Mumbai, August 19, 2025 – As the global travel industry converges at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from September 2–4, 2025, ITB India 2025 emerges as a landmark event where India and Thailand are teaming up to reshape South Asian tourism. Under the theme The Business of Experience: Curated Travel for Targeted Growth, this dynamic collaboration showcases innovative travel packages, sustainable initiatives, and a bold vision for regional connectivity, positioning both nations as trailblazers in the global tourism landscape. With over 400 exhibitors, 600 buyers, and 8,000 attendees, the event marks a pivotal moment for Indo-Thai tourism synergy.

A Strategic Indo-Thai Partnership

India and Thailand are leveraging ITB India 2025 to unveil a groundbreaking joint campaign, Discover South Asia Together, which promotes seamless multi-destination travel experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and India’s Ministry of Tourism are presenting integrated travel itineraries combining India’s cultural gems, like Rajasthan’s forts, with Thailand’s wellness retreats in Chiang Mai. “This partnership is about creating journeys that blend India’s heritage with Thailand’s hospitality,” says TAT Deputy Governor Siripakorn Cheawsamoot. A key highlight is Thai Airways’ announcement of three new weekly flights between Bangkok and Mumbai, starting October 2025, to facilitate easier access for travelers.

The collaboration also introduces the Indo-Thai Heritage Trail, a curated route linking Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya in India with Thailand’s Sukhothai temples. This initiative, backed by the ASEAN Tourism Forum, aims to attract spiritual travelers from Europe and North America, with pre-scheduled B2B meetings at ITB India fostering partnerships between Indian and Thai tour operators.

Sustainability and Innovation at the Core

Both nations are spotlighting sustainable tourism at ITB India 2025. Thailand’s Green Destinations Map, showcased at the event, promotes eco-friendly experiences like low-carbon rail tours in Northern Thailand, while India highlights its Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, focusing on sustainable development in tier-2 cities like Varanasi. A dedicated panel, Sustainability Synergies: India and Thailand, will feature experts like Dr. Anirudh Chatterjee from India’s Ecotourism Society and Thailand’s Wasumon Netkitcharoen, discussing carbon-neutral travel strategies.

The event’s Experiential Travel Track, debuting in 2025, showcases Indo-Thai innovations like film tourism. India’s Bollywood-inspired tours in Mumbai and Thailand’s cinematic journeys tied to The Beach filming locations in Krabi are drawing attention from global buyers. “We’re crafting experiences that resonate emotionally,” says Romil Pant, Senior Vice President at Thomas Cook India, who will lead a session on immersive tourism. Virtual reality booths will allow attendees to preview these destinations, blending technology with cultural storytelling.

Boosting Connectivity and Economic Impact

ITB India 2025’s Buyer Elite Programme, supported by associations like ADTOI and TAAI, ensures a 1:1 exhibitor-to-buyer ratio, enabling Indian and Thai tourism boards to connect with high-value buyers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Thailand’s pavilion, featuring the Sarawak Tourism Board and Visit Northern Finland, will highlight cross-regional partnerships, while India’s booth showcases its Vibrant Villages initiative to promote border tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.

The event is projected to generate over 30,000 business engagements, surpassing 2024’s 25,000, with a focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and travel technology. Indian startup Zetexa Global will demo AI-driven booking platforms, while Thailand’s TATAI digital tourism hub, a 3D hologram system, offers real-time travel assistance, enhancing visitor experiences.

A Vision for South Asian Tourism

“India and Thailand are not just neighbors in spirit but partners in progress,” says Darren Seah, Executive Director of Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, the event’s organizer. The Indo-Thai alliance at ITB India 2025 aims to position South Asia as a unified tourism powerhouse, tapping into India’s growing middle class and Thailand’s 35.5 million visitor target for 2025. With panels on AI personalization and wellness tourism, featuring speakers like Anurag Jain of RateGain and Scott Wegener of Tripadvisor, the event bridges tradition and innovation.

NEWS & EVENTS

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August 6, 2025 | New Delhi & Bangkok

As Asia’s tourism landscape grows fiercely competitive, India and Thailand are seizing a unique opportunity to deepen their cultural and economic ties, leveraging shared heritage and mutual strengths to counter a regional slowdown. With Thailand facing a 6% dip in foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 and India riding a wave of global appeal, the two nations are poised to forge a vibrant Indo-Thai tourism corridor, blending Buddhist legacies, culinary exchanges, and innovative travel initiatives to captivate global wanderers.

A Shifting Tourism Landscape

Thailand, long a magnet for international tourists, welcomed 28 million visitors in 2024 but saw a 6% decline in early 2025, driven by competition from emerging hubs like Vietnam and Indonesia, which offer aggressive visa waivers and budget-friendly packages. India, meanwhile, is basking in a tourism boom, with 10.5 million foreign arrivals in 2024 and a projected 12% growth this year, fueled by cultural showcases like the Kumbh Mela and high-profile events such as the warm public welcome for chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju in Chennai.

The contrast presents a golden opportunity. “India and Thailand complement each other,” said Dr. Priya Chansiri, a tourism analyst in Bangkok. “Thailand’s beaches and wellness retreats pair perfectly with India’s historical depth and spiritual allure. Together, they can create a unique regional draw.”

Shared Heritage, Shared Future

At the heart of this synergy lies a shared Buddhist heritage. India, the birthplace of Buddhism, boasts sacred sites like Bodh Gaya and Sarnath, while Thailand’s ancient temples, such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, embody a living Buddhist tradition. A proposed Indo-Thai Buddhist Circuit could link these destinations, offering curated pilgrimages for global travelers. “Imagine a journey from the Mahabodhi Temple to Ayutthaya’s ruins,” said Anil Sharma, an Indian tourism consultant. “It’s a narrative that resonates spiritually and economically.”

Cultural exchanges are already gaining traction. Thailand’s Songkran festival and India’s Holi share vibrant parallels, inspiring plans for a joint Indo-Thai Festival of Colors in 2026, blending music, dance, and street food in cities like Chiang Mai and Varanasi. Culinary diplomacy is another frontier: Thai restaurants are thriving in Indian metros, while Indian eateries are gaining popularity in Bangkok, with chefs collaborating on fusion menus featuring mango lassi smoothies and tom yum-spiced biryani.

Innovative Travel Initiatives

To counter regional competition, both nations are exploring bold policies. Thailand’s recent visa-free extension for 93 countries, including India, has boosted Indian arrivals to 2.1 million in 2024, a 15% jump. India, inspired by its recent visa-thaw success with China, is considering reciprocal visa relaxations for Thai citizens, potentially slashing processing times to 48 hours. A proposed Indo-Thai Travel Pass, modeled on Schengen-style agreements, could allow seamless multi-city itineraries across both countries, targeting millennials and digital nomads.

Joint marketing campaigns are also in the works. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and India’s Ministry of Tourism are planning a “Two Lands, One Journey” campaign, promoting twin-destination packages that combine Kerala’s backwaters with Krabi’s beaches or Rajasthan’s forts with Chiang Rai’s hill tribes. “We’re not just selling destinations; we’re selling stories,” said Supaporn Vong, a Thai tourism official.

Economic and Social Impacts

The economic stakes are high. Tourism contributes 12% to Thailand’s GDP and 8% to India’s, supporting millions of jobs. An Indo-Thai tourism corridor could generate $5 billion in combined revenue by 2027, according to preliminary estimates, with small businesses—homestays, handicraft vendors, and local guides—standing to gain the most. In India’s Northeast, closer to Thailand, states like Assam are eyeing cultural exchanges to boost border tourism.

Local voices reflect the optimism. “Thai tourists love our tea gardens,” said Meena Borah, a homestay owner in Guwahati. “With better connectivity, we could host thousands more.” In Phuket, tour operator Chaiyaporn Sukhum sees India as a lifeline: “Indian families are spending more here. A joint circuit would keep them coming.”

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Hurdles remain. Infrastructure gaps, particularly in India’s Northeast, and inconsistent air connectivity between secondary cities like Udaipur and Chiang Mai pose challenges. Regional competitors like Malaysia, offering similar Buddhist circuits, are intensifying marketing efforts. Both nations must also address overtourism risks to preserve cultural sites, with Thailand’s Maya Bay closure serving as a cautionary tale.

Yet, the momentum is strong. A planned Indo-Thai Tourism Summit in November 2025 aims to finalize agreements on visa policies, joint branding, and sustainable tourism practices. “This isn’t just about numbers,” said Dr. Chansiri. “It’s about weaving a cultural tapestry that celebrates our shared roots while embracing the future.”

A New Asian Narrative

As Asia’s tourism race heats up, India and Thailand are crafting a partnership that transcends borders, blending heritage, innovation, and hospitality. By uniting their strengths, they aim to redefine travel in the Indo-Pacific, offering the world a journey where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations. The Indo-Thai horizon is bright—and it’s just beginning.

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The Grand Palace was the country’s royal residence from the late 1700s until the early 1900s. The extraordinary architecture of this palace, put together by all the monarchs collectively over time, makes it unique. It is incredible how these styles effortlessly blend into one another, bringing Thailand’s rich past together.

It is a must-see destination for any traveller visiting the city. Here are a few reasons why you should include the Grand Palace in your Bangkok itinerary.

Looking to explore some off-beaten places in Thailand, check out our post on Top Unexplored Places in Thailand. 

A Stunning Architectural Masterpiece

Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the palace is a fusion of traditional Thai and European styles, with intricate details and stunning ornamentation. The palace is not a colossal construction but a collection of smaller buildings and structures within its four walls.

The palace complex consists of numerous buildings, including the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), considered the most sacred temple in Thailand and is home to a statue of the Buddha carved from a single block of jade.

It is home to several impressive buildings, including the Chakri Maha Prasat, a grand throne hall and the residence of the Thai kings until 1925. The Dusit Maha Prasat, a palace hall used for royal ceremonies, and the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings were used as the residence of the king and his queen. Each of these buildings is a true work of art and is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

A Kaleidoscope of Thailand’s Rich History and Culture

The Grand Palace is a vibrant representation of Thai culture, history, and architecture. The palace was the centre of political power and the royal residence for 150 years and is steeped in tradition and history. Visitors can learn about the Thai monarchy and its role in shaping the country.

The palace also houses many museums, including the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, which showcases traditional Thai textiles and costumes, and the Royal Coin Cabinet, which displays a collection of Thai currency and coins. These museums offer a glimpse into the customs and traditions of Thailand and provide an educational experience for visitors.

Lush and Vibrant Garden

The Grand Palace is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds, which provide a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can stroll through the lush gardens, admire the colourful flowers, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

It makes for a popular spot for photography and is a great place to capture some beautiful shots of traditional Thai architecture and culture. Visitors can take pictures of the intricate details of the palace buildings, the colourful murals, and the traditional Thai costumes worn by the palace guards.

There are some interesting facts about the palace!

• Regardless of the cause—a lack of resources, for example—wood was mainly employed in construction during the time.
• The Grand Palace is unquestionably Thailand’s best art gallery because it houses the finest Thai art, including sculptures, paintings, and architectural masterpieces.
• Its design is similar to that of Ayutthaya: The palaces at Ayutthaya, the historic capital of Siam, were all built in a similar style, with the inner circle housing private spaces and the outer ring housing governmental offices.

The Grand Palace offers a unique and memorable experience that is not to be missed. Make sure to include the Grand Palace in your itinerary when you visit Bangkok.

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The Minister of Tourism and Sports Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated to the Thai media, “The Tourism and Sports Ministry will suggest to the CCSA for opening hours of entertainment venues in tourism cites to be extended until 4:00 A.M. from this October. This is because this time of the year will be the high season of tourism with many tourists. Tourism cities we have identified for this legal change are Bangkok, Pattaya, Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai.”

“However, the opening hour extensions will be in specific zones in tourist cities such as Bangkok will be on Khaosan Road, Walking Street in Pattaya, and  Bangla Road in Patong. The extension would not be for the entire city limits but rather the busiest entertainment zones.” Phiphat added.

“We will suggest this idea to the CCSA next month. If they approve, the hour’s extension will be started in October. However provincial governors have to approve too.” Phiphat concluded.

TPN notes this is only a proposal and is questionable if it would be approved following a major recent nightclub fire, shootout, and guard killing of a customer in three separate incidents across the country.

Source: Bangkokpost.com

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Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is renowned all over the world. As part of Thailand’s latest soft power initiative, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has partnered with the World Boxing Council Muay Thai.

A key aim of Thai authorities’ soft power initiative is to promote the ‘5 Fs’ to other countries. Food, festival films, fashion, and fighting (as in Muay Thai) make up the 5 Fs. Thailand is aiming to become a global destination for the sport.

TAT plans to produce Thai tourism guides to support the WBC’s campaigns abroad. Thai boxing will benefit from this as it will generate income and grow.

The campaign will also feature many WBC Muay Thai diamond champions. A few of them are PetchmorakotPetchyindee and Mehdi Zatout.

The world’s most successful fighters coach Muay Thai, an important component of mixed martial arts training. It is mandatory for competitors to wear pads during training sessions in order to stay safe. The sport is now played by people all over the world.

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Thai authorities removed marijuana from their narcotics list on June 9. In the future, commercial and personal cultivation and possession of the plant will not be illegal.

In response to the move, Thailand’s embassy in Singapore urged Thai travelers to refrain from bringing marijuana, cannabis, or products containing such plants into the country.

Even the Thai embassy in South Korea urged Thai travelers or residents in the country to follow the same precautions. Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Japanese embassies have also issued similar warnings and mentioned the consequences if caught, such as jail time, heavy fines, and possibly the death penalty.

Importers, exporters, or traffickers of drugs can face the death penalty depending on the quantity. A conviction for marijuana possession or use can result in imprisonment for up to ten years or a fine of 20,000 Singapore dollars (about 508,000 baht). Singapore can punish anyone who trades marijuana or smuggles it into or out of the country.

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