More than 2,000 runners joined the event to race a course within this UNESCO World Heritage city, where history, culture, and local ways of life come together.

One of the highlights of this year’s race was the scenic route through historic Old Sukhothai at sunrise. Runners passed ancient ruins and architectural landmarks that reflect the heritage and legacy of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom, while also experiencing the warmth of local communities along the route. 

The event featured three race categories: the 21-kilometre Half Marathon, 10-kilometre Mini Marathon and 5-kilometre Fun Run. Runners who completed the Half Marathon within the designated cut-off time also received a limited-edition PUMA Finisher Shirt to commemorate their achievement.

On 22 August, Bangkok Airways also hosted the Kids Series Race, an 800-meter adventure-style running activity for children aged 12 and under. Featuring a series of fun, interactive activity stations, the race encouraged children to stay active, build teamwork skills, and enjoy quality time with their families through sport.

Bangkok Airways Director Key Accounts & Ancillary Product, Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, said: “We welcomed more than 2,000 runners this year, and the strong participation reflects Sukhothai’s potential as a sports tourism destination, where an active lifestyle can be meaningfully combined with the province’s rich history, culture and distinctive local identity.”

The Bangkok Airways Chiang Mai Half Marathon 2026, the final race of this year’s Bangkok Airways Boutique Series, will take place from 26 to 27 September 2026 at Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai.

(Source: Bangkok Airways)

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The expansion follows the app’s introduction in Japan last year, where IHG says it has attracted more than four million followers, and forms part of the hotel group’s wider strategy to connect with travellers through the digital platforms they already use.

The Line Mini App gives users direct access to IHG’s global portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels, as well as IHG One Rewards membership and exclusive offers, without leaving the Line platform.

Users can search for and book IHG hotels worldwide, join IHG One Rewards using their existing Line credentials, check membership status and points balances, redeem rewards, and access member benefits. In Thailand, these include dining privileges at participating hotels.

Line has a particularly strong presence in both new markets. The platform has approximately 56 million monthly active users in Thailand and 22 million in Taiwan, making it an important channel for IHG to reach travellers through a familiar digital environment.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Vice President Commercial, East Asia & Pacific, Dean Jones said the launch reflected IHG’s commitment to meeting guests where they already spend their time.

“Becoming the first hotel company to launch a Line Mini App in the Thailand and Taiwan markets reflects our commitment to making it easier to discover, book and experience our brands,” he said.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, Greater China, Rita Jiang added that the expansion was designed to deliver a more mobile-first and frictionless experience for guests in both markets.

To support the August launch, IHG One Rewards is introducing promotional activities, including gamified experiences, opportunities to earn Line Points, and exclusive member initiatives.

Thai users will also have access to a series of limited-edition, travel-inspired Line stickers created by popular illustrator duo Sundae Kids.

The Line expansion comes as IHG continues to invest in digital technology throughout the guest journey, including AI-powered conversational search and personalised digital experiences.

IHG currently operates more than one million rooms across over 7,000 hotels in more than 100 countries, with a development pipeline of approximately 2,300 additional properties. Its IHG One Rewards loyalty program has more than 160 million members worldwide.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier with more than four decades of experience in the international hospitality and tourism industry. A long-time resident of Thailand, he has held senior hotel management positions with leading international hospitality groups and is a former Director of Skål International.

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Running until 30 April 2027, the collaboration brings together more than 150 participating merchants across dining, shopping, attractions, entertainment, and lifestyle categories to create seamless and rewarding experiences for international visitors.

The initiative comes as travel patterns continue to evolve across Asia Pacific. Visa’s analysis shows that affluent travellers spend, on average, 3.5 times more cross-border than mainstream travellers, with increasing spend directed toward dining, entertainment, wellness, and local discovery. 

Through its partnership with ASIATIQUE, Visa aims to help Thailand attract and engage these high-value travellers by combining destination marketing, exclusive cardholder benefits, and seamless digital payment experiences.

 Visa Thailand Country Manager Anthony Watson said: “The future of tourism is not about counting arrivals, but creating value. Since launching Visa Destinations in Thailand, we have been working with partners across the tourism ecosystem to connect international travellers with curated local experiences, strengthen digital payment acceptance, and help businesses capture more value from tourism. From our collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to initiatives that spotlight distinctive cultural districts such as Song Wat, our focus has been on helping Thailand turn travel demand into deeper engagement and broader economic opportunity.”

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Chief Commercial Business Officer, Michael Hariz said: “ASIATIQUE has always given visitors another reason to fall in love with Bangkok: The rich beauty of the Chao Phraya River, great food, great shopping, great entertainment for all ages, and a riverside setting you won’t find anywhere else. Our partnership with Visa builds on that. International travellers get exclusive privileges and a seamless way to pay, while our tenants enjoy a direct line to high-value customers.”

As part of the partnership, international Visa cardholders will enjoy exclusive privileges across ASIATIQUE’s signature attractions, dining, shopping, and lifestyle experiences, including:

Experiential Attractions: Buy 2, Get 1 Free at Jurassic World: The Experience and 30% off Sky Flyer tickets.

Culinary Experiences: 15% dining privileges at selected restaurants, including Sirimahannop, The Crystal Grill House, The Siam Tea Room, Asiatique Ancient Tea House, and Fossil & Flame Restaurant.

(Source: Visa)

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For Europeans, July and August mark the height of summer and a peak travel period, when schools break and holiday plans come to life. In 2026, Thailand retains its crown as the most-searched Asian destination among European travellers for the second consecutive year, Indonesia shifts to second place, and Japan takes third.

The findings are based on Agoda’s accommodation search data for European travellers considering summer accommodation stays across Asia. Indonesia’s jump from third place last year to second place this year reflects sustained global interest in Bali and growing curiosity about the wider archipelago. Japan remains firmly in the top three and continues to attract notable interest across European markets. Vietnam’s rise to fourth from fifth place last year underscores its growing profile as a must-visit destination, while Malaysia rounds out the top five.

Across the top 20 destinations, India saw the most notable year-on-year growth in European searches at 14%, followed by South Korea at 13% and Vietnam at 12%. These three markets stand out as the region’s fastest-rising for European summer travel interest, pointing to a growing appetite for diverse itineraries beyond Asia’s traditional hotspots.

Across destinations seeing interest from European travellers, the perennially popular Bangkok and Bali take the top two spots for the second year running, with Samui Island cementing its place at number three, Tokyo at four and Pattaya rounding out the top five spots.  

In Europe, the top five origin markets of France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain remain consistent from 2025 to 2026, a sign that Europe’s most enthusiastic Asia travellers are as keen as ever. 

However, other European markets have also seen growing interest: Türkiye leads with a 39% increase in Asian destination searches, followed by Hungary (22%) and the Czech Republic (16%). This signals that interest in Asian travel is spreading further across the European continent, with Central and Eastern European travellers increasingly joining the Asia-bound wave.

Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply, Andrew Smith said: “What stands out in this year’s data is how broadly European interest in Asia has grown. We’re seeing increasing travel appetite from Europe to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and South Asia at the same time, pointing to expanded enthusiasm for the region. That same curiosity is showing up at the city level too, with more travellers venturing beyond the well-known capitals to explore coastlines, islands, and destinations that feel a little more off the beaten path. At Agoda, as Asia’s travel expert, we are excited to help more travellers discover their own version of Asia, wherever that takes them.”

(Source: Agoda)

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The airline currently flies the route every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday using an A320. Flight time: five hours and 30 minutes.

Flight Schedule 

FD237 departs Fukuoka (FUK) at 0815 and arrives in Bangkok (DMK) at 1145.
FD236 departs Bangkok(DMK) at 2345 and arrives in Fukuoka (FUK) at 0705 (plus a day).

Thai AirAsia is the only airline serving the DMK-FUK route with an average round-trip fare of USD 350. However, Thai Airways International offer flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Fukuoka FUK). It flies the route four times a week — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday — using a 175-seat A321 and will increase to daily flights on 7 September. 

Thai Vietjet schedules to serve the route starting 25 October with four flights a week from Bangkok (BKK) to Fukuoka (FUK) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday using a 190-seat B737.

(Source: AirAsia Move, TG, and Thai Vietjet)

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The average passenger revenue per unit (including compensation for fuel and insurance premiums excluding excess weight) increased by 20.3% from the same period last year.

The company’s total expenses (excluding one-time events) increased by 29.7% to THB44.930 billion from the same period last year, driven by the rise in aircraft engine oil prices from the Middle East unrest, with the average oil price rising 104.6% from the same period last year, resulting in a pre-tax operating profit of THB3,691 million and a pre-tax operating EBIT Margin of 17.5%, reflecting its ability to manage operations and maintain the company’s liquidity at an appropriate level.

The company reports a total financial capital of THB3,165 million and a net profit of THB335 million from one-time events, resulting in a net profit of THB1,537 million in the second quarter of 2026, compared to a net profit of THB12,134 million and an EBITDA of THB8,182 million in the previous year.

Half-year performance

As of 30 June 2026, the company’s total assets increased from 31 December 2025, to THB322,085 million, an increase of THB18,026 million or 5.9%, with total liabilities of THB240,252 million, an increase of THB12,105 million or 5.3%, and total shares of THB81,833 million, an increase of THB5,921 million or 7.8%. 

As of 30 June 2026, the company’s total cash and other cash equivalents totalled THB123,757 million.

The company has 84 aircraft in operation, with an average aircraft usage rate of 12.9 hours per day, totalling 3.66 million passengers. Total passenger (ASK) production capacity is 16,778 seat-kilometres, down 4.4% from the same period last year due to reduced flights amid the Middle East crisis. Total passenger (RPK) transportation capacity was 11,993 million passenger-kilometres, down 11.3%, resulting in an average cabin factor of 71.5%, down from 77.0% in the same period last year.

For the first 6 months of 2026, the company’s total revenue (excluding one-time events) increased by THB99,650 million, up 3,198 million or 3.3% from the same period last year, with total expenses (excluding one-time events) increasing by THB82,213 million, up 14.4% from the same period last year. The company’s operating profit before financial costs (excluding one-time events) was THB17,437 million, and total financial costs were THB6,152 million. The main reason was profit from the cancellation and change of aircraft lease contracts, resulting in a net profit of THB1,424 million for the first 6 months of 2026.

In H1 2026, the company received five narrow-body Airbus A321neo aircraft, 3 wide-body Boeing 787-8 aircraft, and 1 Boeing 787-9 aircraft to enhance its fleet capabilities and support future flight expansion. 

(Source: THAI).

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The launch will introduce the brand’s world-class fitness experience to Thai members, combining internationally benchmarked facilities, advanced technology and accessible membership options.

World Gym has grown from the golden era of bodybuilding at Muscle Beach into one of the world’s most recognised fitness names, operating nearly 300 clubs across six continents and serving more than one million members worldwide. 

World Gym is today publicly listed in Taiwan (2762.TWSE), where it operates 140 locations, making it the company’s largest market. For Thailand’s rapidly growing fitness sector, the brand’s arrival brings an established international operator and a 50-year brand legacy to local members for the first time.

World Gym’s first Thai club combines internationally benchmarked facilities and equipment from partners including Matrix and Abs Company with advanced technology such as AI Posture Diagnostics, a three-minute assessment providing personalised insights into posture, balance and flexibility, and the MYZONE Switch wearable for effort-based training.

“Thailand is a strategic next step for World Gym. This market has the energy, ambition and rising fitness culture our brand was built on. Our promise here is simple: we’re not just opening a gym, we’re making world-class fitness part of everyday life. And we’re bringing our 50 years of legacy and the technology that defines the next generation of fitness here to achieve this,” says World Gym Corporation Chairman and President John Caraccio.

About World Gym Corporation
World Gym Corporation is Taiwan’s largest fitness chain, operating 141 locations. In 2024, it acquired World Gym International, securing the iconic World Gym brand and global operating rights, establishing itself as a global fitness leader. 

(Source: World Gym)

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Led by TAT offices in Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing, this localised approach targets high-value travellers, highlights fresh travel itineraries and spreads economic benefits to more emerging Thai destinations.

TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said: “Chinese travellers are becoming more diverse in how they choose destinations and experiences. TAT is responding with a more focused regional strategy that matches Thailand’s tourism strengths with each market’s interests. Wellness, sport, culture, communities and emerging destinations are central to this approach, helping us attract quality visitors while spreading tourism value more widely across the country.”

In eastern China, TAT’s Shanghai Office is targeting premium travellers through wellness and experiential tourism. Under “Healing Is the New Luxury”, TAT is working with LANN Space, a Chinese mindfulness and holistic wellness platform, and leading online travel agency Tuniu.com to promote restorative travel experiences in Saraburi and Khao Yai.

In Jiangsu, TAT has extended its reach through a live Nanjing International Television program, presenting experiential tourism and destinations around Rayong and Hua Hin to over five million viewers.

In western China, TAT’s Chengdu Office is focusing on sport tourism and creator-led content. Together with Zx-tour, a Chinese sports travel company specialising in marathon packages including international running trips, TAT organised an “Offline Sharing Session for Amazing Thailand Marathons” in Chengdu to engage fitness enthusiasts from Sichuan and Chongqing. 

This helped promote marathon and running events in Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Buri Ram, Hua Hin and Songkhla. While TAT also hosted Chinese content creators on a fam trip to Chiang Mai (extended into Chiang Rai) for community experiences, with the initiative supporting future direct flights linking western China to northern Thailand.

In northern China, TAT’s Beijing Office is targeting families for summer holidays while capturing demand in secondary provincial markets. In Changchun, TAT and major tourism partners in Jilin Province staged “Cool Summer Breeze: Long-Lasting Friendship Between Jilin and Thailand” showcasing Thai culture and soft power through Songkran-themed activities, Thai cuisine, handcrafts and contemporary performances.

The event attracted more than 80,000 participants, alongside a 7% increase from 2025 in direct airline seat capacity between Jilin Province and Thailand, supporting further travel demand from northeastern China.

Together, the campaigns demonstrate TAT’s targeted approach to China, with wellness and experiential travel prioritised in the east, sport and lifestyle travel in the west, and family travel and Thai culture in the north. Across all three regions, TAT links consumer interests with Thailand’s wider range of destinations and tourism products.

China remains Thailand’s largest international source market, delivering 3,149,889 arrivals from 1 January to 5 August 2026. Backed by the quality-focused “Trusted Thailand” initiative, which reinforces safety, service quality, and visitor assurance across the tourism experience, TAT expects Chinese arrivals to exceed five million in 2026, underscoring the market’s continued importance in both visitor volume and expenditure.

(Source: TAT)

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Nok Air says it plans to operate direct flights from Bangkok (DMK) to Hyderabad (HYD), India, starting 14 October, 2026.

Online advance timetables confirm Nok Air will fly a four-weekly service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using a B737-8 with 189 seats.

Currently, the airline flies to domestic cities in Thailand but intends to reintroduce flights to gateway cities in India during the winter timetable from October 2026 to March 2027.

Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia has scheduled a return to Hyderabad effective 18 November 2026, deploying A320s with 180 seats on the route. Advance online timetables show the airline flying four weekly services on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

FD118 will depart Bangkok (DMK) and arrive in Hyderabad (HYD) at 2255.
FD119 will depart Hyderabad (HYD) at 2325 and arrive in Bangkok (DMK) at 0420 (plus a day).

Nok Air flight schedule Bangkok-Hyderabad

(Source: Advance online timetables)

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Women in the hospitality industry make up 51.2% of the global workforce but hold only 30% of executive roles, according to industry workforce data reported by Hospitality Investor in March 2025. 

Thailand’s hotel, tourism, and hospitality sector reflects the same imbalance, and on 3 September, RISE 2026, a new industry platform, aims directly at it. 

“Hospitality has always depended on women. We understand people, build relationships, hold teams together and often carry enormous responsibility. Yet women are still underrepresented in ownership and senior decision-making roles,” said Lily Udomkunnatum, Managing Director, Burasiri Hotel Group, who is speaking at RISE 2026.

RISE 2026: Reshaping Hospitality by Empowering Women, a not-for-profit event organised by C9 Hotelworks, Mrs B Group, and Delivering Asia, convenes on 3 September at SAii Laguna Phuket. Though staged in Phuket, the event is built as a national platform: its speaker roster draws leaders from hotel groups, global hospitality brands, and businesses operating across Thailand.

The program is structured across four themes: Vision and Voice, Systems and Sectors, Emerging Leaders, and Craft, Communication and Self. Speakers include Lily Udomkunnatum of Burasiri Hotel Group; Mary Pakamard, Managing Director & Principal Designer, M2 Plus; Kate Gerits, Director of Operations Thailand for IHG Hotels and Resorts; Pitinut Robbins, Senior Director Thailand for Marriott International; Wichupan Phukaoluan Srisanya, President, Thai Hotels Association, Southern Chapter; and Sara D Anzeo, Sustainable Finance International Consultant at UN Women Asia Pacific, alongside entrepreneurs, designers, and rising voices from Thailand’s hospitality sector.

The slow pace of change for women in leadership will be a key topic at the event, with a focus on talent rather than gender.

“I believe empowering women in hospitality isn’t just about creating opportunities; it’s about recognising the incredible talent that’s already here. We need to stop waiting for change and start making it happen,” said event speaker Mary Pakamard of M2 Plus.

“Thailand’s hotel sector has no shortage of women doing the work of building it, but too few platforms built specifically to put them in front of each other,” added Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks. “RISE exists to close that gap, not for one afternoon in Phuket, but as a marker for where the industry needs to go across the country.”

SAii Laguna Phuket, the Phuket Hotels Association, UN Women, the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, TDM, and Robb Report Thailand support RISE 2026. Registration is required in advance, with a QR code from Eventbrite needed for entry. Tickets are pre-paid at THB 1,000 (approximately USD 30), with proceeds going toward running the event as a not-for-profit platform rather than to any organising partner.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rise-2026-tickets-1980846310638
Source: Hospitality Investor

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