Developed by Digital Identity Co Ltd in partnership with the Thailand Immigration Bureau, THIM leverages AWS cloud services to modernise Thailand’s immigration process to welcome more than 30 million visitors annually.

Now available for download as part of a pilot, THIM is designed to help travellers save time and complete their arrival card in just three minutes, offering a more convenient and streamlined border experience by reducing wait times at checkpoints.

For the first time, international tourists visiting Thailand can complete their arrival registration digitally before they land. The app currently supports English, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese languages, with plans to add more languages in the coming months.

“Thailand’s immigration system serves approximately 30 million international tourists annually, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every traveller’s experience at our borders reflects the modern, welcoming nation we are. THIM positions Thailand at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s digital immigration transformation through a national mobile platform. By embracing cloud technology, we have reduced processing times significantly while strengthening our national security capabilities,” said Immigration Bureau Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Pratya Prasarnsuk.

“The border is Thailand’s front door,” said Digital Identity Co Ltd CEO Natakorn Tanachaihirun.

“We built THIM to make sure it’s wide open and secure at the same time. This is just the beginning of what a cloud-native services centre can do for the Immigration Bureau and the millions of travellers it serves.”

Powering faster borders

THIM’s architecture leverages AWS services deployed in the AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region and is underpinned by three pillars.

• Document verification: Using AI-powered optical character recognition (OCR), text is extracted from passports to support e-KYC workflows
• Compute and orchestration: Amazon EC2 for scalable compute capacity, Amazon EKS for containerised workloads, and Elastic Load Balancing for high availability – especially important during peak travel periods
• Security and compliance: Amazon GuardDuty for continuous threat detection, AWS Security Hub for centralised security posture management, and AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS) and AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) for end-to-end encryption of and secure communications between systems to ensure data security for sensitive traveller data, such as passport numbers

“Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how governments think about digital infrastructure, not as a back-office upgrade, but as a strategic enabler of national competitiveness and citizen trust,” said AWS Thailand Country Manager Vatsun Thirapatarapong.

“THIM is a proof-point that when you pair visionary leadership with world-class cloud technology, you can deliver outcomes that once seemed mutually exclusive: a seamless traveller experience and stronger national security, achieved together.”

THIM is designed to serve as a comprehensive digital services centre for the Immigration Bureau, with planned capabilities to facilitate appointment bookings, e-Extension, issuance of transaction-related certification documents, and other immigration-related digital services. 

Visitors can download the app on the Apple and Android stores.

(Source: Amazon Web Services)

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With a distinguished culinary career spanning nearly four decades, Chef Than brings exceptional international pedigree and a profound passion for gastronomy to one of Nepal’s most celebrated resort destinations.

Lovingly known simply as Chef Than, he has taken his culinary journey to some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality destinations. He has held senior roles at Ambassador Hotel Pattaya, Krabi Resort, Centara Krabi, Novotel Rayong, Sheraton, and Amari Hua Hin. His global footprint extends well beyond Thailand, encompassing professional postings in Singapore, Mali, and Phuket, each chapter deepening a versatile, cross-cultural culinary sensibility that sets him apart in his field.

Chef Than has earned wide acclaim for his mastery of Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisines — refined through decades of experience across diverse cultures and discerning guest profiles. Among his most notable honours is the prestigious Iron Pan Chef award for Thai cuisine, a recognition that speaks to his technical excellence and enduring commitment to his craft.

In his new role at Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, Chef Than is focused on crafting a dining identity that is both globally fluent and deeply rooted in place. He plans to introduce guests to the depth and authenticity of Thai cuisine while championing Nepali gastronomy — using locally sourced ingredients and traditional Himalayan flavours to develop menus that feel both worldly and unmistakably of this region.

Guests can look forward to thoughtfully composed menus that pair signature Thai specialities with reimagined Nepali classics, offering a culinary journey as layered and compelling as the surrounding landscape.

“I am truly excited to be here,” said Chef Than. “I want to share my passion for Thai cooking with guests in Nepal, and at the same time I am eager to learn from the incredible local ingredients and traditions around us — to create something that is both familiar and entirely new.”

Chef Than’s appointment underscores Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara’s ongoing efforts in providing world-class hospitality. With his arrival, the resort further cements its reputation as a premier destination where exceptional dining and immersive Himalayan experiences converge.

ABOUT Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara
Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, part of The Centara Collection, is a secluded Himalayan retreat perched on the hills of Kaskikot, just 35 minutes from Pokhara. With sweeping views of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail Mountain, the resort features 42 spacious rooms, suites, and villas that blend modern comfort with authentic Nepali design and touches of Thai-inspired elegance.

Find out more about Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara at Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection. 

For more information about Centara visit www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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Bellaguna Lake Residences is the first development under Bellaguna, Banyan Group Residences’ newest brand for premium year-round homes that sit outside hotel inventory yet benefit from the group’s hospitality management standards. 

Set beside a lake within Laguna Phuket, Bang Tao Beach, Bellaguna Lake Residences comprises five elongated buildings. Residences include one to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools, as well as a selection of ground-floor units, all with private terraces overlooking the lagoon. 

Show units are now open for viewing at the Laguna Property Sales Gallery within the Laguna Phuket estate.

Residents enjoy privileges available through the Laguna Advantage programme, including a first year of complimentary property management and insurance, along with a range of lifestyle benefits spanning education, healthcare, and leisure. These include discounts on international school fees, a complimentary membership to BDMS Health, and RAVA Beach Club – Thailand’s largest beachfront club. Select units also include membership at the prestigious Laguna Golf Phuket.

Beyond the development itself, owners become part of Banyan Group’s wider global community through complimentary Sanctuary Club membership, unlocking privileges across the group’s international network of hotels, resorts, spas and galleries. 

Laguna Phuket, a leading integrated resort, spans over 1,000 acres of parkland, lagoons, and 3 km of beachfront, just a 30-minute transfer from Phuket International Airport.

About Banyan Group Residences
Banyan Group Residences is the property development arm of Banyan Group, which is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. The group’s main residential brands comprise flagship luxury Banyan Tree Residences, Angsana Residences, Dhawa Residences, Garrya Residences, Laguna Residences, Cassia Residences, Skypark, Laguna Lakelands, and Bellaguna.

(Source: Banyan Group)

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“On the occasion of Thai Airways’ 66^th anniversary, the 33^rd anniversary of Royal Orchid Plus, and the 55^th anniversary of Royal Orchid Holidays, we have prepared special activities and privileges to thank Royal Orchid Plus members for their continued trust and support of Thai Airways,” said Thai Airways International Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri. “We are committed to developing Royal Orchid Plus to serve better changing travel and lifestyle needs. The Rise to GOLD campaign and the various activities taking place this year reflect our commitment to delivering enhanced experiences and greater value to all members.”

Highlights include the “Rise to GOLD” campaign, which provides Royal Orchid Plus Silver status members with greater opportunities to attain Gold Member status, allowing them to enjoy premium travel privileges, including lounge access, additional baggage allowance, and benefits across the Star Alliance network. 

In addition, Thai Airways introduced a wide range of benefits and special activities for Royal Orchid Plus members throughout the year. These include a co-promotion with Mastercard offering additional Bonus Miles to participating members, privileges from financial partners, activities at the “Rak Khun Tao Fah” event, and a fuel surcharge discount of up to 30% when redeeming Economy Class award tickets on Thai Airways international routes.

Royal Orchid Plus is also expanding the member experience beyond a traditional frequent flyer programme into an ecosystem that connects travel, lifestyle, and meaningful experiences. This will be achieved through special activities and collaborations, such as the GDH Concert, where members can earn Bonus Miles and enjoy exclusive privileges, as well as additional activities celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Royal Orchid Plus to be held later this year.

Furthermore, Thai Airways is enhancing travel-related privileges through Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH), allowing members to redeem their accumulated miles for a wider range of travel packages and services.

(Source: THAI)

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PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Pacific Asia Travel Association, we are honoured to recognise our long-standing members whose continued support, trust, and collective voice have been instrumental in the growth, strength, and relevance of the Association. Their commitment continues to shape a more responsible and sustainable future for tourism across the Asia Pacific region.”

Organisations: 70 Years of Membership

Guam Visitors Bureau (since 1951), represented by Régine Lee, President & CEO.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (since 1951), represented by Jadie Goo, Acting Chief Brand Officer and Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research.

Kinki Nippon Tourist Co Ltd (since 1956), represented by Hiroshi Tanimura, Executive Director of the International Affairs Department, JATA, and Secretary General, PATA Japan Chapter, on behalf of Katsuo Aso, Senior Manager, Global Business Department, Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd.

Philippine Department of Tourism (since 1951), represented by Dr Erwin Balane, Tourism Attaché.

Other organisations with over 70 years of membership that were unable to attend included Destination NSW, Marianas Visitors Authority, Tahiti Tourisme, and Tourism Fiji.

Organisations: 60 Years of Membership

Global Tour Ltd (since 1962), represented by Henry Oh, Chairman.

Hong Kong Tourism Board (since 1957), represented by Yoon-Ho Kim, Director – Korea.

Japan Association of Travel Agents (since 1963), represented by Hiroshi Tanimura, Executive Director of the International Affairs Department at JATA, Secretary General of PATA Japan Chapter.

Korea Tourism Organisation (since 1963), represented by Kyungsoo Yang, Executive Vice President.

Macao Government Tourism Office (since 1958), represented by Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director.

Nepal Tourism Board (since 1965), represented by Rohini Prasad Khanal, Officiating Director.

Smith’s Motor Boat Service Inc (since 1965), represented by Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority, on behalf of Kamika Smith, General Manager, Smith’s Motor Boat Service, Inc.

Taiwan Tourism Administration (since 1958), represented by Yi-Chen Huang, Chief Secretary.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (since 1957), represented by Natapol Vanichkul, Head of Sales, Northern.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (since 1959), represented by Watcharaphan Bunnag, Chief of International Relations.

Tourism Malaysia (since 1959), represented by Kamilia Hani Abdul Halim, Director, Tourism Malaysia Seoul

World Express Group (since 1961), represented by Tunku Iskandar, Partner, on behalf of Tan Chee Chye, Chairman.

Yeti Travels Pvt Ltd (since 1966), represented by Suja Shakya, Senior Manager – Sales & Marketing.

Other organisations with over 60 years of membership that were unable to attend included DTH Destination (Thailand) Limited, Hecny Transportation Ltd, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Okinawa Tourist Service Inc, Orient Express Private Ltd, Soaltee Hotel Limited, and Tobu Top Tours Co Ltd.

Organisations: 50 Years of Membership

All Nippon Airways Co Ltd (since 1973), represented by Yasuyuki Suzuki, Senior Director, Tourism and Regional Revitalisation, 

Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (since 1967), represented by Yeonhee Cho, Director of Sales — GSO Korea, and Simon Lloyd, Dean, Hospitality Management and Business Administration, Dusit Thani College.

PACTO DMC INDONESIA (since 1972), represented by Raty Ning, President Director.

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (since 1967), represented by Lesley Timothy, Executive Officer.

Tourism Solomons (since 1970), represented by Dagnal Dereveke, Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Other organisations with over 50 years of membership that were unable to attend included India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC), Messe Berlin / ITB Berlin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, and PanTravel.

(Source: PATA)

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Opening in 2028, the newly built 307-room voco Phuket Patong will be situated within the mixed-use development Abov Patong, a landmark comprising hotels, branded residences, and comprehensive facilities, including a clubhouse, a theatre, multi-zone swimming pools, and a Kids Club, on the hillside of Patong in Phuket.

Voco Phuket Patong joins IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand and a global portfolio of 137 voco hotels open and operating, including voco Bangkok Surawong, voco Bandung Setiabudi, voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang, with an additional 113 hotels in the development pipeline*, promising travellers a dependable yet approachable premium stay experience.

IHG Director Development Thailand, Pathana Jitsaereetham, said: “Voco Phuket Patong will strengthen IHG’s diverse portfolio in Phuket, which features seven hotels across five brands — InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. With voco Phuket Patong, we’re excited to offer our guests even more choice and exceptional experiences, ensuring there’s a stay for everyone.”

Voco Phuket Patong is located just 150 metres from Patong Beach and close to entertainment areas, shopping malls, and dining options. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, two bars, a spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre. 

The signing strengthens IHG’s scale in Thailand, where the company now has more than 80 open and signed hotels nationwide, and further builds on voco hotels’ momentum with four additional properties set to open in Bangkok and Phuket.

(Source: IHG)

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Together with the Masala Food Festival, the event boasts two worlds that naturally complement one another: celebration and flavour, all under one roof.

The highly anticipated two-day fair will be held on Saturday, 6 June and Sunday, 7 June at the Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom on the second floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. 

Guests can expect showcases from over 100 exhibitors from Thailand and India, spanning fashion, fine jewellery, culinary experiences, and beverage offerings, complemented by enchanting live performances in dance, vocal, and sound.

With the Masala Food Festival component, the food and beverage line-up of this year’s fair is presented on a notably grander scale, banding together a refined mix of Indian and continental offerings. 

Guests can look forward to Japanese highlights from ISAO, Fatboy Izakaya, and Masu Maki & Sushi Bar, accompanied by a distinguished Indian selection including bespoke desserts from Marigold by Chef Garima Arora, the two Michelin-starred chef behind Gaa, as well as dining destinations NILA, Chit Chaat, Indus, Saras and Punjab Grill. Guilty and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants bring a global reference point that needs little introduction. At the same time, Plant Passion, Kynd Kulture, and Sunbird introduce a health-forward thread running through the wider offering. The beverage programme follows suit in its proportions, with Italasia presenting premium wines and spirits, along with tastings, alongside PRAKAAN, Thailand’s first single malt whisky. For fans of Indian spirits, guests can sample from a diverse array of premium Indian whiskeys, gins, and even feni.

Accompanying the food and beverage offerings, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival presents a wider lifestyle and shopping experience spanning fashion, jewellery, and fragrance. 

Featured designers include Suwannee by Sam, a Thai-Indian couture label, alongside Lenskart eyewear and MY ONLY FRAGRANCE from Kyoto, a bespoke perfumery experience centred on personal scent creation. In fine jewellery, Rawat Jewels, Khanna Jewellers, and Envie Jewellery present collections that showcase intricate craftsmanship for both special occasions and everyday wear. 

For guests curious about Indian heritage, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival offers an immersive encounter with cultural traditions and celebrations alike.

Expect a varied programme of performances spanning Indian dance, vocal showcases, and musical acts that capture the vivacious energy and spirit of a grand Indian wedding. In addition to entertainment, this year’s edition introduces the tradition of Ayurveda through bespoke offerings presented at the exhibition.

Be it a search for destinations, wedding vendors, culinary affairs, retail therapy, or simply drawn to the vibrancy and flavours of Indian culture, the Masala Wedding Fair & Masala Food Festival offers a full-spectrum experience.

Key Information:

Date: 6 & 7 June 2026

Location: Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toey, Bangkok, 10110 

Time: 1100 to 2000.

Admission is free.

About Masala 
Masala is a multi-faceted brand recognised as the voice of Thailand’s Indian community. Producing a range of print and digital media publications, the brand caters to the Thai-Indian lifestyle, covering travel, dining, business, fashion, culture, and people stories that impact society, while also serving as an authoritative guide to Indian weddings across the country.

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“Travel shouldn’t just be convenient. It should be meaningful. That’s what we’re building at Airbnb says co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. “This summer, we’re giving people even more from incredible places to stay and boutique hotels that feel like Airbnb, to unforgettable World Cup experiences and services that make your trip easier.” 

FIFA World Cup 2026  

Airbnb offers the FIFA World Cup experiences across six host cities. Join World Cup Champions Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy for an intimate watch party in LA as the USA takes on Australia. Or step onto the pitch to train with Argentine football icon and former manager of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano.

Grocery delivery

Have groceries waiting at your Airbnb when you arrive, or order them anytime during your trip. In select cities, hosts can even receive the order and pre-stock your home before you check in, across more than 25 US cities in partnership with Instacart.

Airport pickups 

Book a private car service to and from your Airbnb through Welcome Pickups. Your driver tracks your flight and meets you curbside when you arrive, and Airbnb guests get 20% off every ride. Now available in over 160 cities worldwide.

Luggage storage 

Store your bags before check-in or after checkout through our partnership with Bounce. View nearby drop-off locations in the app, and see exactly how far they are from your listing. Airbnb guests get 15% off and access to over 15,000 locations in 175 cities.

Car rentals

Nearly a quarter of Airbnb guests rent a car during their stay. Starting this summer, you can discover rental cars directly in the app. It shows nearby vehicles and suggests the right car for your group.  

(Source: Airbnb)

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For over 15 years, Anantara Vacation Club has played an integral role within Minor Hotels, building long-term relationships with guests who return year after year to Club Resorts and affiliated Minor Hotels properties around the world.

While the Club began with close ties to Anantara, its offering has expanded significantly. Today,  points owners can enjoy offerings from the broader Minor Hotels portfolio, from Anantara and Elewana to Avani and Oaks, alongside dining, leisure, and lifestyle experiences beyond accommodation. This growth prompted the need for a name that more accurately reflects the full scope of access now available.

As a result, Anantara Vacation Club will be renamed Minor Vacation Club, operating under the broader Minor Vacations umbrella and serving as the main timeshare product. Minor Vacation Club will also launch two Club Resorts in Japan later this year. This milestone signals the next phase of growth for the Club, shaped by carefully selected destinations, distinctive experiences, and access that extends beyond a single hotel brand.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

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The ONYX Hospitality Group, which traces its roots back to the founding of Siam Lodges in 1965 and its subsequent corporate rebranding in 1992 as Amari Hotels & Resorts, targets a total revenue of THB10.33 billion in 2026, representing a 14% year-on-year increase. 

It also plans to expand its portfolio to more than 75 properties by 2030, underscoring its sustained growth momentum and strengthening its position across the Asia Pacific region. This expansion will be supported by a planned investment of THB 5.5 billion over the next three years, primarily focused on enhancing and upgrading existing properties.

Over the past six decades, ONYX Hospitality Group has grown from managing a single hotel in Thailand into a regional hospitality company with a multi-brand portfolio including Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence. 

Today, ONYX manages 49 properties and remains on track to expand its portfolio to more than 75 properties across Asia Pacific by 2030. 

ONYX Hospitality Group, Chief Executive Officer Yuthachai Charanachitta said: “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we see this milestone not merely as a reflection of our past achievements, but as the beginning of our next phase of growth. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our regional footprint, strengthening our brands, and creating long-term value for our partners, investors and customers, while continuing to develop the organisation in a balanced and sustainable manner. At the same time, we are dedicated to playing an active role in elevating service standards and supporting the long-term advancement of Thailand’s hospitality industry.”

In 2026, the Group is set to launch several new projects, including Shama Sukhumvit 101 Bangkok, Shama Medini, and Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen. 

(Source: ONYX)

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