SINGAPORE, 5 January 2026: Poland’s national airline, Lot Polish, will resume flights to Bangkok, Thailand, on 26 October 2026, with the five-weekly service already on sale through the airline’s website and online travel agencies.
The airline last operated the Warsaw-Bangkok route in May 2000, using a Boeing 767-200ER, supported mainly by Polish tour operators. This time round, it is scheduling a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with round-trip fares starting at EUR890 (USD930).
Photo credit: Lot Polish Airlines. Bangkok will welcome the return of Lot Polish this October, after a 20-year gap.
Following the recent announcement of flights between Warsaw and San Francisco on 6 May 2026, LOT Polish Airlines confirmed it will resume service to Bangkok on 26 October 2026, in response to growing travel demand on routes to Southeast Asia for both tourists and business travellers.
The Warsaw-Bangkok route will operate year-round, departing Warsaw on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, with a flight time of 10 hours and 20 minutes.
Flight schedule
LO65 will depart Warsaw (WAW) at 1425 and arrive in Bangkok (BKK) at 0645 plus a day. LO66 will depart Bangkok (BKK) at 0845 and arrive in Warsaw (WAW) at 1440. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday). Flight time is 11 hours and 55 minutes.
LOT Polish discontinued its Bangkok route 20 years ago to focus on launching more flights to North America. At the time, the airline said fare yields on the Bangkok route were weak compared with destinations in North America and subsequently limited services to just a few ad hoc seasonal charters mainly to Phuket in southern Thailand.
LOT offers direct long-haul flights to the US, Canada, India, Japan, and South Korea. It operates long-haul flights using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with 294 seats (252 economy, 21 business class and 21 premium economy).
BANGKOK, 5 January 2026: As 2026 begins, travel is becoming more personal than ever, and two trends stand out in the headlines.
After more than three decades in hospitality and extensive travel across Asia, I recognise holidays are no longer just about escape. Travel today reflects how people live, what they value, and who they want by their side as they explore the world in search of memorable experiences.
The first emerging trend is the growing popularity of travelling with pets, which is now widely regarded as a form of family travel rather than as animal transport. The second is the rapid rise of fandom travel, particularly driven by music and pop culture, with K-pop at the forefront.
Travelling with pets, from niche to normal
Lucky enjoying a relaxed moment at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, where pet-friendly hospitality extends to every member of the family.
During my many visits to hotels in Thailand, I have observed a steady increase in the number of guests travelling with pets. This is especially evident in resort destinations, where space, greenery, and relaxed environments make travelling with animals both practical and enjoyable.
It is essential to understand that this shift is driven by emotion rather than convenience. Many travellers now plan holidays around their pets’ needs. For them, leaving a dog or cat behind no longer feels right. Travel is about shared experiences, and pets are integral to that story.
A strong example of this thoughtful approach is Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. On several visits, I have seen the resort embrace pet-friendly travel in a way that feels natural and well-managed. Designated pet-friendly rooms are equipped with practical amenities, including pet beds, bowls, and towels, and offer easy access to outdoor areas. The beachfront setting is ideal for morning walks, and clear guidelines help ensure comfort and harmony for all guests.
What I find most encouraging is that this is not about merely allowing pets. It is about genuinely welcoming them. Hotels that do this well benefit from longer stays, repeat visits, and strong guest loyalty. Many pet owners are also willing to pay more for accommodation that reduces travel stress and allows their pets to enjoy the holiday.
Fandom travel and the power of pop culture
Bangkok has emerged as a central concert hub, with K-pop and live music events driving a new wave of fandom-led travel across Thailand.
Alongside pet-inclusive travel, I have also seen the rapid rise of fandom-driven journeys. Younger travellers in particular are planning trips around concerts, festivals, and pop culture events rather than traditional sightseeing.
K-pop has become one of the most powerful drivers of this movement. Fans are travelling specifically to attend concerts, participate in fan events, and experience destinations associated with their favourite artists. These trips are often spontaneous and emotionally charged, with visitors extending their stays to explore the city around the main event. Bangkok, in particular, has firmly positioned itself as a regional hub for large-scale concerts and fan gatherings.
K-Pop and Fandom are significantly impacting tourism.
From a tourism perspective, fandom travel is highly valuable. It encourages off-peak travel, generates intense social media exposure, and creates emotional bonds with destinations. Travel becomes a form of self-expression rather than simply a break from routine.
Looking ahead
2026 will see a growing shift towards slower, more intentional travel. Short wellness breaks, rail journeys, and nature-led escapes will continue to gain appeal as travellers actively seek balance rather than speed. I also observe a rising interest in multi-generational travel, in which families stay together for extended periods, blending work, rest, and reconnection. AI-assisted planning will become more intuitive and less visible, quietly helping travellers personalise journeys without overwhelming them. At the same time, sustainability will move beyond marketing language and become an expectation rather than a choice. Guests will increasingly look for hotels and destinations that demonstrate responsible practices in simple, practical ways rather than grand promises. The future of travel lies in experiences that feel calmer, more human, and genuinely aligned with how people want to live.
Emotional Future Trends That Matter
What links travelling with pets, fandom travel, and emerging lifestyle-led journeys is emotion. People want holidays that reflect who they are and what they care about. Technology may make planning easier, but emotion ultimately drives decision-making.
As we step into 2026, the most successful destinations and hotels will be those that listen closely to modern travellers and design experiences around real lives and real passions. Travel today is no longer separate from everyday life. It is an extension of it.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, hospitality consultant, and former hotelier who has lived and worked in Asia for more than three decades. Based in Thailand since 1991, he has held senior leadership roles with international hotel groups. He is a former Director of Skål International, Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand, and a two-time Past President of Skål International Bangkok. Andrew writes regularly for global travel and hospitality publications, focusing on tourism trends, sustainable development, and the evolving relationship between travel, culture, and community across the Asia-Pacific region.
SINGAPORE, 5 January 2026: Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, has been awarded the title of Labour Hero, one of Vietnam’s highest state honours, recognising her sustained contributions to national development and regional economic integration.
Over more than three decades, she has played a significant role in shaping Vietnam’s modern economic landscape across aviation, finance, investment, and technology. Her leadership has been marked by a consistent focus on disciplined growth, technology adoption, and governance frameworks aligned with long-term national and regional interests.
Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong awards Hero of Labour title to Vietjet Chairwoman Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.
As the founder and leader of Vietjet, Vietnam’s first private airline, she has helped expand access to air travel while strengthening the country’s connectivity to major business and tourism hubs across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Australia, and beyond. Vietjet has carried hundreds of millions of passengers, enabled millions of first-time flyers, and supported cross-border trade, investment, and cultural exchanges within the ASEAN region and beyond.
In Singapore, Vietjet’s continued expansion has reinforced air links between Vietnam and one of Southeast Asia’s most important financial and commercial centres, supporting growing demand for business travel, tourism, and supply-chain mobility between the two markets.
Beyond aviation, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao has been closely involved in addressing complex infrastructure and system-level challenges through technology-driven solutions. These include digital transformation initiatives in aviation operations, the adoption of biometric technologies to improve passenger processing efficiency, the rapid deployment of technology platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the stabilisation of the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange’s trading system at a critical moment for market confidence.
KUCHING, 5 January 2026: The Sarawak government has officially confirmed that AirBorneo (formerly MASwings) has assumed full legal and operational responsibility effective 1 January 2026.
The state’s UKAS news unit reported that the Minister for Transport, Sarawak, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, issued a statement emphasising “a phased transition and a commitment to maintaining existing services.”
Photo credit: AirBorneo.
While the legal transfer occurred on New Year’s Day, the official inaugural flights under the AirBorneo livery took place on 2 January 2026. The first flights departed from Kuching International Airport to Mukah (0825 and Tanjung Manis (0845).
AirBorneo will operate with a “dual mandate”, providing essential Rural Air Services (RAS) (subsidised by the federal government) while eventually expanding its role to become a commercial regional airline.
The Sarawak government also assured travellers that ticket prices and routes served by MASwings would remain unchanged to avoid disrupting communities that rely on these “lifeline” routes, according to the UKAS report.
It will take around six months to rebrand aircraft and support facilities to the new identity, AirBorneo. The state aims to introduce jet aircraft operations by the third quarter or end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. International routes are planned for later in the year, including Singapore and Jeju Island, South Korea.
Dato Sri Lee said the Sarawak Government’s decision to establish AirBorneo reflects a development-driven approach, as aviation is known to generate strong multiplier effects through job creation, tourism growth and higher-value economic activities.
AirBorneo is different from other airlines. We operate on two aspects. One is the rural air services under public service obligation agreements, and the other is the commercial airline segment. All these aspects will be studied professionally to ensure sustainability in the long run,” he said.
Malaysia Aviation Group entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the Sarawak Government on 12 February 2025, leading up to AirBorneo assuming full legal and operational responsibility for all services previously operated by MASwings starting on 1 January 2026.
This includes flight operations, customer service and the management of all passenger-related matters.
Established on 1 October 2007, MASwings was East Malaysia’s first dedicated commuter airline, created to address the air travel needs of Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The airline began operations with a fleet of four 50-seat Fokker 50 aircraft and four 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft, serving 22 destinations across the region. In 2009, the Fokker 50 fleet was progressively phased out and replaced with ATR 72-500 aircraft, enhancing operational efficiency, network reliability and the overall passenger experience.
Over its operational history, MASwings has operated over 430,000 flights and carried more than 19 million passengers across its network.
CHIANG RAI, 5 January 2026: Chiang Rai welcomed Scoot’s direct flight from Singapore on New Year’s Day, the first international scheduled service to land at this far north Thai city since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Serving the route five times weekly using an Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with 112 seats, TR670 departed Singapore Changi Airport on 1 January 1, 2026. It landed at Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport with a high load factor of 94%, the airline reported.
Photo credit: Scoot. Welcome reception at Chiang Rai.
Scoot is currently the only airline offering a direct connection between Singapore and Chiang Rai, re-establishing a link that had been vacant since 2020. AirAsia attempted to establish a direct route between the two cities but discontinued the service after a brief period between January 2019 and March 2020.
Scoot’s direct three-hour and 10-minute flight eliminates the need for a lengthy layover in Bangkok between connecting flights, which can take up the entire day before travellers reach their destination.
To support the launch, TAT’s marketing department in Bangkok is running joint marketing campaigns, including hosted trips for Singaporean influencers and travel agents to showcase attractions such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Doi Tung, Singha Park and local tea and coffee plantations.
Flights are scheduled from Singapore on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with two weekly departures from Changi at 0550 and three at 1640.
Round-trip fares quoted on Kayak start at USD267 for travel in mid-February.
Flight Schedule
TR660 departs Singapore (SIN) at 0550 and arrives in Chiang Rai at 0800. (Tuesday and Saturday). TR661 departs Chiang Rai (CEI) at 0835 and arrives in Singapore (SIN) at 1255.
TR670 departs Singapore (SIN) at 1640 and arrives in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1850. (Monday, Thursday and Friday). TR671 departs Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1925 and arrives in Singapore (CEI) at 2345.
SINGAPORE, 5 January 2026: Singapore Tourism Board has suspended Sunshine Tours & Travel Pte Ltd’s travel agency licence (03583) from conducting travel agent activities with effect from 31 December 2025, in accordance with the Travel Agents Act 1975.
The STB statement noted that the suspension was due to the company’s failure to submit its Audited Statement of Accounts (AA) and Annual Business Profile Returns (ABPR). Under the Travel Agents Regulations 2017, licensees must submit these documents within six months after the close of their financial year.
The suspensions will remain in effect until the documentation is submitted or for up to six months, whichever is earlier. During the suspension period, Sunshine Tours & Travel must fulfil its existing obligations to customers but may not accept new travel bookings.
STB said it “takes a serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry. Any travel agent accepting new bookings during the suspension period will face enforcement action.”
For the most up-to-date list of licensed travel agents in Singapore, visit the Travel Related Users’ System (“TRUST”) website, TRUST.
Discover the ancient wonders of Langkawi, where fossils of trilobites tell a story dating back 550 million years, long before the age of the dinosaurs. Home to the oldest rocks in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Langkawi offers a unique and awe-inspiring journey through time. Come and explore this extraordinary island, a geological treasure like no other
As the year draws to a close, now is the perfect moment to secure an unforgettable New Year celebration at Royal Cliff Hotels Group. With only a limited number of rooms and Gala Dinner tables remaining, we invite you to book soon and welcome 2026 in style.
Book the Royal Wellness & Sports Package and stay from now until 31 January 2026, and enjoy an exclusive extra benefit: a THB 720 Supersports shopping voucher, perfect for enhancing your active lifestyle during the New Year celebrations.
Blending comfort, recreation and revitalising experiences, this package is ideal for guests looking to welcome the new year feeling refreshed, recharged and inspired.
Welcome 2026 in grand style with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration set amidst a world of prehistoric adventure. Encounter mighty T-Rexes, radiant raptors, and lush jungle-inspired décor as you dine and dance beneath the stars. Indulge in a sumptuous international grand buffet featuring premium seafood, prime cuts, pizzas and decadent desserts. Enjoy spectacular live entertainment, dazzling performances, interactive games and breathtaking sea views. As midnight approaches, raise your glass to the New Year and witness a grand fireworks display illuminating the night sky.
THB 1,500++ per person (book and pay before 31 December 2025) THB 2,000++ per person (book and pay on 31 December 2025)
50% discount for children aged 4 – 12 years.
For a more relaxed way to welcome the New Year, enjoy an evening of sparkle and celebration with the Fireworks New Year Countdown Package. Sit back, soak in the festive atmosphere, and watch the spectacular fireworks light up the sky while savouring your favourite drink.
Package includes:
A Choice of One Glass of Sparkling Wine, Cocktail or Mocktail
Step into a world where festive cheer lingers and the year’s final night is touched by playful mischief. Our Festive Haunted House takes you through enchanting, mysterious rooms filled with twinkling lights, curious surprises, and gentle thrills. With shadowy figures emerge in the darkness, it is a wonderfully spooky adventure for families and children before welcoming the New Year.
Availability is limited, we encourage you to book now to avoid disappointment.
For reservations, please contact Royal Cliff’s Guest Relations Department at (+66) 38 250 421, email [email protected], or connect with us on LINE @Royalcliff or WhatsApp +66 84 228 9596.
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 December 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed Sichuan Airlines on the successful launch of its inaugural direct Chongqing–Kuala Lumpur service. This marks Sichuan Airlines’ second city connection to Malaysia, building upon its established Chengdu route.
The inaugural flight, 3U 3773, touched down at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 1145, establishing direct air connectivity between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur.
Tourism Malaysia. The inaugural flight was officially welcomed by Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II); Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia; Mohd Shaffreen Nooranee, Manager Marketing Communication & Services at MAHB; Zhou Cunming, Area General Manager (Malaysia/ Singapore/ Indonesia) of Sichuan Airlines and Allen Chan, Managing Director of Jayun Holiday (Sichuan Airlines Malaysia GSA). They were joined by Tourism Malaysia’s mascots, Wira and Manja, as well as the Sichuan Airlines crew to mark the launch of the Chongqing–Kuala Lumpur route.
Operating three times per week, the service links Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) to KLIA (KUL). Utilising an Airbus A321/A320 aircraft, the route offers 160 passengers, significantly enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and Southern China while supporting growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Passengers were warmly welcomed by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Tourism Malaysia; Mdm. Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa) of Tourism Malaysia; Azmi Abdullah, Senior Deputy Director, International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa) of Tourism Malaysia; Zhou Cunming, Area General Manager (Malaysia/ Singapore/ Indonesia) of Sichuan Airlines; and officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
Commenting on the launch, Samuel Lee Thai Hung stated that the new service reflects the continued strengthening of tourism relations between Malaysia and China. The direct connectivity improves travel convenience for visitors from Chongqing and surrounding regions, while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination in Southeast Asia, offering rich culture, diverse tourism offerings, and natural attractions.
From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, reflecting a 27.5% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. This sustained growth highlights Malaysia’s strong appeal among Chinese travellers, supported by enhanced air connectivity, vibrant urban destinations, renowned culinary experiences, and island getaways.
Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with airlines, airport authorities, and industry stakeholders to expand international air connectivity further. In line with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the launch of this inaugural route marks a timely boost in reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
The government’s target for VM2026 is twofold: to welcome 47 million international visitors and to inspire a significant surge in domestic travel, ensuring the campaign’s success as a comprehensive strategic framework for the nation’s tourism future.
BANGKOK, 23 December 2025: Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit International’s reimagined flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, has been awarded One Michelin Star in The Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 – the first time an Italian restaurant in Thailand has received the distinction.
Curated by the renowned Chef Umberto Bombana – best known for his Hong Kong flagship, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the world’s only three-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant outside Italy – Cannubi by Umberto Bombana reflects the chef’s lifelong dedication to exceptional produce, terroir, and refined Italian cooking.
His philosophy is brought to life in Bangkok by his longtime protégé, Executive Italian Chef Andrea Susto, who works with the finest locally sourced and imported ingredients to craft classically rooted dishes refined with contemporary technique. Seasonal à la carte offerings, tasting menus, a set lunch experience, and a celebrated white truffle menu – honouring Bombana’s reputation as The King of White Truffles – are complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list of more than 350 labels chosen for their heritage, character, and quality.
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s design plays an equal role in shaping the dining experience. Situated on the lobby level of the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok, the two-level space looks out over the hotel’s dramatic nine-storey waterfall. Inside, the main dining room is crowned with intricately carved golden teakwood panels preserved and meticulously restored from the original hotel’s Benjarong restaurant. These heritage teak elements, combined with flowing lines and atmospheric lighting, create a warmly intimate setting, complemented by private dining rooms accommodating six and twelve guests.
“To be recognised as the first Italian restaurant in Thailand to receive a Michelin Star is a tremendous honour,” said Chef Umberto Bombana. “Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is a project very close to my heart, created to express the truth and soul of Italian cuisine through integrity, passion, and respect for exceptional ingredients. Seeing this spirit recognised in Bangkok means the world to me. I am incredibly proud of Chef Andrea Susto and our entire team. This accolade also reflects the vision of the new Dusit Thani Bangkok, where craftsmanship and creativity shape every detail.”
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s Michelin Star adds to a remarkable year for Dusit Thani Bangkok, which, since reopening in September 2024, has received one Michelin Key and earned its place among the world’s top 100 hotels, ranking #60 on the inaugural extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The restaurant’s achievement further strengthens the hotel’s emergence as one of the region’s most compelling new dining destinations, with Pavilion, Dusit Gourmet, 1970 Bar, and the dramatic rooftop venue, Spire Rooftop Bar, among the other standout options.
Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok.
About Dusit Thani Bangkok Part of the landmark Dusit Central Park development, Dusit Thani Bangkok is a reimagined icon that blends timeless Thai elegance with contemporary sophistication. With a prime location overlooking Lumpini Park in the heart of the city, the 257-key property redefines luxury through all-park-view accommodations. It sets the stage for unforgettable experiences with world-class dining and peerless event venues.
