Emirates A380 brings premium economy to Bangkok

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October 14, 2025

BANGKOK, 14 October 2025: Emirates has unveiled its premium economy cabin on flights EK376/377 between Dubai and Bangkok, operated by its newly retrofitted A380 aircraft.

With the deployment of Emirates’ newly retrofitted A380 to Bangkok, the airline extends its premium economy experience to over 70 cities globally. Located at the front of the main deck, with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration, the premium economy cabin is designed to bridge the gap between economy and business class.

The award-winning cabin also has a generous 40-inch seat pitch, 8-inch recline, adjustable headrests, and full leg and footrests, delivering enhanced comfort. Each seat is upholstered in luxurious anti-stain cream leather with fold-out woodgrain tables for dining or working.

Passengers can enjoy enhanced in-flight entertainment with a 13.3-inch HD screen, Bluetooth pairing and other thoughtful tech touches. Dining is meticulously curated to reflect regional flavours and is served on Royal Doulton China, accompanied by an expanded beverage selection, including vintage wines that are available throughout the flight.

Bangkok joins Emirates’ expanding global network of premium economy destinations, following the cabin’s official launch in 2022. The airline’s retrofit programme is one of the largest known in the industry, where 219 A380s and Boeing 777s are slated for complete nose-to-tail refurbishment. The airline is on track to offer nearly 2 million premium economy seats annually across its network by the end of 2025, doubling to 4 million by 2026. Travellers can enjoy a seamless, end-to-end premium economy experience by connecting to popular routes like New York, London, and São Paulo via Dubai.

Premium economy passengers also enjoy a generous check-in baggage allowance of 35kg and a further 10kg of carry-on baggage. Customers can book their premium economy experience through emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates World in Bangkok, Emirates reservation services or through travel agents.

Emirates in Thailand

Emirates has been operating in Thailand since 1990. This year marks the airline’s 35th anniversary in the country.

The airline currently operates five daily flights between Bangkok and Dubai, including four with the Airbus A380 and one with a Boeing 777-300ER.

The airline also offers two daily flights to Phuket, a daily non-stop service between Bangkok and Hong Kong, four weekly services to Da Nang via Bangkok, and three weekly services to Siem Reap via Bangkok, connecting Thailand to 150 destinations across six continents.

Emirates has codeshare agreements with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, enabling passengers to book with Emirates and connect to over 70 regional and domestic destinations across Thailand and Southeast Asia, such as Chiang Mai, Samui Island, Siem Reap, Yangon, and Mandalay.

In January 2025, the airline opened its largest airport lounge outside Dubai at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s SAT-1 terminal.

In May 2025, the airline officially opened and expanded its Emirates World Store retail concept at Gaysorn Village in Bangkok.
For more information on flights and to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Asia-Pacific falls in fraud protection ranking

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Newsdesk

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October 14, 2025

SINGAPORE, 14 October 2025: Sumsub, a global verification and anti-fraud leader, released the second edition of its Global Fraud Index last week, revealing that Asia-Pacific has dropped from third to fourth place globally in fraud protection amid rising exposure to fraudulent activities.

The region now ranks just above Africa and trails Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The report, produced in collaboration with Statista and the Digital Assets Association (DAA) Singapore, examines fraud risk across 112 countries to help regulatory bodies, governments, and businesses better understand and prevent fraud.

*Photo credit: Sumsub. Facebook:* *Sumsub | London*.

While some markets like New Zealand and Thailand have strengthened their fraud protection, several of the Asia-Pacific leading digital economies, including Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, have experienced significant declines in their rankings, highlighting the widening gap between rapid digital growth and the implementation of robust fraud prevention measures to safeguard users against increasingly sophisticated fraud.

“This year’s Global Fraud Index shows that fraud protection isn’t about geography; it’s about governance. At the same time, fraudsters are gaining access to increasingly powerful AI tools. What was once a niche threat has become commonplace”, said Timothy Owens, Tech and AI Industry Expert, and Senior Research Lead, Technology and Telecommunications at Statista. “For technology leaders, the message is clear: treat fraud exposure like system uptime. It requires constant monitoring. Verification systems, information sharing between organisations, and robust incident response aren’t optional anymore; they’re fundamental components of operating in today’s digital environment.”

Despite its decline in overall ranking, Singapore leads globally in the Government Intervention pillar, surpassing countries such as Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands. This underscores the city-state’s commitment to building a robust anti-fraud infrastructure, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering public-private collaboration to safeguard its digital economy against increasingly sophisticated threats.

Key highlights of the 2025 Global Fraud Index

The top APAC countries most protected against fraud are: New Zealand (#7), Singapore (#10), Australia (#15), South Korea (#27), and Japan (#28).

The APAC countries least protected against fraud are: Sri Lanka (#103), Bangladesh (#106), India (#109), Indonesia (#111), and Pakistan (#112).

New Zealand rose significantly from #12 in 2024 to #7 in 2025, and Thailand climbed 25 positions (from #58 to #33) year-over-year.

Singapore dropped from #1 in 2024 to #10 in 2025.

Japan fell 15 positions (from #13 to #28), and Indonesia declined 11 places (from #100 to #111).

Malaysia experienced the most drastic decline, falling from #34 to #86

Pakistan holds the last position in the Index for the second consecutive year.

Europe has the largest concentration of countries among the 15 most protected ones.

The US has the highest government AI readiness index across the globe.

“The findings of the 2025 Global Fraud Index are a stark reminder of the escalating challenges we face in the digital economy.

The marked decline in rankings for key APAC hubs like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia highlights a pressing need for a unified response to the growing threat of sophisticated fraud.

This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about protecting businesses and building the trust necessary for the digital asset ecosystem to thrive,” said Chia Hock Lai, Co-Chairman, Digital Assets Association. “As an association committed to fostering a secure digital environment, these results reinforce our mission. We are proud to collaborate with Sumsub on this critical initiative, which generates awareness and provides actionable insights for both industry stakeholders and regulators. The DAA will intensify its efforts to collaborate with government bodies and technology providers to champion robust anti-fraud infrastructure and enhance the accessibility of essential KYC/AML services throughout the region.”

“The 2025 Global Fraud Index provides a comprehensive view of fraud risks worldwide, highlighting both emerging threats and the effectiveness of preventative measures. By benchmarking markets globally, it offers businesses and regulators actionable insights to strengthen anti-fraud strategies, protect consumers, and maintain trust in the rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Penny Chai, Vice President, APAC, Sumsub. “The findings also underscore the unique challenges faced by APAC’s fast-growing digital economies, where rapid innovation is increasing exposure to sophisticated fraud. Effective government intervention, combined with public-private collaboration, is critical to ensuring these markets remain secure and resilient.”

Building on last year’s edition, the 2025 Global Fraud Index expands its scope to include nine new countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. The research integrates Sumsub’s internal verification data with insights from external sources, including the World Bank, Transparency International, and Oxford Insights, providing a comprehensive view of global fraud exposure and government response capabilities.

You can find additional data-driven insights, explore interactive maps and infographics, as well as build country-specific comparisons here: https://sumsub.com/global-fraud-index-2025.

In addition, Sumsub’s inaugural What The Fraud Summit, which will facilitate the public-private partnerships and knowledge sharing critical to strengthening fraud prevention, will take place in Singapore from 19 to 20 November 2025.

Learn more about the WTF Summit and ticket details: https://sumsub.com/wtf-summit/.

Methodology: 2025 Global Fraud Index study
The Global Fraud Index uses both internal and external data. Sumsub’s internal data is based on volumes of over 1 million checks conducted daily on the platform. The majority of data is from 2024-2025, with one indicator from 2023. External sources include The World Bank, The Heritage Foundation, Oxford Insights, Transparency International, Numbeo and other databases.

Find more details on methodology here: https://sumsub.com/global-fraud-index/methodology-2025/.

About Sumsub
Sumsub is a leading full-cycle verification platform that enables fraud-free, scalable compliance. Its adaptive, no-code solution covers everything from identity and business verification to ongoing monitoring – quickly adjusting to evolving risks, regulations, and market demands. Recognised as a Leader by Gartner, Liminal, and KuppingerCole, Sumsub combines seamless integration with advanced fraud prevention to deliver industry-leading performance.

Over 4,000 clients — including Bitpanda, Wirex, Avis, Bybit, Vodafone, Duolingo, Kaizen Gaming, and TransferGo — trust Sumsub to streamline verification, prevent fraud, and drive growth. The platform’s methodology adheres to leading global AML standards and regulations, and Sumsub has extensively collaborated with prominent research and public institutions, including the UN, Statista, and INTERPOL.

(Source: Sumsub)

Renaissance Phuket completes renovations

By

Andrew Wood

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October 14, 2025

PHUKET, Thailand, 14 October 2025: Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, the contemporary luxury beachfront resort on Mai Khao Beach, proudly unveils its refreshed identity following a major renovation to mark its 15^th anniversary. The transformation, blending modern design with the relaxed beauty of Southern Thailand, introduces spacious new guestrooms and villas along with elevated dining, wellness, and leisure experiences.

*Photo credit: AJW. Mai Khao’s pristine beach.*

A legacy of inspired hospitality

Since opening in 2010, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa has been a sanctuary for travellers seeking more than just a beach retreat. Nestled within Sirinat National Park and overlooking Phuket’s longest stretch of untouched sand, the resort has long been admired for its distinctive architecture and warm Thai service. Fifteen years on, it continues to evolve with a bold new look, combining world-class comfort, contemporary styling, and the finest attention to detail.

The transformation: A modern beachfront sanctuary

*The centrepiece of the renovation is the resort’s collection of guest rooms and villas, which now set a new benchmark for modern luxury on Mai Khao Beach.*

Luxury Living: Rooms and villas are generously proportioned, with clean lines, soft tones, and panoramic views that create an immediate sense of space and ease.

Beachfront retreats: The signature pool villas are private sanctuaries, blending stone, timber, and luxurious furnishings into elegant hideaways. Each offers its own terrace and pool, designed for guests who value both privacy and indulgence.

Design with a view: Interiors are bright and contemporary, with statement lighting and expansive windows that frame the Andaman coastline.

Experiences that inspire

The Renaissance philosophy of “Discover This Way” ensures every stay is filled with unique options for leisure, dining, and exploration.

*Modern comforts are seamlessly integrated, ensuring every guest enjoys the highest standard of convenience and style.*

Walks on golden sands: A stroll along Mai Khao’s pristine beach is an experience of sheer luxury, and perhaps the most sustainable of all, leaving nothing but footprints in the sand.

Culinary excellence: Dining is central to the guest experience. The Italian-inspired lunch at Sand Box Beachfront Bar & Eatery is a triumph of flavour and creativity, pairing Mediterranean flair with sweeping beach views. Phuket’s most celebrated breakfast is served daily at Loca Vore, while the award-winning Takieng restaurant celebrates authentic Southern Thai flavours with modern sophistication. Guests may also enjoy private barbecue dinners under the stars, prepared by personal chefs in the intimacy of their villas.

Wellness and balance: Quan Spa remains a sanctuary of relaxation, offering signature treatments inspired by Asian wellbeing practices. Daily activities such as sunrise yoga, meditation, and sound therapy complement the beachfront infinity pool and 24-hour fitness centre, giving guests a true sense of vitality and balance.

Coastal discoveries: For those who wish to explore, Renaissance Phuket provides curated excursions to local communities, heritage sites, and long-tail boat journeys across the Andaman, connecting guests to the living culture of the Andaman Sea coast and its islands

A future defined by modern comfort and care

The 15th anniversary transformation is more than a renovation; it is a renewal of what Renaissance Phuket stands for: luxury, modern comfort, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.

What sets Renaissance Phuket apart, however, is not only the new look but the genuine spirit behind it. From the extraordinary success of the kitchen to the tranquillity of a morning walk on Mai Khao’s golden sands, from the smiling welcome at reception to the thoughtful touches in each villa, it is clear that care and attention define the guest journey.

At Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, luxury means more than design and comfort; it is about creating lasting memories in an environment where every detail has been carefully considered.

About Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Just a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is set amid the natural beauty of Sirinat National Park and the pristine Mai Khao Beach. Guests enjoy five-star hospitality, contemporary design, and a vibrant dining journey across five culinary venues. Highlights include Phuket’s most celebrated breakfast, the award-winning Takieng, and the newly refreshed Sand Box Beachfront Bar & Eatery. Whether for a beach holiday, wedding, corporate retreat, or cultural discovery, the resort offers experiences that inspire and rejuvenate.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer, author, and former hotelier. A long-time resident of Thailand, he is a past president of both Skål International Asia and Skål International Thailand, and a contributing editor for various regional online travel news services. Andrew has been widely published and is recognised for his expertise and passion for Thailand’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Air India boosts London flights

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Newsdesk

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October 14, 2025

DELHI, 14 October 2025: Air India is expanding its services to the UK as part of its Northern Winter 2025 schedule, by adding a fourth daily flight between Delhi and London (Heathrow), starting 26 October 2025.

Flights will increase from 24 to 28 weekly, adding 1,196 seats each way on the Delhi to London (Heathrow) route using the airline’s new Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Air India is now the lead airline on routes between India and the UK, operating 61 weekly flights and deploying 18,066 seats (in each direction), which translates to nearly 1.7 million seats annually on routes between the two countries.

Air India connects five Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Amritsar) to three points in the UK, namely London (Heathrow), London (Gatwick), and Birmingham.

With the added daily frequency, Air India will operate two daily flights on the Delhi-London Heathrow route using Airbus A350-900 aircraft and two daily flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Both aircraft feature three cabin classes — Business class, premium economy, and economy class.

Other winter changes

Mumbai-London (Heathrow): The route continues with 14 weekly services.

Bengaluru-London (Heathrow): Reinstatement of three weekly flights previously curtailed, bringing the service back to a daily operation.

Ahmedabad-London (Gatwick): Services on this route were temporarily relocated to London (Heathrow) in July 2025 and now return to London (Gatwick), operating three times weekly.

Amritsar-London (Gatwick): Restored to operate three weekly flights.

Delhi-Birmingham: Restored to three weekly.

Amritsar-Birmingham: The service continues with three weekly flights.

(Source: Air India)

Diwali drives India travel searches

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Newsdesk

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October 14, 2025

SINGAPORE, 14 October 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest travel insights reveal a steady rise in interest for India as a destination during the upcoming five-day Diwali festival (20 October), with searches growing 24% among international travellers and domestic travellers combined.

Domestic travel interest continues to play a central role during this holiday period, with searches within India increasing by 18%. Notably, international travel interest is expanding at an even faster pace, with inbound searches by overseas travellers growing by 67% year-on-year during the holiday period.

Among the top ten international markets expressing travel interest in India during this period, South Korea stood out with searches rising more than 45 times compared to last year. Travel interest from Southeast Asia was also strong, with searches from Thailand growing nearly twofold, and interest from Malaysia rising 25%. Beyond the APAC region, travel interest from the United Arab Emirates recorded an 87% increase. In comparison, searches from the US grew by 28%, underlining the diverse spread of interest across both regional and long-haul markets.

Beyond its vibrant displays of lamps and fireworks, for many travellers, Diwali is an opportunity to engage with India’s rich heritage, taste festive cuisine, and participate in family-centred festivities that create a sense of warmth and togetherness. The festival’s combination of visual spectacle, cultural immersion, and shared celebration makes it a compelling reason for both domestic and international travellers to visit India each year.

During Diwali, travellers are seeking destinations that blend cultural heritage with festive vibrancy. Goa topped the rank as the most searched destination for the festive period. Among the top five destinations, Udaipur and Jaipur recorded a 49% and 46% rise in searches, respectively, reflecting their reputation as centres of cultural richness. Meanwhile, searches for New Delhi doubled and Mumbai searches rose by 18%, reaffirming their positions as key metropolitan hubs for both domestic and international visitors looking to experience Diwali celebrations.

Commenting on these trends, Agoda Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands, Gaurav Malik, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many international visitors eager to experience the unique cultural festivals that India has to offer. Diwali, with its traditions of light, community, and celebration, provides an unmatched opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in India’s rich cultural fabric. What’s particularly exciting is the emergence of newer source markets such as South Korea, alongside consistent demand from regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These insights reflect how cultural travel resonates across borders, and how India is increasingly being recognised as a vibrant, welcoming destination for diverse global audiences.”

(Source: Agoda)

Etihad Airways expands network

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Newsdesk

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October 14, 2025

ABU DHABI, 14 October 2025: Etihad Airways is expanding its regional network with the launch of flights to Kabul, Afghanistan, starting 18 December 2025.

The new service responds to growing demand for travel between the UAE and Afghanistan, providing direct access between Abu Dhabi and Kabul while offering onward connections to key markets across the GCC, Europe, Australia and North America.

*Photo credit: Etihad. There is a growing demand for travel between the UAE and Afghanistan.*

Flights will operate three times weekly with Etihad’s A320, featuring eight business and 150 economy seats.

Kabul joins Etihad’s network as the 31st new route announced this year, reflecting continued investment in strategic markets across the Middle East and South Asia. The service will support trade, investment and cultural exchange, while facilitating travel for large Afghan communities across the GCC, Australia, Europe and the US.

Over 6 million Afghans live across the world, forming a global diaspora with deep ties to the region and beyond. Etihad’s new service will help connect these communities, offering greater access between Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi, and key destinations across the airline’s global network.

The new service builds on Etihad’s accelerated network growth this year, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and mobility. Passenger numbers have grown more than 80% since 2022, and the airline is on track to reach 38 million annually by 2030 as it continues to strengthen economic and cultural links across its growing network.

(Source: Etihad)

Waterfront sale could redefine Phuket’s maritime future

By

Andrew Wood

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October 13, 2025

PHUKET, 13 October 2025: Few families have shaped Phuket’s future as profoundly as the Na-Ranongs. Their patriarch, Wichit Na-Ranong, former president of the Phuket Hotel Association, was a tireless advocate for the island. He promoted Phuket on the world stage, helping transform it from a tin-mining outpost to a luxury destination.

The family’s first resort, the Pearl Village Hotel, was a hospitality landmark. In the mid-2000s, it was reimagined as Indigo Pearl, and in 2016, it became The Slate, gaining recognition as a collectors’ brand — industrial-chic and deeply rooted in Phuket’s heritage.

*Rendering of the proposed deep-water marina site in Sapam Bay.*

Even the island’s landscapes bear their imprint. When a James Bond film introduced the world to Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts, one dramatic outcrop became “James Bond Island.” It remains a global symbol of how vision and timing can turn scenery into legend.

Now the family once again reshapes Phuket’s trajectory, offering a deep-water marina site in Sapam Bay that could cement the island’s status as Asia’s yachting capital.

The site encompasses nearly 61,000 square metres of waterfront and 78,000 square metres of adjoining land. Large enough for 200 berths, villas, retail, and a clubhouse, it already carries a Marine Operating Licence — shaving years off the development process.

In a market where suitable deep-water sites are a rare find, the combination of scale, location, and regulatory clearance is extraordinary.

Phuket: Asia’s emerging yachting capital

Phuket already hosts five marinas — Yacht Haven, Ao Po Grand, Royal Phuket Marina, Boat Lagoon, and Chalong Bay. Together they accommodate hundreds of yachts, including mega-yachts up to 100 metres. Yet Thailand has fewer than 2,000 quality berths, far below demand.

Regional benchmarks

The opportunity can be measured against Southeast Asia’s leaders:

ONE°15 Marina, Singapore — 270 berths, including yachts up to 120 metres, paired with lifestyle and retail precincts.

Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya — with 380 berths, Southeast Asia’s largest, showing the scale possible in Thailand.

Benoa Marina, Bali — expanding to 180 berths, including space for 50 superyachts.

Phuket’s Sapam Bay site could surpass these benchmarks, combining natural geography with global brand recognition.

Beyond berths: Economic multipliers

A marina is far more than docking space. Each berth supports up to four jobs, from engineers to restaurateurs. Two hundred berths could create 800 skilled positions, plus multiplier effects across supply chains and tourism.

Mega-yachts demand advanced support — refits, dry docks, luxury provisioning, crew services — generating resilient, high-value employment. Studies suggest marinas produce higher economic returns than golf courses or convention centres, making them strategic investments.

Government: Marine tourism a priority

Thailand’s government has identified marine tourism as a growth priority. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Phuket’s Governor endorse the Sapam Bay site, citing its ability to attract high-spending travellers.

Recent Foreign Charter Licence reforms allow international superyachts to charter more easily in Thai waters, improving competitiveness. Infrastructure also supports the vision: Phuket International Airport has expanded long-haul capacity, while roads and five-star hotel developments continue apace.

Site orientation

Located less than a 30-minute drive from Phuket’s Old Town, the prime waterfront parcel covers 6.08 hectares, with capacity for up to 200 vessels. An adjoining 7.8-hectare site offers scope for further development, from waterfront residences and a marina clubhouse to dry-dock facilities and supporting infrastructure.

Phuket occupies a unique maritime crossroads. From Sapam Bay, yachts can cruise north to Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, south to Langkawi, and west toward the Maldives. Unlike the Mediterranean, where congestion is seasonal, the Andaman Sea offers year-round cruising and fewer restrictions.

Anchors, Airstrips and A-List Living

Phuket’s marina potential is part of a broader luxury ecosystem. Private jets, speedboats, golf, polo, tennis, wellness retreats, and White Lotus-quality hotels and villas are already in place. Bangkok adds world-class retail — haute couture, gastronomy, fine wines — strengthening Thailand’s overall offer.

What Phuket has lacked is the keystone: a deep-water marina precinct that binds these elements into a coherent luxury proposition.

For the Na-Ranong family, releasing this site is an act of stewardship, not retreat. For investors, it is a chance to shape a harbour that resonates for decades.

About the Author
Andrew J Wood is a former hotelier, Skål International Past President (Thailand & Asia). A long-time Bangkok resident, he has lived in Thailand for over 34 years. Educated in the UK, Andrew is a veteran of the hospitality and tourism industry, with a career spanning more than four decades, including senior positions with leading hotel groups. He is a regular speaker at industry events and a widely published writer on Asian tourism, hospitality, and investment trends in regional online publications.

Dusit Thani Bangkok earns Michelin Key

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Your Stories

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October 13, 2025

BANGKOK, Thailand, 13 October 2025: Dusit Thani Bangkok, the reimagined flagship of Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Key – a highly respected accolade that recognises hotels offering outstanding stays and remarkable hospitality experiences.

Unveiled on 8 October 2025 on the official Michelin Guide website, this honour places Dusit Thani Bangkok among the most exceptional hotels in the Kingdom, reaffirming its role as a global benchmark for Thai-inspired graciousness, refined design, and service excellence. The recognition follows news that Dusit Thani Kyoto — which opened in September 2023 in the heart of Japan’s ancient capital — has also been awarded a Michelin Key for the second consecutive year, further underscoring the brand’s growing international acclaim for design, innovation, and service excellence.

Initially opened in 1970 as one of Thailand’s first luxury hotels, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok became a beloved city landmark celebrated for its distinctive architecture and warm, gracious service.

Following a five-year redevelopment as part of the landmark Dusit Central Park mixed-use development opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok reopened in September 2024, seamlessly blending the spirit of its storied past with contemporary design, elevated wellness offerings, innovative dining experiences, and next-level hospitality that continues to shine on the world stage. Every guest room offers inspiring views of Lumpini Park, enhancing the hotel’s sense of tranquillity amid the city’s vibrant energy.

The Michelin Key joins an impressive collection of global awards Dusit Thani Bangkok has earned in its first year since reopening, including, amongst others:

• Top Honours – Guestrooms Category, AHEAD Asia Awards 2025
• Top New Hotel, Smart Travel Asia – Best in Travel 2025
• Best New Hotel, TTG Asia Travel Awards 2025
• Best Opening, Skift Global Innovators Round-up (Winter 2025)
• Best Hotels in Bangkok, Condé Nast Traveller
• Best New City Hotel in Thailand, Tatler Best Awards (Thailand Hotels)

• Best Luxury Hotel (Asia) – Travel Weekly Asia’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Meanwhile, in Japan, Dusit Thani Kyoto has also enjoyed a year of successes, most notably achieving a coveted Four-Star rating in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Awards.

Located in Kyoto’s peaceful Hongwanji Monzen-machi district, only 850 metres from the bustling Kyoto Station, the elegant hotel blends Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan’s deep-rooted culture of omotenashi (wholehearted care for guests). Its distinctive design harmonises the rich heritage of Kyoto with subtle Thai influences – including chedi-inspired motifs referencing the ancient Thai city of Ayutthaya – combined with the clean lines, natural materials, and soothing colour palette for which Kyoto is renowned. This thoughtful fusion extends to the hotel’s 147 meticulously appointed guest rooms, which offer a harmonious balance of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort.

“Each hotel’s accolades are a powerful reflection of its team’s dedication, creativity, and commitment to redefining modern Thai hospitality,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “For Dusit Thani Bangkok to earn a Michelin Key and so many other prestigious awards within its first year of reopening is an extraordinary achievement. We’re equally proud that Dusit Thani Kyoto has also been recognised for the second consecutive year, reflecting the strength of our brand and the passion of our teams to deliver exceptional Thai-inspired hospitality across borders.”

Group-wide excellence across Dusit Hotels and Resorts

Beyond its flagship, Dusit Hotels and Resorts continue to shine internationally, with multiple properties earning top honours in recognition of their design, service, and guest experience.

At the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, seven Dusit properties were named among the best in their respective categories:

• Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu – #1 | The Philippines’ Best Beach Island + Upcountry Resorts
• Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore – #4 | Singapore’s Best Hotel Pools
• Dusit Thani Manila – #4 | The Philippines’ Best Hotel Pools
• Dusit Thani Maldives – #7 | The Maldives’ Best Resort Pools
• Dusit Thani Bangkok – #9 | Thailand’s Best City Hotels
• Dusit Thani Kyoto – #8 | Japan’s Best City Hotels
• Devarana Wellness, Dusit Thani Maldives – #9 | The Maldives’ Best Resort Spas

Also this year, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi ranked #6 among the Top 20 Hotels in the Middle East in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

“Together, these achievements demonstrate Dusit’s unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and guest-centric excellence,” said Cretallaz, “and they highlight how our hotels and resorts worldwide continue to elevate the standards of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality through creativity, collaboration, and care.”

For more information on Dusit International, visit: Dusit International.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

BHW wins best midscale hotel chain award

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Your Stories

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October 13, 2025

BANGKOK, 13 October 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, has continued its impressive winning streak at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards as Best Western Hotels & Resorts was named as Asia’s “Best Midscale Hotel Chain.”

This prestigious award was determined by the readers of Travel Weekly Asia, comprising many of the region’s leading travel trade professionals. It was presented to Best Western during the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held in Singapore on 7 October 2025.

Best Western is one of the most iconic names in the hospitality industry, with nearly 80 years of experience and expertise. This leading hotel group now operates over 200 properties across the Asia Pacific, spanning ten distinct brands, all supported by Best Western Rewards®, the award-winning loyalty program.

“It is a true honour to once again be named Asia’s ‘Best Midscale Hotel Chain’,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin. “At BWH Hotels, we remain dedicated to fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with our valued travel trade partners. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all those who voted for us. As we prepare to celebrate our 80th anniversary in 2026, we look forward to unveiling a series of exciting developments and initiatives that will further reinforce our position as a leader in the global hospitality industry”.

To book a stay with Asia’s Best Midscale Hotel Chain, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldho t els.com.

Hong Kong and Macau join Michelin Keys

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Newsdesk

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October 13, 2025

HONG KONG, 13 October 2025: The Michelin Guide unveils its inaugural Global Michelin Keys Selection, recognising 2,457 hotels worldwide for outstanding stays.

Following the successful launch of Michelin Key distinctions in 15 destinations last year, Michelin Guide Inspectors have evaluated over 7,000 hotels worldwide.

*Photo credit: Michelin. Michelin Keys honours Hong Kong and Macau hotels*

The most outstanding ones are awarded One, Two, or Three Michelin Keys. These distinctions reflect the guide’s rigorous standards and celebrate properties that offer remarkable experiences in design, service, and location.

“Just as Michelin Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, Michelin Keys now honour hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments,” says Michelin Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec.

Hong Kong and Macau debut in the Michelin Keys Selection with 18 honoured hotels: one Three Michelin Keys, six Two Michelin Keys, and 11 One Michelin Key properties.

Rosewood Hong Kong (Three Michelin Keys) is a luxury waterfront hotel in Kowloon with refined interiors, panoramic views, and exceptional dining. Its contemporary design and residential warmth offer an elevated experience.

The Karl Lagerfeld (Two Michelin Keys) in Macau is a fashion-forward hotel designed by the late icon, featuring bold interiors, curated art, and luxurious amenities.

Hotel ICON Hong Kong (One Michelin Key) is a stylish urban retreat in Tsim Sha Tsui, known for modern design, innovative dining, warm service, and sustainability.

The Michelin Keys’ global standard

Michelin Keys are awarded based on five universal criteria, evaluating the overall hospitality experience rather than individual amenities. The distinctions are:

One Michelin Key: A very special stay with character and exceptional service.

Two Michelin Keys: An exceptional stay with unique charm and a strong sense of place.

Three Michelin Keys: An extraordinary stay offering the pinnacle of comfort, service, and design.

In addition to the Michelin Keys, the Michelin Guide presents four

special awards, recognising hotels for achievements that transcend traditional categories and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific areas of hospitality.

Michelin Architecture & Design Award: Atlantis The Royal (Dubai, UAE)

Michelin Wellness Award: Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland

Michelin Local Gateway Award: La Fiermontina Ocean (Larache, Morocco)

Michelin Opening of the Year Award, supported by United Overseas Bank (UOB): The Burman Hotel (Tallinn, Estonia)

Find the full Global MICHELIN Key selection and Special Awards here: guide.michelin.com/en/hotels.

(Source: Michelin)

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