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Thai tourism authorities will no longer promote cheap tour packages to compete with neighbouring countries, instead focusing on high-potential segments such as health and wellness, luxury travel and sustainable tourism, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Nat Kruthasoot, deputy governor for tourism products and business at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the agency accepts that emerging destinations such as Vietnam are grabbing market share from Thailand, especially among those looking for affordable prices.

Tourism product development will now emphasise attracting high-value visitors as well as tourism experiences rather than relying on mass volume as in the past, he said.

The products should meet sustainability standards, which European markets will adopt when partnering with operators in tourism destinations, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standard.

Only 20% of private operators are enthusiastic about these standards, as meeting them requires higher investment than usual, said Mr Nat.

TAT expects revenue from health tourism to reach 124 billion baht this year, after earning more than 62 billion baht in the first half. He said this segment has the potential to grow to 140-150 billion baht in a few years, on a par with 2019.

Mr Nat said the average spending of this segment is 107,662 baht, exceeding the average by 103%, while the average length of stay was 13 nights.

The market boom is largely driven by facilities with international standards, particularly 61 hospitals accredited with the Joint Commission International (JCI), and more than 500 medical clinics that can serve tourists.

JCI hospitals are not only located in Bangkok, but also in the key tourism provinces and provinces along the border, plus hotels and resorts that are focusing more on health and wellness services, such as RAKxa in Samut Prakan or Celes Samui, which partner with BDMS Wellness Clinic.

A Thai strength remains 30-70% cheaper costs compared with Western countries, and 30-50% compared with Singapore.

“We have quite strong private hospitals and hotels which are capable of growing this segment, such as from the Middle East. Our challenges remain with how to keep up with expectations, particularly in terms of quality and overall experiences during their trips,” said Mr Nat.

According to a luxury market survey in 2024, most tourists in this segment in Thailand were not satisfied with cleanliness and maintenance in tourist attractions, the hygiene of shops and restaurants, and language communication skills.

Mr Nat said Thai tourism next year should step up to capture the ultra-luxury market, seeking partnerships with service providers that offer unique experiences and transport.

TAT’s office in Prague this year launched a one-day trip via classic car in Bangkok, which costs 100,000-150,000 baht per person, and the agency is pushing this product and similar packages to other markets, including China.

Mr Nat said sports tourism relies on events that could persuade travellers to spend a longer time in Thailand.

For instance, apart from the “Amazing Thailand Marathon”, the agency plans to promote the country as a destination for trail running events, as athletes typically spend 14 days training before the event, unlike marathon runners who might stay for just a few days.

The annual Vegetarian Festival returns in this ninth lunar month. This year, the 10-day festivity falls from Oct 21 to 29. Every year, vegetarian options become more diverse and vibrant given that consumers increasingly opt for veganism due to various reasons.

According to statistics from the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, Thailand’s plant-based food market has reached 45 billion baht and is expected to grow by 10% – reaching 49.5 billion baht by the end of 2025. Basically, this is a period where people can practise purity, inside and out. Meat and all meat-derived products as well as five pungent vegetables including garlic, onions, chives, rakkyo (elephant garlic) and tobacco are to be avoided.

To celebrate the annual Vegetarian Festival and the continuous expansion of Thailand’s vegan market, Life presents a line-up of leading hotels that curate interesting meatless treats.

Centara Hotel and Resorts

Centara Hotels and Resorts is taking the spirit of veganism global as Centara chefs are presenting creative vegan Thai dishes not only during the festival, but throughout the year across properties in Thailand, the Maldives, Japan and Dubai.

For those into Thai cuisine, Suan Bua at Centara Grand at CentralPlaza Lardprao embraces its “Food as Medicine” philosophy with dishes that revive rare Thai herbs in vegan form. Tofu herbal spring rolls are wrapped with Japanese mint, holy basil and pak plaw, each chosen for its natural healing properties. Kaeng liang nop gao, a royal-inspired vegetable soup, combines nine seasonal vegetables for balance and auspiciousness.

Further away in provinces, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin’s chefs highlight wolffia green curry, a fresh take on the national favourite enriched with wolffia, the world’s smallest edible plant and a local superfood packed with protein. At Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, the signature mee hoon gaeng tao hoo replaces crab with tofu in a southern Thai curry vermicelli, allowing guests to enjoy the depth of coconut, turmeric and spice without seafood.

Even Thai street-food staples are included. Guests can try a healthy vegan pad Thai at Centara Life Bangkok Phra Nakhon, while at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, a quinoa rice noodle salad with roasted chilli-tomato salsa, grilled king oyster mushrooms and tofu nuggets pays homage to traditional nam prik dipping sauces with a modern, plant-based twist.

Must-try: Tofu herbal spring rolls at Suan Bua.

Centara Grand at CentralWorld

From Oct 21-29, Ventisi Restaurant serves specially curated vegetarian à la carte dishes. Among the highlights are deep-fried taro spring rolls, crisp on the outside and soft within; a spicy mixed mushroom salad; and coconut milk and galangal soup with vegetables.

Other highlights include fried tofu with mixed vegetables in gravy sauce, stir-fried noodles with vegetables in rich brown sauce.

These vegetarian dishes will be served alongside Ventisi’s regular fare from its Italian and Thai live cooking stations, as well as its extensive international buffet selection featuring appetisers, salads, soups and desserts.

Must-try: Deep-fried taro spring rolls.

Waldorf Astoria Bangkok

Front Room, the signature Thai restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, celebrates the Vegetarian Festival with an à la carte menu available for both lunch and dinner.

This year’s vegetarian or jay menu showcases plant-based interpretations of Thai dishes, including yam dok mai moo krob (spicy flower salad with pomelo and plant-based crispy pork); kanom jeeb and salapao (vegetarian shumai dumplings, taro spring roll and steamed bun with vegetables); tao hoo song kruang (crispy tofu with seasonal vegetables and gravy); pad kana Hong Kong sauce hed (stir-fried Hong Kong kale with mushroom sauce, tofu skin and mushroom powder); panang tao hoo klong ngae (red curry with klong ngae tofu and chilli dressing); and kanom kho gluay sai tua (banana rice flour dough with peanut filling and coconut sauce).

InterContinental Bangkok

Award-winning Summer Palace restaurant at InterContinental Bangkok recently announced a Special Vegetarian Menu under the helm of executive Chinese chef Shui Wing Yau. Through myriad Cantonese dishes done right, chef Shui brings his considerable experience to bear in a menu that comprises healthy and flavourful dishes such as bean curd caramel and cucumber with chilli sauce salad; double-boiled bamboo pith and yellow ear mushroom soup served in a coconut shell; stir-fried vegetarian pig’s ear with Chinese yam and black bean sauce; stir-fried taro and fresh mushroom with kung pao sauce; braised eggplant with vegetarian sea cucumber served in a clay pot; braised bamboo and shiitake mushroom with green asparagus; and braised vegetarian with fermented red bean curd.

Must-try: Braised eggplant with vegetarian sea cucumber served in a clay pot.

Holiday Inn Bangkok

Holiday Inn Bangkok joins in the celebration of Thailand’s annual nine-day Vegetarian Festival with a special Kin Jay menu at Ginger.

The menu’s offerings include appetisers such as deep-fried sweetcorn fritters with red chilli curry paste, and Thai spicy bean curd with roasted rice and a refreshing salad of mint leaves. From the many and varied main course offerings, signature recommendations include green curry with bean curd, vegetables and basil, and a piquant dish of stir-fried bean curd with ginger and black mushroom jelly.

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel

Culinary team at Fei Ya, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, transforms classic vegetarian cuisine into an elevated dining experience. Highlights include braised bean curd with black mushrooms and Sichuan pickles, a refined dish where silky tofu and earthy mushrooms are elevated by a gentle hint of spice, and the wok-tossed silk gourd with black ear mushrooms and goji berries, a nourishing combination of delicate textures and natural sweetness.

The menu also features the braised eggplant with aromatic soybean paste, slow-cooked to perfection to bring out rich, comforting depth, and the silken bean curd soup with dried seaweed, a light yet satisfying choice ideal for mindful dining. Each dish celebrates freshness and the artistry of fine vegetarian cuisine, transforming simple ingredients into sophisticated culinary expressions.

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15

Here at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, a vegan/vegetarian brunch buffet is actually available every second and fourth Saturday of the month until Dec 31 which is perfect for full-time vegan practitioners looking for a place to dine out outside the Vegetarian Festival.

The extensive brunch menu features highlights from Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian, Chinese, Korean and Indian cuisines — all carefully crafted with 75% vegan and 25% vegetarian options.

However, exclusively during this year’s Vegetarian Festival, the hotel serves 3-course set menu as well as à la carte selections. Choices from the set menu include spicy grilled tofu and glass noodle salad; spicy tempeh soup with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves; crispy mushrooms with sweet chilli sauce; lentil spring rolls with sweet sauce; seared tofu with capsicum in sweet and sour sauce; stir-fried tempeh with chilli and hot basil; baked teriyaki tofu with grilled broccoli and mushrooms; and pad Thai with crispy mushrooms, tofu, beansprouts in tamarind sauce. For desserts, choices are mango sticky rice; mixed tropical fruits; and a variety of vegan ice-cream.

Must-try: Stir-fried tempeh with chilli and hot basil.

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Throughout October, Erawan Tea Room invites diners to celebrate the Vegetarian Festival with a curated selection of authentic Thai vegetarian dishes. Dishes include spicy glass noodle salad, steamed spring rolls with tofu and vegetables, and deep-fried tofu with red curry sauce. À la carte menu also available.

Must-try: Deep-fried tofu with red curry sauce.

Dusit Princess Srinakarin Bangkok

The Mayflower Restaurant at Dusit Princess Srinakarin Bangkok joins the Vegetarian Festival celebration with dishes curated from premium ingredients. Options include sautéed Japanese tofu with mixed vegetables in soy sauce; steamed vegetarian cabbage rolls in brown sauce; three-style vegetarian soup; stewed tofu and vegetarian seafood in brown sauce; and stir-fried vegetarian pork with sweet and sour sauce.

Must-try: Steamed vegetarian cabbage rolls in brown sauce.

Mandarin Hotel Bangkok

Krua Luang Restaurant curates a special set menu with selections including deep-fried spring rolls, baked Chinese black olive with rice; or stir-fried longevity noodles, stir-fried kale with shiitake mushrooms and seaweed soup with tofu, complemented by a refreshing beverage.

Must-try: Baked Chinese black olive with rice.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Pattaya

Panorama restaurant at Royal Cliff Beach Pattaya curates eight special menus for the Vegetarian Festival, available from Oct 19-28. They are riceberry risotto with green peas; fiery bean casserole; homemade Chinese scissor-cut noodles; stir-fried soy protein with chilli and basil; Arabic spiced bulgur patties; stir-fried soy protein with long beans and Jain chilli; braised plant-based soy protein; and baked bell peppers.

Must-try: Homemade Chinese scissor-cut noodles.

Rosewood Bangkok

Three restaurants at Rosewood Bangkok prepare vegetarian delights for customers practising culinary purity this year.

First, G and O Café brings farm-to-table dining to life with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Signature vegetarian plates include comforting gnocchi with tomato sauce, wilted spinach, and aromatic basil.

Meanwhil, Lakorn celebrates Thailand’s four culinary regions while honouring indigenous agriculture. Vegetarian highlights range from pad pak Benjarong moo krob jay (stir-fried broccoli, cauliflower, carrot and mushroom with plant-based crispy pork) to tom kha tao hoo (Thai coconut milk soup with tofu and galangal). Light bites such as caprese avocado toast round out the menu.

Nan Bei, on the other hand, showcases flavours from both northern and southern China with an exquisite vegetarian selection. Dishes include fried bean curd, delicate spinach dumplings, organic fungus with cherry tomatoes and rice vinegar, and a comforting vegetable fried rice.

Must-try: Caprese avocado toast.

Novotel Bangkok Impact

The Square celebrates the annual Vegetarian Festival with special dishes including vegetarian “patties steak”; vegetarian stir-fried rice noodle; tortellini quinoa and spinach; and fried katsu (plant-based).

Meanwhile, 145F Grill and Bar also serves five cheese ravioli and fried katsu (plant-based) specially during this Vegetarian Festival.

Must-try: Vegetarian “patties steak”.

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Stock.Room at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok offers its signature Sea+Land buffet with a selection of special plant-based dishes created exclusively for the Vegetarian Festival.

Seasonal plant-based creations are incorporated into Stock.Room’s usual line-up. Kin Jay-inspired salads, soups, pastas and Thai specialities join the usual array of fresh seafood, international stations and indulgent roasts.

Japan’s Aso Kumamoto Airport has begun a five-month campaign to attract tourists to the southwestern prefecture by rebranding itself on Wednesday as Aso Kumamon Airport named after the popular black bear character and mascot.

Images of the character will be painted on the floor of the entrances and stairs among other locations in the airport until March 15 next year, the airport said.

The project, launched with the Kumamoto prefectural government and other partners, also provides an area for visitors to take photographs alongside an image of the bear donning a pilot’s uniform.

The popular Kumamon was created in 2010 to promote Kumamoto ahead of the launch of the Kyushu shinkansen bullet train service the following year.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is requiring Thailand ensure non-discrimination in the bidding processes of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs), while Thailand has requested a five-year period to implement the necessary adjustments.

According to a Finance Ministry source who requested anonymity, in negotiations for Thailand’s OECD membership, one of the chapters requiring discussion and agreement between Thailand and the organisation concerns SOEs.

The OECD frowns upon discriminatory practices in the procurement processes of SOEs, such as setting bidding conditions that favour subsidiaries of those SOEs. Instead, bidding should be open and fair to all participants, whether Thai or foreign.

The source said negotiations on this chapter are ongoing. Thailand requested around five years for SOEs to adjust, as some have established subsidiaries specifically to handle the parent SOE’s projects.

In addition, the OECD wants Thailand to amend certain laws concerning specialised financial institutions owned by the state, which currently stipulate their services are provided only to Thai nationals. The OECD sees this as an unequal practice.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said recently the government plans to pursue OECD membership, which requires adherence to standards, good governance and the rule of law, through three main agendas:

1. Creating a rule of law roadmap to prepare Thailand for OECD membership by setting plans to upgrade legal standards and the justice system.

2. Unlocking corruption and reforming laws that hinder business operations, while preventing legal loopholes or opaque mechanisms that could give rise to grey businesses, ensuring that legitimate businesses can compete fairly and receive genuine support.

3. Promoting transparency and public participation by enhancing open government practices, using digital technology to disclose government information transparently and accessibly, and allowing citizens to monitor, scrutinise and provide systematic feedback on government work, with institutions in place to listen to such input.

Mr Anutin said the goal is “creating an ecosystem of transparency” where all decisions and budgetary expenditures are subject to scrutiny, and policies are transparent and genuinely inclusive of public participation.

No Asean country has become an OECD member yet, with Indonesia in the membership application process, while Thailand submitted a letter of intent of its wish to join the OECD to the group’s secretary-general at the end of 2023.

The membership process is relatively long, with some countries taking 7-8 years from application to approval by a council of the 38 OECD member states.

For Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council serves as the secretariat for the OECD membership task force, and plans to complete the process in just five years.

However, achieving this would require a collective effort from both public officials and the private sector to elevate various national standards to align with the OECD’s global standards.

Security forces in Narathiwat have arrested three men suspected of involvement in the recent gold shop robbery at Big C Sungai Kolok, while a separate bombing incident in Yi Ngo district yesterday morning injured several civilians and police officers.

Col Sitthichai Bamrungkhet, commander of the Narathiwat Special Task Force, led a joint operation on Wednesday alongside provincial police investigators and five special operations teams from the 48th Ranger Regiment.

The operation targeted individuals believed to be connected to both the June 28 attack on a tambon protection unit in Gia district and the Oct 5 armed robbery of more than 600 baht-weight of gold in Sungai Kolok.

Raids were conducted at three locations in Paluru subdistrict, Sungai Padi district, leading to the arrests of Azro Benkaso, 25; Niareifan Nileh, 24; and Anwa bin Abdulrahman, 43.

Authorities seized several items of evidence, including mobile phones and a vehicle and collected DNA samples for forensic analysis.

The suspects were initially taken to Sungai Padi Police Station for questioning before being transferred to the interrogation centre of the 46th Ranger Regiment in Mueang Narathiwat.

The arrests followed the Narathiwat Provincial Court’s issuance of warrants for four individuals in connection with the gold shop robbery.

Investigators believe the three detainees may also have links to the earlier armed attack in Gia district.

Meanwhile, at about 8.50am yesterday, an explosion occurred outside a tea shop near Yi Ngo temple in Yi Ngo subdistrict as police were on a routine patrol on the street in front of the shop.

The blast, believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device, injured three officers and six civilians, including women and elderly residents.

Investigators believe the device was planted and detonated as the patrol vehicle passed, but the explosion predominantly struck civilians instead.

The bombing came just one day after a police raid on a religious school in Pattani’s Sai Buri district resulted in a deadly shootout. One border patrol officer from the explosive ordnance disposal unit and one armed suspect were killed, while another suspect was arrested with firearms seized.

The Police Region 9 commander has ordered security forces to expand the investigation to determine any connections between the suspects and the recent unrest.

Security has been tightened across public and high-risk areas to restore public confidence.

Police have arrested eight suspects — seven foreign nationals and one Thai — following a major drug raid in Bangkok’s Nana area, uncovering a concealed drug room in a barbershop inside a five-storey commercial building, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) says.

The arrests came after national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch ordered a nationwide crackdown on drug activity in tourist zones, the RTP said.

The raid in Bangkok, led by deputy national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma and Metropolitan police commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, resulted in the arrest of suspects from Egypt, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Thailand, the RPT said.

They were apprehended at a commercial building on Sukhumvit Soi 3 in Watthana district late Wednesday night after officers posing as tourists were approached by two foreign men allegedly offering them drugs and inviting them to the drug room at the back of the barber shop located inside the building.

The charges include possession and distribution of Category 1 narcotics, illegal entry, working without permits and selling untaxed goods.

The seized items include ecstasy, crystal meth, cocaine, methamphetamine pills, hallucinogenic mushrooms, hookahs, smuggled cigarettes and over 120,000 baht in cash.

Police dogs located drugs hidden inside a blender’s shaft during the search, police said.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Teeradej Thamsuthee said the suspects functioned as an organised network linked to other illicit activities and had intimidated tourists.

Authorities vowed to expand investigations into transnational criminal operations in Bangkok to ensure safety and promote sustainable tourism.

Guru By Bangkok Post’s pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.

JOIN

Wicked sessions / White Claw / Oct 31

After a sold-out debut in August, sessions by White Claw returns on Halloween with a darker twist. The world’s leading hard seltzer is back to take Bangkok’s nightlife up a notch, delivering an all-out party that blends music, immersive entertainment and spooky thrills in one unforgettable night. “Wicked Sessions By White Claw” will take over Chanintr Pop-Up Market on Oct 31 transforming the space into a Halloween playground. Every corner offers something to discover, from a haunted house to Claw Pong and tarot readings. With DJ Karty on the decks and free-flow White Claw all night long, the only thing scarier than Halloween is missing out. Every ticket includes entrance to the party, unlimited White Claw and free access to all activities. Tickets are available via Nightify.

Cooking class / Mrs Balbir’s x Embassy of Maldives in Thailand / Oct 29

‘Favours From The Maldives With Mrs. Balbir’ will be held at Mrs. Balbir’s Cooking School on Oct 29. The culinary programme will showcase Maldivian cuisine and highlight the cultural richness of the Maldives. To make the occasion even more memorable, participants have a chance to win return air tickets to the Maldives for two; a five-day hotel stay, including a stay on a luxury safari boat. Call Shinakaen “Chilli” Wongbhumiwatana on 091-883-1238.

World film series / TK Park / Oct 25

The Contemporary World Film Series at TK Park on Oct 25 will screen a movie from Bangladesh. “Something Like An Autobiography” is directed by the country’s best known independent film-maker, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The film is about Farhan and Titi, a director-actor couple living in Dhaka. In a conservative and patriarchal Muslim society, they are criticised for not having children even after 10 years of marriage. The film is in many ways based on the director’s personal life with famed actress-wife Nusrat Imroz Tisha. They both play the leads in the film, with Farooki playing an actor’s role for the first time. The film is supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, who will host a reception after the screening and Ambassador Faiyaz Mushid Kazi will introduce the film. Farooki will attend the screening and present his film. Email filmforum17@gmail.com for tickets.

Charity dinner / Avista Hideaway Patong Resort and Spa Phuket / Oct 25

Avista Hideaway Patong Resort and Spa Phuket will host a Pink October charity dinner at its signature restaurant, Tambu on Oct 25. Known for its contemporary Indian cuisine with bold flavours and refined presentation, Tambu will present a dining experience that blends culinary creativity with cultural resonance. Funds raised from the evening will support the Queen Sirikit Centre For Breast Cancer, which provides vital care and breast screening services for women across Thailand.

Vegetarian festival / Summer Palace / Oct 20-29

Summer Palace restaurant at InterContinental Bangkok will serve a “Special Vegetarian Menu” celebrating the annual week-long Vegetarian Festival in Thailand from Oct 20-29. Executive Chinese chef Shui Wing Yau will serve dishes such as Bean curd caramel and cucumber with chilli sauce salad; Double-boiled bamboo pith and yellow ear mushroom soup served in a coconut shell; Stir-fried vegetarian pig’s ear with Chinese yam and black bean sauce; Stir-fried taro and fresh mushroom with kung pao sauce; Braised aubergine with vegetarian sea cucumber served in a clay pot; Braised bamboo and shitake with green asparagus; and Braised vegetarian with fermented red bean curd.

Vegetarian festival / Front Room / Oct 20-29

Front Room at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, celebrates the Vegetarian Festival with an à la carte menu available from Oct 20-29. This year’s menu showcases plant-based interpretations of Thai dishes, including Spicy flower salad with pomelo and plant-based crispy pork; Vegetarian shu mai dumplings, taro spring roll and steamed bun with vegetables; Crispy tofu with seasonal vegetables and vegetarian gravy; Stir-fried Hong Kong kale with mushroom sauce, tofu skin and mushroom powder; Red curry with klong ngae tofu and chilli dressing; and Banana rice flour dough with peanut filling and coconut sauce.

Vegetarian festival / Ginger / Oct 21-29

The Holiday Inn Bangkok will serve a ‘Kin Jay’ menu at Ginger. The menu’s offerings include stand-out appetisers such as Deep-fried sweetcorn fritters with red chilli curry paste and Thai spicy bean curd with roasted rice and a refreshing salad of mint leaves. From the many and varied main course offerings, signature recommendations include Green curry with bean curd, Vegetables and basil, and a piquant dish of Stir-fried bean curd with ginger and black mushroom jelly.

Vegetarian festival / Igniv Bangkok / Oct 21-29

Igniv Bangkok will serve an 18-course menu thoughtfully crafted for Vegetarian Festival from Oct 21-29. For this year’s Vegetarian Festival, Igniv Bangkok head chef Arne Riehn has blended European and local flavours, combining imported delicacies like Savoy cabbage, black trumpet mushrooms, kale and Piedmont hazelnuts with distinctive Thai ingredients such as Thai olives, tiger peanuts and sticky rice.

Vegetarian festival / Mia

In celebrate the Vegetarian Festival, Mia will present a vegan tasting menu that celebrates the richness of seasonal produce with creativity and refinement. The journey features vibrant dishes such as Chilled buckwheat noodles with tomato ponzu; Jerusalem artichoke tart with truffle; and Sweet potato taco with summer remoulade and quinoa. The menu concludes with desserts like ‘The White Lady’ with mango sorbet and aloe vera and Seabuckthorn sorbet with Hummingbird cake and banana.

Vegetarian festival / Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok / Oct 21-29

Bangkok’78 and Anju will offer vegetarian menus for the Vegetarian Festival. Indulge in Deep-fried mushrooms with sesame, served with plum sauce, Thai-style spicy mixed fruit salad, Spicy tofu larb salad, Straw mushroom chilli dip, served with fresh vegetables and Panang with tofu. Anju will offer a Seoulful vegetarian feast featuring tteokbokki, vegetable pajeon, K-Fried cauliflower with mala sauce, GwangJang market gimbap and perilla oil buckwheat noodle.

Vegetarian festival / Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town / Oct 21-29

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town will offer a front row seat to the Phuket Vegetarian Festiva from Oct 21-29, as the daily parades passes in front of the hotel. Starting at dawn, guests will be given a package that includes fresh fruits, mixed candies, peanut bars and steamed rice cakes, plus candles, incense and flowers. The Worship Table can also be booked on the final evening. Savour an amazing array of vegetarian delights at Yue Restaurant and Bar, Krua Talad Yai and Talung Lounge.

Vegetarian festival / Dusit Thani Bangkok / Oct 20-29

From Oct 20-29, Pavilion restaurant at the Dusit Thani Bangkok will reinterpret some of Thailand’s classics to meet the standards of the festival’s vegetarian practice. Among the highlights are Pomelo salad, Green curry with mixed vegetables and Crispy rice salad.

Austrian festival / Le Méridien Bangkok / Oct 25

Le Méridien Bangkok with the Thai-Austrian Society will host the final edition of the celebrated Austrian Folk Music and Food Festival on Oct 25. The festival welcomes Mayor Concert Band from the Tyrolean Alps, performing live traditional Austrian folk music and bringing authentic Austrian highland spirit to Thailand’s capital for one final evening. Part of this year’s event benefits goes to Operation Smile Thailand.

Brunch ride / Nikki Beach Koh Samui x Harley-Davidson / Oct 25

Nikki Beach Koh Samui is revving up for a collaboration with Harley-Davidson. On Oct 25, guests are invited to experience ‘Ride To Brunch”, a high-octane celebration filled with iconic bikes, bold flavours and vibrant entertainment. The event will begin with a Harley Ride-In and Parade, where riders from around Koh Samui and Surat Thani will arrive at Nikki Beach in formation before parking in a Harley Showcase Zone. Guests will be welcomed with a Harley-Davidson-themed ritual featuring a signature ‘Motor Oil’ cocktail or mocktail, a temporary tattoo station and a pop-up offering exclusive merchandise and co-branded Nikki Beach x Harley-Davidson apparel. The “Amazing Sundays Brunch” will showcase live culinary stations with Harley-inspired dishes. Entertainment highlights include a live rock and blues band, a Harley-inspired mural painted in real time by a local artist and a pop-up VR Harley ride experience. The day concludes with a Sunset Ride-Out and After-Party. The brunch will support Think Pink Samui, a Rotary project and community-driven breast cancer awareness and fundraising initiative.

Wine dinner / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / Oct 22

Ms.Jigger at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok invites wine lovers and adventurous palates to a night of mystery and discovery. On Oct 22 , guests will step into an elegant world of blind pours, guided by the expertise of celebrated sommelier Alison Christ. There will be a guided blind wine tasting with gourmet pairings from Ms.Jigger’s kitchen.Guess the ‘mystery wine’ for a chance to win a special prize. Each guest selects a glass of their favourite wine from the tasting to enjoy after the workshop.

Diwali festival / Daryaganj / Oct 17-31

Daryaganj will celebrate the Festival of Lights with a special Diwali Tasting Menu, available from Oct 17-31. Guests can choose between two thoughtfully curated multi-course menus: the Non-Vegetarian Tasting Menu and the Vegetarian Tasting Menu beginning with a Curried lentil soup with pickled carrots. The main courses showcase Daryaganj’s heritage through iconic dishes and modern interpretations, featuring Curried lamb ravioli and Butter paneer ravioli, before concluding on a sweet note with Carrot halwa and Blueberry crémeux.

Curves and craft / Sababa Bangkok / Oct 25-26

The first pop-up, ‘Curves and Craft’, hosted by Sababa Bangkok, will be held on Oct 25-26. The event will be surrounded by greenery and good energy, for a curated experience that celebrates art, body and craft. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks while doing your nails or attending an upcycled vase workshop.

Diwali festival / Iconsiam / Oct 17-19

Iconsiam will host the ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025’ from Oct 17-19. The event celebrates the power of art, culture and friendship between Thailand and India. There will be a fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River. Over the three days, visitors can enjoy a line-up of activities, including the Sacred Pooja Ceremony; theGrand Diya Ceremony; and Bollywood mini concerts, Bollywood DJ Night and the Indian-Thai Youth Talent Show. Guests can also explore the Thai-Indian Cultural Market, featuring fashion, handicrafts, art and lifestyle products from both cultures; the Indian Food Pavilion, serving authentic Indian dishes from various regions; and the Mithai and Sweet Booth.

Voices of small people / Alliance française de Chiang Mai / Nov 14 to Dec 14

The Alliance Française Chiang Mai will host “Obviously Invisible”, a solo exhibition by Thai artist Krynkana Kongpetch. Through performance, sculpture and mixed media, the exhibition explores the quiet power of voices often unheard – those erased or overlooked in dominant social systems. Drawing from fragments of pop culture, traditional fabrics, sound and poetry, Krynkana invites viewers into a playful space of reflection. She said, ‘I want the voices and rights of small people to be heard and valued. My practice asks how art can hold space for those erased from view, and how the overlooked can be remembered with dignity and power, in a joyful spirit.’ She’ll also give a live performance on Nov 14-15. Her exhibition is part of Galleries Night, the annual art celebration initiated by the French embassy.

World’s highest tea bar / Chagee at King Power Mahanakhon

Chagee has officially opened its newest flagship on the 74th floor of King Power Mahanakhon. It marks the brand’s highest tea bar in the world, offering guests a tea experience that fuses panoramic views with the art of modern tea brewing. Every element is crafted to draw the eye outward. The store also features a dedicated retail corner.

Togetherness / Supples Gallery / Oct 25 to Dec 7

Supples Gallery will present “Here For The Cake”, the second solo exhibition by London-based painter Natalie Savage. Known for her playful and expressive approach to still life, Savage captures the spirit of togetherness and celebration through vivid scenes that radiate warmth, joy and human connection. Her richly coloured canvases are filled with familiar details: bottles chilling in ice, platters of seafood, tumbling flowers and glasses caught mid-toast. These compositions reverberate with energy and affection, embodying the sensory pleasure of gathering with those we love.

EAT

Breakfast specials / Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort

Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is introducing its “Signature Breakfast Menu” at Latest Recipe. Designed to move beyond the conventional buffet, the menu features three artfully crafted plates that celebrate the rich flavours and local ingredients of northern Thailand. The three items on the menu are Khao soi gai, a Chiang Rai signature; Lanna hors d’oeuvre, a northern Khan Tok, featuring Lanna dips, Lanna spicy sausage, local vegetables, boiled egg and sticky rice; and The truffle omelet, the Doi Chang edition featuring free-range eggs from Hilltribe Organics, sourced from Doi Chang. Enjoy the breakfast immediately upon booking the “Breakfast On Us” room package, available for stays until Oct 31.

Yum cha / Asiatique Ancient Tea House / Until Oct 31

Asiatique Ancient Tea House on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, presents ‘Come 2 Pay 1’ promotion on its premium ‘All-You-Can-Eat Yum Cha’ feast, available all-month-long. Diners can indulge in more than 30 delectable à la carte delicacies, with signature dishes including Prawn har gao with asparagus, Crispy pastry with shrimp and foie gras, Steamed crispy prawn rice rolls, Deep-fried purple sweet potato with shrimp and pork, and Beef brisket egg noodles in chicken broth.

Meat-free delights / Centara

The Vegetarian Festival takes place from Oct 21-29 but Centara Hotels and Resorts offer meat-free delights all year round at participating properties. Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin serves Green curry with tofu and Wolffia. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket presents Rice noodles with golden tofu in coconut curry. Suan Bua at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao showcases Tofu herbal spring rolls and Soup of nine seasonal vegetables.

STUFF

New bag / Loro Piana

Loro Piana presents the Needle, the brand’s take on the bowling bag and a nod to its inimitable savoir faire and textile heritage. Available in fine grained leather, velvet calf and tweed, the Needle is sewn from a single piece of leather for a seamless flow. Offered in medium and small sizes, it comes with two elegant handles and an adjustable strap for hand, shoulder or crossbody wear.

Food waste and leftovers should no longer be part of the Thai dining culture if the country is serious about tackling greenhouse gas emissions, says Siam Kubota, which has unveiled a new campaign urging people to finish every meal.

The company, a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment and heavy machines, estimates that if all 70 million Thais stopped leaving leftovers, national carbon emissions could be reduced by as much as 10 million tonnes annually.

In collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Siam Kubota has introduced the “Finish Your Food in Every Meal” campaign to foster a culture of mindful and sustainable eating.

The initiative promotes portion awareness and discourages food waste, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Launched yesterday to coincide with World Food Day, the campaign supports Thailand’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Ratchakrit Sanguancheewin, manager of Siam Kubota’s Sustainability Development Division, said the company has long worked with farmers along the agricultural value chain to help them adapt to climate challenges through technology and innovation.

“This year, we’re extending that commitment beyond agriculture by raising public awareness under the concept of ‘eat wisely’, promoting zero waste from every meal,” he said. “The issue is challenging, so we began within our own organisation. The response from our employees has been very positive. We want to send a strong message that small actions can change the world, especially when we do them together.”

To mark the campaign’s launch, all 3,374 employees of Siam Kubota participated by finishing their meals, an act expected to reduce over 1,300 kilogrammes of carbon emissions in a single day.

The initiative also aligns with the company’s broader sustainability roadmap, which targets carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization says Thailand generates 9.68 million tonnes of food waste annually, with 49.1% coming from the Bangkok metropolitan area.