovation Lab, and the Gala Evening. The summit concludes on 13 November with additional industry discussions, innovation showcases and the Global Wellness Summit 2027 host destination announcement.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “The Global Wellness Summit in Phuket gives Thailand a valuable opportunity to share its wellness heritage with international industry leaders. Thai wellness combines traditional healing knowledge, nature, cuisine, culture and the genuine care of Thai hospitality. As a co-host, TAT aims to connect these experiences with international markets, creating opportunities for Thai businesses and communities while positioning Thailand as a destination for meaningful travel and wellbeing.”

At the summit, TAT will present “Thailand Wellness Journey: The Ultimate Healing Sanctuary” through a dedicated exhibition booth showcasing wellness routes across Thailand’s five regions. The display brings together traditional medicine, massage, cuisine, cultural heritage and natural resources to highlight Thailand’s potential for physical and mental restoration.

DTAM will present regional Thai massage traditions, herbal products and food-based wellness, while TCEB will showcase Thailand’s international meetings and events capabilities. The Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation will highlight Phuket’s local crafts and cultural heritage.

(Source: TAT)

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Officially described as an integrated luxury living and wellness destination, Gardens of Eden is a mixed-use residential development combining luxury branded residences, a hotel, wellness and leisure facilities. 

Buyers can acquire homes within the wider estate, while Gardens of Eden Resort Phuket will form its hospitality centrepiece, with accommodation operated by Minor Hotels.

“Gardens of Eden has been conceived as a destination where luxury living, wellness and nature come together in a meaningful way,” said  Gardens of Eden Chief Executive Officer Alexander Chuvalov in the official announcement.

Chuvalov described the partnership as the next phase of that vision. He expressed confidence in Phuket’s appeal as an international resort market. He said combining Gardens of Eden’s concept with Minor’s hospitality expertise would create a distinctive proposition for travellers and residents.

The agreement with Amal Group of Companies covers Gardens of Eden Resort Phuket and Minor Reserve Collection, and is scheduled to open in 2031. Its 310 keys will comprise 100 hotel rooms and 210 residences operated in the resort’s inventory. The hotel component will sit approximately 250 metres from the shoreline within the wider 33-acre development.

Wellness at the heart of project

Wellness will be a central feature, with a dedicated facility exceeding 5,000 square metres and ambitions to attract visitors from across Asia and beyond. 

At the briefing, Minor International Founder and Chairman William E “Bill” Heinecke emphasised the scale of the vision.

“This will be the biggest, not only on the island of Phuket, but maybe one of the biggest in ASEAN,” he said. “So, these are some of the reasons why we chose Gardens of Eden, because they put so much effort, planning, focus and passion into this project.”

Heinecke said the facility would draw on lessons from Minor’s existing wellness operations, while its greater space would allow collaboration with specialist practitioners and partners in wellness and longevity. The final combination of brands and expertise remains part of the developing concept.

“What we’ve learnt over the last couple of years, pioneering the wellness here, will go into this project to make it even better,” he said. “People will come from around the world to experience it.”

The developer’s presentation described a four-phase masterplan linking homes, gardens and leisure spaces, with beach access without crossing a road. The team also highlighted underground parking as an unusual feature in Phuket, adding convenience while preserving above-ground space for landscaping and recreation. The residential offering appeals to buyers seeking a home, a holiday residence or a property investment.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer, tourism commentator and former hotel executive who has lived in Thailand since 1991. A graduate of Napier University in Edinburgh, he has held senior hospitality positions across Asia. He is a past President of Skål Asia and a Board member of the South African–Thai Chamber of Commerce. He writes extensively on tourism and hospitality. The views expressed are the author’s own.

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The new funding model, introduced on Thursday, will provide USD500 million to Airbnb.org over the next five years, putting the nonprofit on a path to provide 1 million nights of free housing annually. 

This funding will also allow Airbnb.org to expand its work to support families travelling for medical care and survivors fleeing domestic violence and exploitation.

The idea for Airbnb.org began in 2012 when a host opened her home to people displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Other hosts followed, and in 2020 the effort inspired Airbnb to found Airbnb.org, an independent nonprofit. Since then, Airbnb.org has provided more than 1.6 million nights of free housing to more than 250,000 people around the world.  

“Fourteen years ago, after Hurricane Sandy hit, one host opened her home to people who had nowhere else to go. That simple act of generosity grew into Airbnb.org. Since then, we’ve helped provide more than 1.6 million nights of free housing to people in crisis. Now, every time someone books a home on Airbnb, they’ll help someone else find a place to stay when they need it most. That’s Airbnb at its best,” said  Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky, 

This new funding model will not increase what guests pay or reduce host payouts. Guests and hosts don’t need to opt in or take any action.

Expanding Airbnb.org’s impact

This year, Airbnb.org has provided free temporary housing in response to more than 200 disasters, compared with just eight in 2023. At the same time, Airbnb.org is expanding beyond disaster response to more situations where free temporary stays can provide comfort and stability. 

The US$500 million in funding from Airbnb and additional donations will help Airbnb.org expand its work to include:

Families travelling for medical care: By the end of 2026, Airbnb.org will support families travelling for medical care in more than 20 countries, in partnerships with the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia, Instituto Beaba in Brazil, B.C. Friends of Children in Canada, Fundación Xana in Spain, and Children’s Miracle Network in the United States, among others.

Survivors of domestic violence and exploitation: A new program will provide free, temporary stays for survivors who have left unsafe situations and are rebuilding, in partnership with Peace House in Utah, among others.

Veterans in the United States: Airbnb.org is expanding support for veterans facing serious illness or undergoing intensive treatment, in partnership with Fisher House Foundation,  Dream Foundation and Operation Healing Forces.

Airbnb.org in Thailand

Since 2020, Airbnb.org has provided more than 7,200 nights of free emergency housing in Thailand, including during the March 2025 earthquake in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Zendai Foundation, and Hat Yai flooding in 2025.

When families need a place to stay during a crisis, Airbnb.org helps them find one quickly. In 2026, nearly 60% of Airbnb.org check-ins worldwide happened within 24 hours of booking.

Airbnb.org signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the BMA this year to provide free emergency housing for people displaced by disasters and first responders during crises. The partnership aims to speed up access to temporary housing for disaster-displaced people across Bangkok.

How Airbnb.org works

Airbnb.org is an independent nonprofit that provides free, temporary housing to people in times of crisis. It works with local nonprofit organisations and government partners to identify people who need support. 

Guests supported by Airbnb.org stay for free, while hosts are paid. Hosts can also choose to support Airbnb.org by offering discounted stays or donating a portion of their Airbnb earnings.

Airbnb covers Airbnb.org’s operating costs, allowing 100% of public donations to go directly toward providing free housing. Airbnb makes no money from Airbnb.org stays.

(Source: Airbnb)

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For Marius Herrmann, a tourism developer involved with Our Jungle Resorts and Lost Horizon Resort, the evolution is clear. Khao Sok Village, long associated with backpacker guesthouses, now offers more places to stay, along with massage shops, ATV tours, and zip lines. Many of these activities come from smaller businesses responding to demand for nature-based travel. 

The opportunity also brings a warning: “The challenge is that Khao Sok Village is starting to look like every other tourist destination.”

Having watched the area evolve over the past decade, Herrmann sees promise in a tourism market that is still taking shape. Growth has been noticeable, but development remains largely small- to medium-scale, with independent operators offering many similar experiences. Major investors have not yet arrived in force. The concern is less about where Khao Sok stands today than about preserving its distinctive character as it develops.

A different kind of jungle stay

That thinking helped shape Lost Horizon Resort, a higher-end retreat nearer Khlong Phanom National Park and away from the busiest part of Khao Sok Village. The idea is to offer families and independent travellers more carefully planned nature experiences while spreading visitor activity and economic benefits beyond one well-trodden centre.

Khao Sok could become more than a traditional stopover between Thailand’s Andaman and Gulf coasts. Attractive rooms are part of the appeal, but memorable experiences will give travellers more reasons to stay another night.

Growing interest in nature could encourage longer visits, especially as the activities on offer become more varied and compelling.

Cheow Lan Lake presents its own opportunities. Given local ownership and lakeside licensing restrictions, he suggests that experiences developed with surrounding communities could spread benefits more widely while helping manage pressure on the lake itself.

Protect the reason people come

Tourism growth holds promise, provided collaboration guides it. The rainforest, national parks, and communities draw visitors, and safeguarding them will help Khao Sok remain distinctive as it develops.

“Nature-based tourism is fragile by definition, which makes destination and capacity management absolutely critical.”

His work at Cardamom Tented Camp and Anurak Community Lodge helped shape that view. He argues that lasting nature-based tourism depends on close relationships with park authorities, communities, and resort employees. Local people should be more than the backdrop to a visitor’s holiday.

At Our Jungle Resorts, general manager Luca Forges Davanzati and his team help bring that philosophy to life. Across the resorts, they emphasise hiring and training local staff, creating career opportunities, and working with local guides, growers, and businesses.

Former team members have even gone on to establish their own ventures, a hospitality success story that extends well beyond the resort gate. Traditional thatched-roof weaving also remains alive and well locally, thanks in part to Our Jungle Resorts’ continued use of this locally sourced material across its accommodations.

As Khao Sok develops, Herrmann would like operators, national parks, local government and tourism authorities to work together to consider where visitors go, when they go and what experiences the destination should develop next.

“The biggest barrier isn’t infrastructure; it’s the lack of a shared, coordinated approach,” he said.

Looking to 2030, the vision is a broader mix of accommodation and high-quality educational tours, ideally led by local people with deep knowledge of the forest. This next stage offers a chance to guide growth before the destination’s character is diluted.

“What I’d hate to see is Khao Sok continuing down the path to becoming a mass-market destination,” he said. The goal is to protect the character that draws people here while creating more opportunities for those who call the region home.

For Khao Sok, still taking shape as a broader tourism destination, the opportunity is clear: build on the momentum, share the benefits and keep the rainforest at the heart of the experience.

(Author: Dr Scott Smith)

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