Category: The Bangkok Post

HONG KONG – Visa-free travel abroad and free toll roads at home are expected to fuel a surge in travel by Chinese citizens during an extra-long holiday starting this week, in what analysts call a boon for the service economy.

Total trips outside mainland China are forecast to reach between 8 million and 8.4 million – more than double the 3.8 million recorded for the holiday in 2024 – according to travel marketing and technology company China Trading Desk on Monday.

Demand is “surging” for visa-free destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, the firm said. Long popular with Chinese tourists, all three have scrapped visa requirements since the coronavirus (Covid) pandemic.

Russia has also seen a rise in bookings by Chinese citizens following the introduction of a visa exemption rule in September, according to Fliggy, Alibaba Group Holding’s travel platform. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

South Korea, a perennially popular spot for Chinese travellers, rolled out visa-free entry for tour group members on Sept 29 – a move that could have an “impact”, business consultancy Dragon Trail International said in a Sept 23 travel sentiment report.

The annual holiday, dubbed “golden week”, will last longer than usual this year. Coinciding with both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, it runs from Oct 1 to 8.

The extended break will give travellers a head start and the chance to “cleverly” combine annual leave with the holiday, Fliggy said.

Airlines, hotels, car rentals and packaged tours are attracting more business as a result, Fliggy said. China’s US$41.1 billion hospitality market is expected to continue growing through 2030, according to market research firm Mordor Intelligence.

A growing number of overseas travellers can also enter China visa-free under measures aimed at stimulating the economy. But many may delay visiting the country until after Oct 8 to avoid crowds and higher prices, said Steven Zhao, chief executive of China Highlights, an online travel agency.

Still, free toll roads and expanded train services, especially during the holiday, should attract more domestic tourists than last year, Zhao said.

China has waived road tolls during public holidays since 2012 to spur travel and consumption. Self-driving trips, including those with rented cars, are expected to hit 1.87 billion this year – nearly 80% of the total, according to domestic media outlets.

Meanwhile, railway authorities are adding extra capacity through high-speed lines and night trains. More than 90 million tickets had been sold on the official online booking platform as of Sunday.

Long-distance tours within China are up 53% while car rentals have increased 93% over 2024 levels, according to Fliggy. Hybrid trips, which combine tourism and family visits, are also expected to increase.

“Notably, multi-destination travel is thriving, particularly among high-speed trains and a combination of flights and trains,” the firm said in a statement, noting that domestic tourists have a preference for theme parks, sporting events and cultural experiences this year.

Chinese spenders are “under-consuming big time” amid economic uncertainty but are making exceptions for travel – especially older generations eager to learn about other countries, according to independent economist Andy Xie.

“That’s life – before you die, you’re supposed to do these things,” Xie added.

Despite the near-term outlook for China’s tourism industry looking promising, the world’s second-largest economy remains burdened by a lingering property crisis, unemployment and trade tensions with the United States.

Rabbit Life Insurance, a subsidiary of BTS Group Holdings, is targeting 2.6 billion baht in premiums this year amid robust demand for whole life, health and annuity insurance products.

Total premiums surged by 22% year-on-year to 1.92 billion baht in the first eight months of 2025, supported across agency, broker and online channels, said managing director Korn Chinsawananon.

First-year premiums tallied 1.5 billion baht, up 21%, while profits totalled 356 million baht, reflecting the strong product portfolio and financial stability, as evidenced by a capital adequacy ratio of 213%, he said.

Whole life insurance was the top-selling category this year, with sales surging tenfold to 495 million baht, reflecting rising consumer interest in long-term life planning and sustainable family security.

Health insurance also skyrocketed, increasing by 144% to 26.4 million baht, led by the popular Health Smile plan, which offers flexible coverage that can be combined with existing welfare benefits to maximise value.

Annuity insurance, designed to support retirement planning amid Thailand’s ageing society, grew 115% to 60.2 million baht, as such products are gaining strong traction among customers seeking financial stability in their later years.

Mr Korn said the company aims to finish 2025 with total premiums exceeding 2.6 billion baht, driven by tax-saving insurance products and an omni-channel approach.

For 2026, he said Rabbit Life plans to leverage data-driven insurance strategies to offer more personalised, flexible solutions that meet the needs of all life stages. The company has set a target of 3 billion baht in premiums, a 15% increase from 2025, while continuing to strengthen its network of quality agents.

By combining product innovation, multi-channel distribution, and data-driven insights, Rabbit Life remains focused on building long-term relationships with its customers, delivering solutions for every life stage, and establishing itself as a modern, competitive life insurance provider prepared for sustainable growth, said Mr Korn.

A new waste collection fee for unsorted trash goes into effect on Wednesday, with discounts offered for households that properly separate their garbage.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will, from Wednesday, enforce a revised waste collection fee, increasing the monthly rate from 20 baht to 60 baht. However, households that participate in the city’s waste separation initiative, “This House Doesn’t Mix”, will continue to pay the original 20-baht flat fee.

Deputy Bangkok governor Chakkaphan Phewngam announced the change, citing the need to align fees with current operational costs. The initiative is part of the 2025 Bangkok Ordinance on waste management services under the Public Health Act.

To qualify for the discounted rate, residents must register and submit evidence of sorting waste into four categories via the BKK WASTE PAY platform. The system will issue reminders for documentation at scheduled intervals.

Failure to submit correct or complete evidence after three warnings will result in the suspension of the discount, and households will be required to pay the full fee for six months before reapplying.

For those who register through district officials and receive approval, the BMA will conduct on-site inspections. If waste sorting does not meet the required standards, the same warning and suspension process will apply.

On Sept 29, Mr Chakkaphan visited Pomprap Sattruphai district, inspecting the Mahanak Mosque Community, a model for waste separation. The community, spanning 23 rai, with 933 residents and 353 households, has been actively sorting waste since early this year, resulting in reduced waste volume and qualifying for the discounted fee.

As of Sept 26, over 710,000 households had registered to take part. They live in 278,178 single-family homes and 432,608 units across 3,049 group registrations (condominiums, housing estates, communities, flats).

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday his Bhumjaithai Party will always welcome new members willing to work in the national interest, after veteran politician Santi Prompat and his son joined the party on Tuesday.

‘The Bhumjaithai Party is a political party. If anyone interested in serving the nation thinks the Bhumjaithai Party can do good for the nation and wants to participate, we will welcome them,’ the Bhumjaithai leader said at Government House.

Asked if it was his intention that Bhumjaithai win the general election after his government’s promised four-month-long tenure, Mr Anutin said all political parties had such a goal, including Bhumjaithai.

The prime minister’s comments follow Santi Prompat’s decision to resign as secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party on Monday and join Bhumjaithai on Tuesday, along with his son Pattana.

Mr Anutin was voted in as prime minister on Sept 5 by the parliament, succeeding Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra who was removed from the prime minister’s seat for her controversial phone call with Cambodian strong man Hun Sen in June.

Bangkok police arrested a British man with about nine kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice’, in his hotel room on Tuesday.

Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom said that an informant tipped police who then arrested Wilson Allaway, 23, in a room on the fourth floor of Le Fenix Sukhumvit Hotel on Sukhumvit 11 Road in Watthana district on Tuesday.

Police found a total of 9.15kg of crystal meth in 10 tea bags in the room.

According to Pol Lt Gen Sayam, the suspect said he received the drug from another Briton known only as ‘Snoopy’. The latter paid him 20,000 baht to deliver the drug to buyers.

About 500,000 vehicles in Thailand still have defective Takata airbags, which could explode and hurl metal fragments at drivers and passengers, the The Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA) has warned.

The warning follows a fatal accident in Singapore on Sept 29, when a driver was killed by shrapnel from a ruptured Takata airbag. It was the first such death reported in the city-state, more than a decade after global recalls began.

The TAIA said in July that despite years of recall campaigns by major carmakers, many vehicle owners in Thailand have yet to have their airbags checked or replaced.

The defective airbags have been linked to numerous injuries and deaths worldwide, including cases in Thailand. A total of 14 car brands have recalled affected models in Thailand:

Chevrolet (2007-15)

BMW (1998-2018)

Ford (1998-2014)

Honda (1998-2014)

Mazda (1996-2014)

Mitsubishi (2005-15)

Nissan (2000-15)

Toyota (2001-14)

Lexus (2006-16)

Jaguar XE (2015-17) and XF (2009-15)

Land Rover Discovery (2015-16) and Land Rover (2011-12)

Audi (1997-2017)

Mercedes-Benz (2004-16)

Subaru (2004-12)

Owners of affected vehicles are urged to contact authorised service centres or call centres of their respective brands to book a free replacement. The repair is carried out at no cost. More information is available from the TAIA at its dedicated website www.checkairbag.com.

Fitch Ratings has revised the ratings outlook for five Thai banks to negative from stable, following the downgrade last week of its outlook for Thailand’s sovereign credit rating.

The revision affects the following banks, while their long-term issuer default ratings (IDRs) have been affirmed:

Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM)

Krungthai Bank Plc (KTB)

TMBThanachart Bank Plc (ttb)

Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Plc (SCBT), and

United Overseas Bank (Thai) Plc (UOBT).

The long-term ratings with a stable outlook remain unchanged for the following banks:

Bangkok Bank Plc (BBL)

Bank of Ayudhya Plc (BAY)

Kasikornbank Plc (KBank)

Siam Commercial Bank Plc (SCB), and

SCB X Plc (SCBX).

The adjustments follow Fitch’s revision of the outlook on the Thai sovereign rating of BBB+ to negative from stable on Sept 24.

KEY RATINGS DRIVERS

Potential change in government support ability: The long-term IDRs of Exim, KTB and ttb are driven by their government support ratings, and the negative outlook for their ratings reflects the reduced ability of the government to provide extraordinary support.

The government support ratings for Exim, KTB, ttb, BBL, KBank, SCB and SCBX have been affirmed. However, they will likely be downgraded in the event of a sovereign downgrade.

Possible constraint on shareholder support: The shareholder support ratings of SCBT, UOBT and BAY have been affirmed. The negative outlook for SCBT and UOBT reflects their long-term IDRs being capped by Thailand’s country ceiling. Any downward revision of the country ceiling would lead to negative rating action on their shareholder support ratings, and hence on their long-term IDRs.

The long-term local currency IDR of SCBT is not constrained by the country ceiling and the outlook for that rating remains stable. The shareholder support rating for BAY is not constrained by country risk factors, and its long-term IDR would not be affected by a one-notch change in Thailand’s country ceiling.

No impact on viability ratings: The viability ratings of KTB, ttb, UOBT, BBL, BAY, KBank, SCB and SCBX have all been affirmed. Fitch’s operating environment score for Thai banks is at bbb/stable, which is lower than the Thai sovereign rating, and we assess it as not affected by the sovereign rating action.

The outlook on BBL’s bbb+ funding and liquidity score was revised to negative from stable to reflect potential constraints from the sovereign rating, but there is no impact on the bank’s viability rating.

The long-term IDRs at BBL, KBank, SCB and SCBX are driven by their viability ratings, and hence are unaffected by the sovereign rating action.

The Bank of Thailand estimates the government’s 66-billion-baht stimulus package will contribute roughly 0.2% to GDP growth.

Chayawadee Chai-anant, assistant governor for corporate relations at the central bank, said the package including the “Khon La Khrueng” (half-half) co-payment scheme is expected to raise nominal GDP by about 0.4%, with the contribution to real GDP growth closer to 0.2%.

“The stimulus will have a limited impact on GDP as the measures are focused mainly on increasing consumption rather than creating employment. Moreover, a portion of the spending is likely to be for imported goods,” she said.

Even so, the package should help improve public confidence. If the co-payment scheme stimulates spending among higher-income groups, it could provide a greater boost to domestic consumption, said Ms Chayawadee.

The regulator reported Thai economic conditions softened in August compared with the previous month, mainly due to weaker agricultural and industrial output, which weighed on trade and freight transport services.

In contrast, the tourism sector improved, supported by both domestic and foreign visitors. Seasonally adjusted foreign arrivals rose 2.8% month-on-month in August to 2.6 million. Tourism income also increased by 2.7% in August, up from 1.1% growth in July. The tourism recovery was driven by short-haul visitors from China, Japan and South Korea off for their school summer break as well as long-haul arrivals from Germany and Russia. Revenue from foreign tourism after seasonal adjustment edged up, in line with the arrival uptick.

Merchandise exports to the US grew 5.5% in August, slowing from 9.7% in July and the first deceleration since the US import tariff was implemented. Exports of electronic products eased slightly after several months of strong growth, noted the central bank.

Exports are expected to continue slowing in the third quarter, though a contraction will depend on global trade conditions and the impact of US tariffs on each country, she said.

Following criticism over proposals to use the central bank’s foreign reserves to establish a sovereign wealth fund, Ms Chayawadee said the structure of reserves varies by country. For Thailand, borrower reserves are relatively high, making it essential for the regulator to maintain a solid buffer against potential capital outflows. She said the central bank remains open to hearing different viewpoints.

Speaking at a ThaiPublica seminar, Supavud Saicheua, chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council, said Thailand holds excessive foreign reserves amounting to roughly 9 trillion baht, which is kept idle instead of being put to productive use.

He said the IMF assesses Thailand’s international reserve adequacy ratio at 237%, well above the benchmark of 193%.

For the first time in its three-decade history, the nation’s largest book fair is tuning itself to a brand-new rhythm. With the theme “Melody Of Books”, the 30th Book Expo Thailand will return from Oct 9-19 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, promising not only a vast selection of books but also music, art and interactive experiences designed to inspire readers of every generation.

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), which is organising the event, announced its readiness to stage the fair during a press conference last week.

Traditionally, these annual press events bring together celebrities, influencers and publishers to create a buzz ahead of the fair. This year, however, the atmosphere felt particularly vibrant, with a strong emphasis on creativity and cross-cultural exchange.

The front area of the conference hall at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center was crowded long before the programme began with hundreds of fans, students and book enthusiasts taking seats and pressing close to the stage.

Unlike in previous years, PUBAT revealed a major conceptual shift: a fusion of literature and music under the unifying idea “Melody Of Books”.

“Because books are poetry, music is melody,” PUBAT explained in its statement. The theme underscores the belief that storytelling, whether expressed through the written word or through rhythm and song, can enrich lives and connect people in profound ways.

The choice of theme was reflected in the lineup of special guests. Instead of only writers and publishers, this year’s press event brought singers, musicians and even athletes into the spotlight — individuals who embody creativity in many forms. Nattakorn Vuttichaipornkul, the newly elected president of PUBAT, emphasised how the fair seeks to embrace new media while preserving the centrality of reading.

“With the concept ‘Melody Of Books’, our organising team aims to present a new form of access to books, combining the world of letters with music and other creative media to expand the reading experience in diverse and contemporary dimensions,” Nattakorn said.

“You can choose to read books or listen to stories via podcasts or audiobooks. This reflects the fact that books are now being transformed into other formats. This is PUBAT’s effort to expand access to media and reading. It’s not just about physical books. All activities at this event are rooted in reading, with the goal of expanding the reader base.”

His remarks signalled PUBAT’s commitment to broadening the definition of reading in a digital age. By welcoming audio formats, multimedia platforms and interactive installations, the association hopes to draw in new generations of readers while keeping traditional book lovers engaged. The highlight of the press conference was a series of live performances by Thai artists who had been invited to interpret the theme musically.

Bell Warisara, from the Home Run Music label, debuted a specially-written song titled Lost To Read You, composed exclusively for the expo. Her performance captured the spirit of the event — melodic, emotional and rooted in storytelling. Other appearances included Nattakit “Nex” Chaemdara, frontman of the band BUS, indie-pop singer-songwriter Max Jenmana, and Kamonchanok “Noey” Kwanmuang, a SEA Games swimming medallist who shared her passion for literature.

Each guest spoke about their favourite genres, linking their personal reading habits with their artistic lives. Streaming rights for the music were also announced, allowing fans to incorporate the songs into their social media clips, adding a participatory element to the campaign.

For PUBAT, “Melody Of Books” is more than a decorative theme. It represents a deliberate attempt to modernise the fair’s image and broaden its reach. The organisers hope to attract not only habitual readers but also music lovers, families and young people who may not yet identify as book enthusiasts.

“This is the first time the fair has transformed itself into a new experience — enjoyable reading, beautiful listening and a wealth of shopping,” Nattakorn said. “The fair maintains a core focus on the value of reading, with fun, accessible activities that promote creativity.”

Over 900 booths from 400 publishers nationwide will participate, presenting more than 2 million books and launching over 2,000 new titles across genres. According to PUBAT, the expo is expected to welcome more than 1.3 million visitors across its 11-day run, with projected book sales surpassing 400 million baht — a 5% to 10% increase compared to the previous year.

“The current economic climate presents challenges,” Nattakorn admitted. “But we believe that the event’s colourful, fun, innovative format, along with the launch of thousands of new books, will draw readers to purchase their favourite titles and join in the activities.”

Beyond book shopping, this year’s expo will be rich with exhibitions, performances and family-friendly activities.

The “View ’til Touch” exhibition will offer an interactive showcase where books can be heard and songs can be read, blending text and sound through new technologies. Visitors can experiment with composing songs inspired by books and explore listening pods featuring audiobook samplings.

Children will be treated to the “Chao Khun Thong And Friends” puppet show, which combines live music and storytelling, while the “Little Read Universe” creates a playful reading space designed to introduce young audiences to the joy of books.

Women’s literature will take the spotlight in the “Chommanard Awards 2025” exhibition, which highlights works from across Southeast Asia. Competitive spirit will also find a place through PUBAT contest, a national event featuring categories in storytelling, songwriting to promote reading, and a high school debate tournament.

The expo is being organised in close collaboration with public and private partners, ensuring it aligns with broader cultural development goals. Social initiatives will also play an important role.

Projects such as “One Read, Million Awakening” will provide book scholarships to schools across the country, while the “Pick A Note” campaign invites participants to donate towards literacy programmes in exchange for chances to win prizes. These efforts highlight PUBAT’s belief in books as transformative tools for society, capable of inspiring individuals and strengthening communities.

As the 30th edition approaches, excitement is building not only for the books and bargains but also for the expanded cultural experience. PUBAT hopes this milestone fair will set a precedent for future editions, redefining what a book expo can be in Thailand.

“Get ready for a new reading phenomenon,” the organisers announced. “Enjoy reading, listen to beautiful music and shop till you drop! There will be countless great books and inspiring activities at the 30th Book Expo Thailand.”

The 30th Book Expo Thailand will be held from Oct 9-19, from 10am to 9pm, at Halls 5-7, LG Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Bangkok, for all its chaos and contrasts, remains a dynamic city in which to build and live life. This is why the Bangkok Post and BitesizeBKK, a young media brand focused on delivering crisp and digestible news on the most important trends and stories, are excited to collaborate on this new series. By fusing our perspectives, we will capture the way Bangkok eats, shops, works, and plays. Together, we’ll spotlight the trends and habits that shape the city’s identity, told with a contemporary pulse on what’s ahead.

Each week in Life, readers can expect a fresh feature that zooms in on how contemporary Bangkokians are living and designing our city, from the rise of new ‘it’ neighbourhoods to the spending patterns of a generation fluent in both local tradition and global taste. These are stories about how the city consumes and expresses itself – ones we’re excited to explore together.

Through our online channels, the collaboration opens the frame even wider, tracing cultural signals in real time. Whether we’re reporting on a two-month-in-advance dinner reservation or a new trend that suddenly feels unavoidable, these pieces act as dispatches from the ground: fast, sharp observations on what Bangkok is doing and why it matters.

This collaboration will present a fresh angle on the best of city life through new perspectives on how the movers and shakers of Bangkok are shaping the city. Together, the Bangkok Post x BitesizeBKK will help you discover the new trends that are helping drive the heartbeat of Asia’s most dynamic city.