Thailand Roundup: Tourism milestone, shock deaths from massage, full-scale cloud government

Thailand welcomes over 35 million visitors in 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly announces that international tourist arrivals have exceeded the 2024 target, reaching over 35 million visitors and generating more than 1.8 trillion Baht in revenue. This milestone underscores Thailand's robust tourism recovery and sets the stage for an even more successful 2025, designated as the 'Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year', TAT News reports. With goals to attract 36-39 million international visitors and generate 1.98-2.23 trillion Baht in revenue, Thailand is set to solidify its status as a premier global tourism hub, offering exceptional experiences and promoting sustainable growth in the sector.

Thailand prepares for full-scale cloud government next year

National Telecommunications Plc (NT) is expanding support for government agencies transitioning to cloud platforms under the "Go Cloud First" policy, aiming to migrate all systems by next year. According to The Nation, NT's GDCC service currently provides IaaS with over 40,000 virtual machines, supporting more than 800 agencies and 3,000 systems. “This setup involves data storage that is segregated by agency, with siloed usage,” National Telecommunications Plc (NT) managing director Colonel Sappachai Huwanan said at an event on Friday, December 27. “This means some of the data can only be accessed by specific groups, and multiple parties are unable to access the same dataset.”

Hazards of massage across Southeast Asia exposed

The deaths of two people in Thailand after receiving rigorous Thai massages have raised safety concerns about massages in Southeast Asia. Thai singer Ping Chayada, 20, died on December 8 after claiming paralysis from three "neck-twisting" massages. A day earlier, 52-year-old Singaporean tourist Lee Mun Tuk died in Phuket after a 45-minute oil massage, reportedly from cardiac arrest as highlighted by News.com.

Thai AirAsia plans to launch flights between Kochi and Phuket

Thai AirAsia (FD) is expected to start direct flights between Kochi (COK) and Phuket (HKT) soon. Known for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural charm, Phuket is a favorite among Indian tourists. This new route could boost tourism in Kerala and strengthen India-Thailand ties. It would also mark a significant step for Kochi Airport, offering its first direct connection to Phuket, reports Aviaion A2Z.

Missing Bangladeshi tourist found in Thailand, faces overstay and drug charges

Abu Al-Kasim, 30, was found by immigration police in a hotel room in Bang Na, Bangkok, where he was staying with a Thai woman. He had been in Thailand since May 2024 and lost contact with his family. As reported by TBS, Police discovered nearly 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a snack box. Al-Kasim admitted to possessing the drugs, citing his fascination with Thailand's freedom. He was charged with drug possession and overstaying his visa.