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From The Nation Digital travel platform Agoda shares the top five travel habits of Asian Gen Z, revealing a generation that finds inspiration in the digital realm, embraces spontaneity, and values shared experiences. The survey highlights the unique ways travelers aged 18-27, more commonly known as Gen Z, are shaping the future of travel in Asia with a fresh perspective, not only by influencing travel trends but also by setting the stage for future generations to explore the world in innovative ways. 1. TikTok inspiration: social media is the new travel guide Gen Z is blazing a trail on social media, with TikTok leading the way as their top source for travel inspiration. While Millennials lean on friends and family as their preferred source of recommendations, Gen Z is scrolling through TikTok (20%) and Instagram (14%) to discover their next adventure. Despite the digital influence, personal recommendations remain a close second (17%), proving that word-of-mouth still holds sway. 2. Spontaneous spirit: Last-minute bookings on the rise In a world where plans can change in an instant, Gen Z embraces the thrill of last-minute travel more than any other generation. 20% of Gen Z book flights less than a week in advance, outpacing Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers. Accommodations follow suit, with one in four Gen Z travelers making bookings at the eleventh hour, showcasing their penchant for spontaneity. 3. Traveling in tandem: Partnered adventures take the lead For Gen Z, travel is a shared experience, with 38% preferring to explore the world with a partner. Group trips with friends and family vacations also rank high, highlighting the importance of connection and companionship in their journeys. Millennials, on the other hand, prioritize family trips, reflecting a generational shift in travel dynamics. 4. Cost-conscious journeys: Spending habits align across generations When it comes to travel spending, Gen Z and Millennials are on the same page. Both generations prefer to keep accommodation costs under USD 50 per person per night, with Gen Z more inclined to do so (56%) than their Millennial counterparts (44%). Meanwhile, 32% of Gen Z plan to spend between USD 51-100 per person per night compared to 41% of Millennials. This trend underscores a shared commitment to affordable travel without compromising on experiences. 5. Wanderlust unites: The desire to travel transcends generations Despite differing preferences in where different generations find travel inspiration, when they book their travels, and who they go with, the desire to explore the world is universal. Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials plan to embark on 1-3 trips this year, while a third are aiming for 4-6 adventures. This shared wanderlust bridges generational gaps, proving that the love for travel knows no bounds. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, "Gen Z is redefining travel with their digital-first approach and spontaneous spirit. At Agoda, we're thrilled to support their adventures with diverse options and the best deals in accommodations, flights and activities, ensuring every trip is as unique as they are." With over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers endless possibilities for Gen Z travelers to explore the world. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and start planning your next adventure today. https://www.nationthailand.com/life/travel/40046845

Don’t disagree but I believe that type of detail should be confined to PM’s. Most members are willing to share information on a confidential basis,

Could be. We’ll know when developer announces plan to build condo complex on site.

Typical emergency: I’m going to off this guy but I don’t have enough baht on me. 🙂

Agree about the difference. And in the quid pro world we inhabit, those who do opt to post identities and intimate details of others should expect to read the same about themselves

From The Nation Authorities are probing claims that Chinese investors are buying up condominiums and illegally renting them short-term to foreigners, causing disturbance and security risks for other residents. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday that officials must ensure hotel and rental operators have licences and comply with ministry regulations. “If these renters have permits and follow the regulations, there is nothing that can be done to stop them,” said Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister. “However, legal action will be taken if operators or tenants – regardless of their nationality – cause damage to surrounding communities,” he said. The issue went viral on Tuesday when social media users posted comments about businesses renting out condo units at a daily rate. Since condo managers are not permitted to store units’ keys, illegal renters have resorted to leaving the keys in lockers or boxes across the city, instructing tenants on where they can be collected. According to the Drama Addict Facebook, a locker near a som tam eatery in Bangkok was found to contain six locked boxes with condo keys. Police suspect these belong to the same network of illegal Chinese businesses. On Sukhumvit Soi 42, a wooden case was discovered with 29 key boxes stored inside while some keys were even tied to a tree for tenants to collect. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40046798

From Pattaya New Three foreign tourists fell victim to theft in Pattaya, with incidents ranging from pickpocketing on a songthaew to a stolen motorcycle and a robbery by a transgender woman at a hotel. At 1:49 AM on February 27th, a 68-year-old Swiss tourist, Mr. Ulich, accompanied by his Thai girlfriend, filed a complaint with Pattaya police, after being pickpocketed on a songthaew (a popular form of public transport vehicle). According to his girlfriend, the couple had just arrived in Pattaya from Hua Hin. On their first day in the city, they took a songthaew from Walking Street in South Pattaya. As the vehicle reached Soi 6 on Pattaya Second Road, two unidentified Thai men, estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, boarded the bus. Shortly after, at 2:10 AM, another foreign tourist, Mr. Jerome, a French national, also filed a report with Pattaya police. He stated that while walking along South Pattaya Beach, he was approached by a transgender woman offering companionship services. He agreed to take her to his hotel in South Pattaya to hang out, according to him. However, upon arriving at his room, he briefly went to the bathroom. When he came out, the individual had disappeared. Upon checking his belongings, he discovered that 57,000 baht in cash, which consisted of 53,000 baht in euros and 4,000 baht in Thai baht, had been stolen. The money had been hidden inside a sock within his suitcase. Realizing he had been robbed, he immediately reported the crime. Later that night, another tourist, Mr. Mark, an Australian national, arrived at the police station to report the theft of his motorcycle. He stated that he had parked his red Yamaha motorcycle near a beer bar in Soi 7, Pattaya Beach Road, which is less than 200 meters from the police station. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/27/three-foreign-tourists-fall-victim-to-theft-in-pattaya-in-one-night/

In the end, Sunee Plaza entered the death cycle because increasingly fewer people wanted to rent space there. In other words, the ageless fact of real estate life won out: location, location, location.

It sounds like they were hesitant to commit to a larger space because they’re not confident in how the event will sell. As much as I’m a massage aficionado, I would not be interested in attending. I prefer to do my own due diligence the old fashioned way.

Unless it gets tacked on to air ticket, I don’t see how it can be easily accomplished.

NOTE — This was a topic of discussion when it was first introduced last year. It’s not the 300 baht that will deter many visitors; it’s the method on how it will be collected. If it becomes part of the the digital arrivals card, then it will be viewed essentially as a visa fee. From The Nation The tourism tax of 300 baht a person will come into force for foreign tourists by the end of this year, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said on Thursday. He expects the tourism tax scheme to come into effect during Thailand’s high season later in the year, provided the scheme is endorsed via publication in the Royal Gazette in March. Details of the scheme are not as yet clear, he said, adding that the ministry is working on linking data to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to facilitate tax collection. The TDAC will come into force on May 1.Sorawong explained that foreign travellers arriving by air will be charged 300 baht/person/trip. Those who cross into the country either by land and water will also be charged 300 baht, but would be entitled to enter several times within 30-60 days, he said. He said the ministry will summarise this issue at a later date to ensure that all foreigners using a passport to visit Thailand will be able to access life and accident insurance. Sorawong does not expect the tourism tax scheme will cause a decline in foreign arrivals as the tax is low. Several embassies have confirmed that this scheme is a good plan as it will allow travellers to access insurance, he said. He emphasised that the tourism tax system will be one-stop-service to facilitate travellers. “The tourist fee may not be a large amount that would put tourists off, but if collection is complicated, it will be inconvenient. Our aim is to make the process as smooth as possible,” he said. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40046796

From Pattaya News Following multiple complaints from local residents about people performing sexual activities at the railway sleeper storage area near Pattaya Railway Station, authorities have finally taken action to solve the issue. The site had reportedly become a meeting spot for both same-sex and opposite-sex partners for several months, with numerous used condoms found littered in the area. Concerns were also raised about public health and the city’s image as a family-friendly destination. In response to the issue, Pol. Col. Navin Sinthurat, Superintendent of Bangamung Police Station, coordinated with railway officials and other relevant agencies to inspect the site on February 25th. During the inspection, railway officials decided to enclose the area with barbed wire fencing to prevent people from entering the area. Signs prohibiting entry will also be put up, and local patrol officers will regularly monitor the site to deter future sexual activities. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/26/police-install-barbed-wire-at-infamous-pattaya-railway-spot-after-condom-litter-complaints/

From Visaverge Thailand's Cabinet approved streamlined work permit rules, featuring digital applications, reduced bureaucracy, and extended validity periods. The changes aim to ease processes for foreign workers in various sectors and enhance Thailand's appeal to international talent. Key benefits include reduced administrative burdens, cost savings, and improved compliance. The revisions align with broader initiatives to attract skilled professionals and boost economic competitiveness. Thailand will digitize work permit applications, eliminating physical documentation and cutting processing time significantly, starting in early 2025. Work permit validity extended: Laos/Vietnam workers until May 13, 2025; Cambodia/Myanmar workers until February 13, 2027. Renewals due by February 13, 2025, must use digital platforms for Cambodian/Myanmar workers; Laos/Vietnam workers must reapply under MOU rules. On February 25, 2025, the Thai Cabinet approved changes aimed at simplifying the application and issuance process for work permits. These updates are expected to ease challenges for foreign workers seeking employment in Thailand 🇹🇭, making the country more welcoming to international talent. The changes reflect Thailand’s proactive approach to managing foreign labor and addressing administrative inefficiencies. These new regulations, set to be implemented in the coming months, apply to all foreign workers, including regular employees, professionals in creative industries like film, and artists. The main goals of these adjustments are to reduce bureaucratic delays, lower costs related to work permits, and enhance the experience for both workers and employers alike. https://www.visaverge.com/news/thai-cabinet-eases-work-permit-rules-for-foreign-workers/

Yes. And on a more technical basis, the advantages offered by the Max are overshadowed by its flawed design. The 737-800 series is the previous production model that’s been in service since 1994. Since then nearly 5,000 have come into service and remain the workhorse of airlines worldwide.

Thailand had its Elite Card, versions of which allow buyers to live in Thailand for extended periods up to 20 years for 7 million baht. And now Trump will see you a Gold Card with similar perks for $5 million. From CNN resident Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US would sell a “gold card” to wealthy foreigners, giving them the right to live and work in the US and offering a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee. “We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “You have a green card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card.” Trump said the sale of the cards will begin in about two weeks and suggested millions of such cards could be sold. Asked whether he would consider selling the cards to Russian oligarchs, Trump responded: “Yeah, possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, standing alongside Trump, said the card will replace the government’s EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which allows foreign investors to pump money into US projects that create jobs and then apply for visas to immigrate to the US. “They’ll have to go through vetting, of course,” Lutnick said, “to make sure they’re wonderful world-class global citizens.” https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/25/politics/us-gold-card-foreigners-trump/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc

From Aerotime All Nippon Airways (ANA) has placed substantial orders with the world’s three largest commercial aircraft makers, planning to introduce up to 77 new aircraft into its fleet – 68 firm orders and nine options. The Japanese airline group is gearing up to accommodate a growing number of passengers, particularly on routes to Japan. To enhance its long-haul operations, ANA has ordered 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, powered by General Electric’s GEnx engines. The airline group has identified its international network as a key driver of future growth, particularly on routes between Asia and North America. This expansion is further supported by the ongoing development of Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT). ANA projects a 50% increase in its capacity on these routes by the 2030 fiscal year, with available seat kilometers (ASK) expected to rise by approximately 1.5 times compared to FY2023. On the domestic front, ANA will integrate Embraer E-Jets into its fleet for the first time, having placed an order for 20 E190-E2 aircraft—15 firm orders and five options. These jets, which the Japanese carrier defines as “technologically advanced regional jets”, will allow ANA to better respond to fluctuations in demand while optimizing costs and improving overall profitability. Deliveries are expected to commence in the 2028 fiscal year. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/ana-fleet-expansion-77-aircraft-boeing-airbus-embraer

I grew up in the west and love Asian guys.🙂

The military is not receiving this well. Stay tuned. Trump have stepped on wrong toes this time.

From The Nation Plans to expand U-Tapao Airport are being revised, with the project scaled back significantly due to ongoing delays with the high-speed rail link. Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA), confirmed that the development of the airport and the adjacent Eastern Aviation City will go ahead, but without waiting for the delayed Bangkok-Rayong high-speed train. The 290-billion-baht project, located on a 6,500 rai site within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), will proceed despite the high-speed rail project’s uncertain future. Keeree explained that the high-speed rail delays, now approaching five years, are impacting the airport’s development timeline. The project contract, which will mark its fifth anniversary on June 18, has been hampered by repeated revisions to the rail agreement, preventing key infrastructure construction from beginning. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40046720

From The Thaiger A wild night on Bangla Road turned violent when two foreign tourists were brutally assaulted by at least one security guard, leaving them injured and shaken. The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of today, February 25, prompting a swift response from Patong Police who are now hunting for the attacker. The two victims were identified as 24 year old Danylo Sidiakin, a Ukrainian national staying in Thalang, and Oleh Hoba, also 24, from Poland, residing at a guesthouse in Kathu. The altercation erupted after the pair visited the popular Miami Bar on Bangla Road before moving on to the Nan & Non Tour restaurant at around 1.50am. According to police reports, a dispute broke out between the tourists and a security guard at the second venue. The situation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in both men sustaining injuries. Bloodied and shaken, the tourists contacted the police to report the assault and pursue legal action against the attackers. The cause of the altercation remains unclear, and investigators are now working to piece together what happened. Police have begun collecting CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects involved and gather crucial evidence for the case, reported The Phuket News. An officer from the Patong Police Station stated, “We are currently reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to establish the facts. Our priority is to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.” The incident has raised concerns about tourist safety on Bangla Road, a hotspot known for its vibrant nightlife but also notorious for occasional violence and disputes. Local police have faced criticism over security measures, with some questioning the adequacy of surveillance and the conduct of security personnel. https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/tourists-attacked-on-bangla-road-police-hunt-for-security-guard

From The Thaiger In a significant push towards ensuring the safety of visitors in Pattaya, more than 180 eager volunteers gathered yesterday for a rigorous training seminar aimed at boosting their skills in safeguarding tourists. The event unfolded yesterday, February 25, at the Bang Lamung District Office, under the guidance of Police Major General Noraseth Suwannanikha, Commander of Tourist Police Division 1. This high-profile seminar attracted several key players, including Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapach Sritanyanont and Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet. As Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Chief of Pattaya Tourist Police, took the stage, he underscored the seminar’s importance. The intensive session was designed to arm volunteers with a deep understanding of the vital duties of the Tourist Police, their specific roles as volunteer officers, and crucial emergency response Participants were also trained in the art of effective collaboration with locals, a key element in maintaining a secure environment for holidaymakers in the vibrant city of Pattaya. https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/pattaya-boosts-tourist-safety-with-training-for-180-volunteers

From Bangkok Post The recent discovery of an ancient human skeleton, estimated to be at least 29,000 years old, in Prachuap Khiri Khan proves that the area which is now Thailand was inhabited by humans in the Old Stone Age. On Monday, the Fine Arts Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation (DNP) jointly announced the discovery of a skeleton from the Pleistocene period and ancient cave paintings at the Tham Din archaeological site in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. According to the Fine Art Department's Director General Phanombootra Chandrajoti, the skeleton, believed to be of an eight-year-old child, is the oldest human skeleton ever discovered in Thailand, providing archaeologists with a good starting point to expand the study into the beginning of the development of prehistoric technology. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2968261/skeleton-points-to-prehistoric-life

From Patttaya News Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), raised concerns over increasing foreign acquisitions of hotels, pool villas, and luxury residences in key tourist destinations like Phuket and Bangkok. Some foreign owners, particularly Russians, have been illegally renting out properties on a daily basis, according to Thienprasit. In Bangkok, both Thai and foreign investors are reportedly buying entire floors in condominiums for short-term rentals, while Chinese investors have been purchasing nearly entire luxury housing projects and offering full-scale shuttle services for tourists. THA urged the government to limit foreign property ownership and reconsider the length of stay permitted under visas to prevent economic imbalances. Separately, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association, addressed growing opposition to Israeli tourists in Pai due to concerns over inappropriate behavior. He called for stricter security checks to ensure travelers are genuine tourists and emphasized the importance of enforcing Thai laws. Regarding Chinese tourism, he urged the government to restore confidence following past scams targeting Chinese visitors, such as call center fraud. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/25/thailand-considers-stricter-visa-rules-to-curb-long-term-foreign-rentals/