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Indochina and Thailand 2027: Resources for Promoting These Countries

September 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hurtigruten

Aurora Travel & DMC: Stability, Expertise, and Commitment

Founded in 2003 by Mrs. Mai Anh, a passionate Vietnamese entrepreneur, Aurora has shown solid growth, doubling its staff after the pandemic to today reach 120 employees spread across four destinations.

Our core strength lies in human investment: we boast the industry’s lowest staff turnover. This loyalty of our senior experts guarantees partners invaluable stability and meticulous follow-up on their files. This expertise rests on exclusive products, a fleet of private vehicles, and a direct commitment to sustainable tourism, exemplified by a community-run restaurant co-managed with locals in the Mekong Delta.

Meet Us at IFTM Top Resa 2026

Come discuss your future projects directly with our experts. For the very first time, the founder and owner of Aurora will travel to Paris for this essential fair:

● Stand B024

● Book a meeting now via our Calendly link.

Ready-to-Sell Production Solutions for 2027

To meet standard demands while ensuring controlled profitability, we have developed several tools:

1. 2027 GIR Programming (Guaranteed Groups)

A curated selection of circuits with guaranteed departures in small groups (2 to 12 people maximum), led by French-speaking guides for highly immersive experiences:

○ 2 Vietnam programs

○ 1 Cambodia program

○ 1 Thailand program

○ 1 combined program (Vietnam – Cambodia – Thailand)

Operational flexibility: Sales are secured with a fixed rebate set at J-31, giving you smooth and confident stock management.

2. Thematic Catalogs for 2027

From eco-friendly travel to ultra-luxury experiences, access a wide range of customizable itineraries tailored to your clients’ wishes:

○ Classic circuits

○ Thematic circuits

○ Signature Tours (High End)

Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] to receive full details of the programs, dates, and our pricing.

Ultra-Personalized B2B Support

One of Aurora’s pillars is direct training of sales teams to equip you with all the tools to reassure your clients:

● Tailor-made Exclusive Webinars: Want to train your teams on a specific region or theme (coastal, luxury, rail)? Aurora organizes private sessions to meet your precise needs.

● Dedicated Agent Space: A professional space to autonomously consult our image banks, destination presentations, restaurant lists, and MICE venue recommendations.

● Open-Access Training Modules: Several replays are available on topics as varied as coastal Vietnam (Quy Nhon, Cam Ranh) or the Ultra-Luxury segment.

● Introduction to Vietnam: Discover the general presentation webinar recently led by Olivier Garessus on our YouTube channel.

Infrastructure and Field: Prepare for the Future with Our FAM Trip

The year 2027 will mark a major logistical turning point for the region with the highly anticipated opening of the new Long Thành International Airport near Ho Chi Minh City and the arrival of new direct connections from Europe.

To help you anticipate these on-the-ground developments, Aurora is once again partnering with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Authority and Vietnam Airlines. We are organizing an exclusive FAM Trip for a selected group of French travel agencies and tour operators, alongside the ITE HCMC 2027 exhibition which will commence in late August.

● Pre-registrations: You can already express your interest by writing to [email protected]

● Do not hesitate to consult our articles from previous editions to gauge the scale of this event.

Thailand: France’s Foreign Ministry Advises Against Visiting Certain Provinces

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Thaïlande : le Quai d’Orsay déconseille plusieurs provinces du sud - Depositphotos @tom.griger

Hurtigruten

The year 2025 was marked by a renewed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

Violent clashes occurred along the border between the two countries, resulting in several dozen deaths and nearly 800,000 displaced people.

For seven months now, the conflict has been at a standstill and Thailand has begun erecting a concrete wall to seal off the route of a disputed border.

The situation seems to be easing at this level, but a new zone of tension has opened up, this time farther south.

And this time, at the border with Malaysia, incidents have occurred, not directly with the Malaysian neighbor, but in provinces where the Malay language is predominant.

Thus, on the night of August 22–23, 2026, around fifty incidents were recorded.

Thaïlande : le Quai d’Orsay déconseille plusieurs provinces du sud

As reported by Courrier International, these attacks take the form of shootings, arson and explosions, aimed at creating chaos in the Muslim-majority regions of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.

The attacks have not been claimed, although the Quai d’Orsay notes that armed separatist movements are active in these provinces. Since 2004, in southern Thailand, these movements have carried out several attacks.

Thus, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally advises against traveling to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla.

Going forward, the eastern, western and southern borders of the country have been placed in red, the highest vigilance level of France Diplomatie.

Thaïlande : les raisons de l’insurrection ?

The insurgent groups are demanding new rights and greater autonomy, or even the creation of an independent Muslim-majority state, according to Amnesty International in an article devoted to this little-known conflict.

These regions are also marked by economic underdevelopment.

To trace the origins of the tensions, one must go back to 1909, when Bangkok annexed an independent sultanate. The kingdom then imposes forced linguistic, religious and cultural assimilation on its inhabitants.

In response to this, opposition rose and organized itself in the 1960s. In 2004, the conflict entered a new phase, with attacks against police stations, resulting in several dozen deaths.

Over the past twenty years, the conflict has claimed more than 7,700 lives and left 15,000 injured.

Towards a Tourist Tax in Thailand?

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Vers une taxe touristique en Thaïlande ? - Depositphotos.com ViktoriiaDyachenko

Hurtigruten

The tourism tax proposal, discussed for several years, takes a new step forward in Thailand. The National Tourism Policy Committee (NTPC) convened on August 14, 2026 to examine the principles of the scheme and the draft regulation, ahead of its public consultation, according to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

In a statement published on August 17, the Thai government specifies that the proposed amount is now set at 450 baht per person (about 12 euros), regardless of arrival mode: by air, land, or sea (Thailand.go.th).

The implementation of the tax would be phased in. For travelers arriving by plane, it would begin 180 days after the text is published in the Royal Gazette. Land and sea arrivals would be affected roughly 360 days after the launch of the first phase, according to the Thai government.

This timeline aims, in particular, to avoid difficulties at the most frequented border crossings, especially at the border with Malaysia.

Thailand: the tourist tax could be introduced early 2027 for air travel

Several payment options are currently being considered: integration into the airline ticket, online payment, mobile app, or self-service kiosks.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) could also be linked to the system. VisaNews notes, however, that the modalities of this potential integration remain to be defined: the TDAC is currently a free formality, and its possible connection to the payment system does not necessarily mean it would itself become payable.

At this stage, travelers do not yet have to pay the 450 baht to enter Thailand. The project must still pass several steps before its final adoption.

According to VisaNews, the start of 2027 is now the horizon envisaged for the first charges levied on travelers arriving by plane, but no firm effective date has yet been set.

Spain, Thailand, AI, Mexico: Global Tourism News Roundup [ABO]

September 6, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

La revue de presse internationale de la semaine - Depositphotos.com Auteur serezniy

TAP Air Portugal

From the week’s press review dated August 31, 2026:

Spain: Europe’s leading destination for overnight stays in the first half of the year

Thailand: visa-free stays reduced to 30 days

The battle for Chinese tourists now unfolds in AI responses

Istanbul: hair transplant tourism is now focusing on the experience

Mexico accelerates its hotel expansion

Ryanair trims its ambitions amid soaring fuel prices

Southwest Airlines accelerates its premium shift

Odd! Cruises: long-haul travel scales up

Spain: Europe’s leading destination for overnight stays in the first half of 2026

L’Espagne, première destination d’Europe en terme de nuitées sur les six premiers mois de 2026. @depositphotos/halfpoint

Spain tops the European ranking for tourist overnight stays in the first six months of 2026, just ahead of Italy, according to Eurostat data.

The European Union logged 1.321 billion overnight stays between January and June. The data also measure the dynamics of domestic and international visitors by country.

A note: hosteltur.com

Thailand: visa-free stays reduced to 30 days

À compter du 15 septembre 2026, la Thaïlande réduira à 30 jours la durée des séjours sans visa pour les ressortissants de 60 pays, dont la France. @depositphotos/empty_vectorist

From September 15, 2026, Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for nationals of 60 countries, including France.

The measure aims to curb abuses of the scheme and visa runs. Land entries will also be limited to two per year for most of the affected countries.

Source: bangkokpost.com

The battle for Chinese tourists now plays out in AI responses

Le référencement dans les réponses de l’IA, nouveau défi des acteurs du tourisme pour séduire la clientèle chinoise. @depositphotos/encrier

A study conducted on five major Chinese chatbots shows that AI could profoundly reshape the competition between destinations. The challenge is no longer merely to be chosen by the traveler, but to be cited by AI in its initial selection.

For tourism offices, airlines, hotels and agencies, a new challenge thus emerges: to optimize their visibility with AI so as not to disappear from the “shortlists” generated before the traveler even starts their search.

More information on the site skift.com

Mexico accelerates its hotel expansion

Ryanair trims its ambitions amid soaring fuel prices

Ryanais revoit ses objectifs de trafic 2027 à la baisse. @depositphotos/route66

Ryanair lowers its 2027 traffic target from 216 million passengers to 214 million and will broadly maintain capacity this winter to limit losses.

The airline, whose 80% of fuel needs are hedged through March 2027, warns that the sustained rise in oil could weaken less-protected competitors and lead to a noticeable increase in European fares.

More information can be found on the Reuters website

Southwest Airlines accelerates its premium shift

Southwest Airlines inaugurera ses premiers salons premium fin 2027. @depositphotos/jhansen2

Southwest Airlines will open its first premium lounges by the end of 2027, with at least 11 deployments planned.

Linked to a new premium credit card, these lounges illustrate the carrier’s pivot as it seeks to attract a more affluent clientele and gradually distance itself from its historic low-cost model.

Read on nytimes.com

Odd! Cruises: long-haul travel scales up

371 jours, 220 ports, 62 pays : la plus longue croisière du monde part de Rome. @depositphotos/NANCYPAUWELSPHOTO

The Regatta kicks off a record-breaking 371-day cruise, with 220 port calls in 62 countries, offered at around €65,700 per person.

An ultra-premium product offered by Explorations by Norwegian that illustrates the growth of long-duration cruises and new offerings targeting a high-spending clientele.

An article from euronews.com

Thailand: Problematic Tourists Now Face Expulsion

September 5, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

The Thai government has warned that “problematic” tourists could be expelled from the country, as new rules targeting foreigners convicted of illegal activities came into force on Friday.

“Problematic tourists or foreign workers who violate the law must leave”, wrote on Thursday evening on social media the Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.

New rules governing the expulsion of foreigners who have completed their sentences were published on Friday in the Royal Gazette, the Thai official journal. They cover offenses such as visa overstay, illegal work, fraudulent business operations, the use of forged documents, or offenses punishable by at least five years in prison.

Incivilities that Are Increasingly Exasperating the Authorities

“The Thailand has a policy of welcoming foreigners who wish to travel, work, or do business. However, it has been observed that some foreigners do not act in accordance with the law or the customs of our people”, the text states.

Approved in July by the government of Conservative Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, these measures aim to “preserve Thai cultural values”, according to authorities.

Thailand had already decided in May to reduce visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries from 60 to 30 days, in the announced bid to fight crime after a string of incidents. Altercations with tuk-tuk drivers, wild two-wheeled roadrides, public sexual escapades or illegal exploitation of businesses: incidents involving foreigners have fed local media nearly every week. A Spanish man and a Peruvian woman were expelled in May after being caught engaging in public sexual activity.

Separately, a controversy recently erupted after the French manager of a small wildlife park on the island of Koh Samui refused entry to Israelis, amid death threats and antisemitic statements.

The repeated incivilities have fueled public debate and pushed authorities to harden their tone, even as the Southeast Asian kingdom remains economically heavily dependent on tourism, which accounts for more than 10% of its gross domestic product (GDP).

Thailand expects around 33.5 million foreign tourists in 2026, compared with nearly 33 million last year.

Mountain Salt and Island Spices: Thailand and Sri Lanka

August 21, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

CroisiEurope

From mist-clad mountains to ancient salt wells, passing by safaris for wildlife viewing and contemporary art, this immersive experience reveals the stories, flavors, and inhabitants that make these two destinations truly unforgettable. Throughout the journey, travelers will encounter authentic local traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and enriching encounters that go far beyond the ordinary.

The journey begins in Chiang Mai, the historic city in the north of the country, where ancient temples, bustling markets, and the rich heritage of the Lanna culture set the tone for the adventure ahead. Explore the lively Warorot Market and wander the old town aboard a samlor, the traditional rickshaw, uncovering architectural treasures such as Wat Chedi Luang. One of the trip’s highlights is the ascent to the revered temple of Doi Suthep, perched above the city and offering a breathtaking panoramic view over the valley below.

Leaving the city, the itinerary continues through lesser-known cultural gems of northern Thailand, Phrae and Nan, where life slows down and authentic traditions come to life. Take part in a hands-on indigo dye workshop, visit tranquil shrines and teak temples beautifully preserved, and stroll through historic towns where wooden palaces and centuries-old frescoes tell the story of ancient kingdoms.

The journey then travels deeper into the mountains of Nan Province, where winding, scenic roads lead to panoramic viewpoints and secluded villages. In Bo Klua, old mountain salt mines — still active today — offer a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old local industry, while the picturesque village of Sapan invites travelers to pause amid lush forests, rolling hills, and peaceful valley landscapes.

One of the highlights of this section is a stay at Visama Explorer Nan, an intimate ecolodge and cultural haven tucked away in the heart of the mountains. Here, travelers can slow the pace, connect with local communities, and fully immerse themselves in the tranquil rhythms of northern Thailand.

The adventure then takes a dramatic turn upon arriving in Sri Lanka, beginning with the wild landscapes of Wilpattu National Park. Staying in an elegant tented-lodge in the midst of nature, travelers embark on full-day safaris through one of the island’s best-preserved reserves. Renowned for its natural lakes and dense jungle, Wilpattu is home to elusive leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and an extraordinary variety of birds.

From wilderness to culture, the journey continues to Kandy, the historic capital perched in the hills. Explore lively local markets, stroll along the picturesque lake, and visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the world’s most sacred Buddhist sites. Engaging cultural encounters bring this destination to life, whether learning traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with a local family, sampling regional sweets, or discovering the graceful rhythms of Kandyan dance with a local maestro.

The final chapter unfolds in the cosmopolitan city of Colombo, where Sri Lanka’s many cultures mingle. Discover the city through the eyes of a local artist, exploring contemporary art galleries, vibrant street art, and emerging digital creations that reflect the island’s evolving creative scene. The journey culminates with an unforgettable culinary finale: a refined tasting menu that masterfully blends Sri Lankan spices with international techniques, creating a memorable celebration of the island’s flavors and culinary heritage.

From sacred temples and mountain villages to wildlife safaris, to artistic expression and exceptional cuisine, “Mountain Salt and Island Spice Across Thailand and Sri Lanka” is far more than a simple trip: it is an invitation to discover two extraordinary destinations through authentic connections, shared traditions, and unforgettable moments.

Sel de montagne et épices des îles : un voyage à travers la Thaïlande et le Sri Lanka

For more information, visit khiri.com or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you and helping you craft enriching journeys across Asia.
> Khiri Travel Laos in the DESTIMAG Directory

> Khiri Travel Sri Lanka in the DESTIMAG Directory

Become a Land of Smiles Expert with Thailand Certification

July 13, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

IFTM TourMaG Party

The Marseille-based tour operator, being a leader in the destination, Olivia Calvin, Commercial Director, had the idea to establish this certification in partnership with the National Tourism Office of Thailand.

Most travel agents know only a few tourist spots: Bangkok or Phuket, but Thailand offers a multitude of attractions and possibilities.

We therefore, with this program, aim to give travel agents the opportunity to acquire additional skills to better sell the destination and this throughout the year. »

The program will take place in four steps:

1 → ONLINE TRAINING : presented by Amanda Geraud (Sales Director), Olivia Calvin and Prakit Saiporn (Marketing Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand), it covers the various aspects and the strengths of the Land of Smiles.

Travel agents can discover essential and technical information, must-see and more intimate destinations, customs and traditions, ethical and responsible tourism, traveler profiles, example itineraries…

Online training available here 👇

2 → QUIZZ : thanks to the training video, travel agents will have all the keys to answer the quiz by clicking HERE.

Devenez expert du Pays du Sourire grâce à la Certification Thaïlande

Travel agents who have completed the training and answered the quiz successfully will receive their badge « certified Thailand specialist ».

This badge can be displayed in the storefront window of the agency and in the travel agent’s email signature.

3 → SALES CHALLENGE : certified travel agents will have the opportunity to participate in the sales challenge from June 5 to July 25, 2023 by recording their Thailand sales with Climats du Monde via this link.

4 → EDUCTOUR : At the end of July, the best Thailand sellers will be selected to participate in an Edu-tour in Thailand from August 29 to September 6, 2023 in partnership with Emirates, allowing them to further their on-site knowledge.

This certification enables travel agents to become true experts of the destination, and will provide them with added value and increased credibility with their clients.

New for 2023: Climats du Monde offers a collection of “WOMEN ONLY” trips

Contact Climats du Monde

Email: [email protected]

Téléphone: 04 91 15 70 20

Thailand 60-Day Visa Exemption Takes Effect July 15

June 24, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Les citoyens de 93 pays bénéficieront d'une exemption de visa de 60 jours en Thaïlande dès lundi prochain | © ShutterStock

CroisiEurope

A few weeks ago, Thailand unveiled excellent news for international tourists by announcing the upcoming extension of the visa-free stay to 60 days.

And good news never comes alone: it will no longer be 57 but 93 countries that will be eligible for this visa exemption.

Planned to be activated “between late June and early July”, this liberalization of entry rules for the Land of Smiles finally has an effective date.

VisasNews reports today that as of July 15, 2024, tourists and business travelers from 93 countries will be able to enter Thailand visa-free and stay for 60 days.

However, authorities have not yet officially announced whether and how this period could be extended on-site.

Obtaining an electronic visa remains possible for travelers who wish to stay more than 60 days in Thailand.

Thailand Updates Its Visa Policies

On July 12, Traisulee Traisoranakul, the spokesperson for Thailand’s Interior Ministry, explained that her ministry had approved four updates to the country’s visa policies.

These initiatives aim to “line up with global competition to attract more foreign visitors, generate more revenue, and thus boost the national economy”, according to Traisulee Traisoranakul.

According to the spokesperson, the deputy prime minister and Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed off on these four updates, which have now been submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.

They will then be published in the Royal Gazette, the Thai Official Journal, and will take effect simultaneously from July 15, 2024.

Here are these measures:

Extending the 60-day visa-free stay;

Increasing the number of nationalities eligible for the visa on arrival;

The launch of the new “Destination Thailand Visa”;

The extension of stay duration for certain students.

The Countries Eligible for the 60-Day Visa Exemption in Thailand

If the conditions for staying in Thailand are relaxed in the coming days, tourists eligible for visa-free entry into Thailand will soon have to complete a new formality before their trip.

As travelers bound for the United States, Canada, or more recently Israel are accustomed to, it will soon be necessary to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Thailand without a visa.

The ETA for Thailand is expected to launch in December 2024, in a pilot phase, and to be fully operational by June 2025.

In the meantime, citizens of the following 93 countries and territories can stay up to 60 days visa-free in Thailand, with no pre-departure formalities:

South Africa, Albania, Germany, Andorra, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Colombia, South Korea, Croatia, Cuba, Denmark, Dominica, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Spain, Estonia, United States, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Uzbekistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay and Vietnam.

Thailand: What We Know About THIM, the New Travel App Set for October 2026

June 20, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Thaïlande : que sait-on de THIM, la nouvelle appli pour les voyageurs annoncée pour octobre 2026 ? - Photo Appli ios

Top of Travel

Thailand continues the digitization of its entry procedures.

According to several Asian media, including The Straits Times, the Thai Immigration Bureau is preparing the deployment of THIM (Thailand Immigration Management System), a new mobile application designed to simplify and speed up the entry formalities for international travelers.

Presented at the AWS Summit Bangkok 2026, the application should enable travelers to input their information before arrival, notably through automated passport reading and the creation of a reusable digital profile. According to The Straits Times, THIM is part of the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) system, which has become mandatory for foreign visitors.

« The THIM app would complement the TDAC portal, which until now did not have a mobile app version. It would serve to optimize immigration procedures in Thailand », also explains Nicolas Lepage, head of Sales and Communications at Action-Visas.

The THIM app already available on Android and iOS

The app is already available on the Thai Immigration Bureau’s iOS and Android stores. Descriptions published on these platforms highlight the management of digital arrival cards, traveler registration, and the reception of travel-related notifications.

For now, Thai authorities have not published a detailed deployment schedule. Several local media, however, mention an experimental phase starting on October 1, 2026.

At this stage, no official communication suggests that the TDAC web portal will disappear in favor of the mobile application. Observers instead expect the coexistence of the two channels to allow travelers to choose between a traditional online process and smartphone-based usage.