Uncertainties loom for Thai tourism amid rumors of death in royal family

Uncertainties loom for Thai tourism amid rumors of death in royal family

2025-09-02

Only last week, the Thai government announced that it was giving away 200,000 domestic flight tickets to international tourists traveling with six Thai airlines. But the plan was never realized following the prime minister’s removal from office. That said, a tourist agency told us in our exclusive report that there will soon be discounts for tour groups. However, with rumors that a Thailand princess may have passed away recently, prospective travelers are worried that a long national mourning period would affect their trips. Let’s find out more.

Market stalls sell wares right by the railway and visitors stroll along the tracks. This is a railway market in Thailand. Being relatively affordable but no less rich in culture, Thailand remains a top tourist destination for Taiwanese. Last week, Thailand’s tourism ministry had announced that starting on September, a total of 200,000 domestic round-trip flight tickets would be given away to international tourists traveling to the country with six Thai airline companies. But the tourist bonanza was not realized.

Chen Chien-chin
Tourist agency GM
This whole scheme died on the vine. So it seems that their tourism minister let the news out too soon. To be frank, it probably didn’t get passed in the first place.

Following Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s removal from office, her cabinet was also dissolved. The plan to give away free domestic flight tickets also halted as a result. However, Taiwanese tourists could still stand to benefit, because starting from October to the end of June next year, tourist agencies can receive 350,000 baht for each chartered flight with at least 80% occupancy.

Chen Chien-chin
Tourist agency GM
This is only for Taiwan, meaning subsidies for chartered flights and accommodation. In other words, if you travel to Thailand with a tourist agency, you could get a tour group discount. On average, you’ll be able to save NT$2,000 to NT$3,000. We expect the number of travelers to Thailand to increase by 15% to 20%.

While the Thai government appears to hedge resources in promoting tourism, acclaimed Scottish journalist and critic of the Thai monarchy, Andrew MacGregor Marshall noted that Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who has been in a coma since 2022, could soon be announced dead. This would restrict tourists from various activities of leisure and entertainment.

Jenny
Content creator based in Thailand
The royal family made an announcement saying that the princess’s condition is under control. But much remains unknown. Back then the national mourning for King Rama IX was one year. And in the first 30 days, in the first month, they were more stringent in restricting many entertainment and party venues, and also restrict nightlife. It’s hard to say whether these activities will all be halted, but we must stay low-key and try not to be too merry.

Although it’s still hard to say what will happen, the experience with the former king hinted that most tourist sites would still be open. However, the atmosphere in the country will certainly take on a more somber tone. Still, visitors are advised to respect local customs no matter the destination.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#travel #thailand #thailandtravel #royalfamily #monarchy

獨家！遊泰免費機票沒了貝東塔解職政策確定喊卡

2025-09-02

上個禮拜泰國政府才發新聞稿稱，九月要推出，購買六間特定航空公司機票飛往泰國，就能夠免費兌換20萬張泰國國內線來回機票，讓不少旅客超級期待。但才過沒幾天，國內旅行社者獨家向民視新聞透露，隨著總理貝東塔被解職，這項優惠政策，確定泡湯了。

鐵道兩側滿滿小販，旅客走在鐵軌上，體驗東南亞風獨特魅力。泰國便宜又好玩，一直國人出國的熱門目的地。上個禮拜，泰國旅遊部才拋出消息，9月開始，旅客購買六家泰籍航空的入境機票，就送免費國內來回票20萬張，讓旅客好興奮，不過，都是一場空。

[[台灣旅行社總經理陳健欽]]
“這個案子就胎死腹中，所以他們旅遊局長發的太快，這個消息說句實在，就沒有通過”

泰國總理貝東塔被解職，內閣也全被辭退，免費來回機票，確定泡湯。不過為了刺激台灣旅客到泰國玩，泰方已經確定，將從10月開始，一直到明年6月底，凡是旅行社包機，乘客率達8成，一班機就補助35萬泰銖。

[[台灣旅行社總經理陳健欽]]
“只有針對台灣來做這個東西，包機，住宿的部分有補助，那表示說，你參加旅行社的泰國旅遊的行程，你的團費就會有優惠，那優惠下來大概平均下來，大概(團費)可能會便宜兩到三千塊錢，預計增加的(赴泰團客)人數，大概會增加到15%到20%”

泰國政府火力全開拚觀光，只是熟悉泰國王室的英國記者，發文推測，泰國王室恐有死訊傳出，讓不少台灣旅客憂心，接下來遊泰，會不會受到影響。

[[住泰台灣部落客 Jenny]]
“皇室(8/31)有公告就是說，目前公主的情況是壓下來的，很多都是未知數，(泰皇九世)當時的國喪是一年，然後前30天，就是前一個月，會比較嚴格去對於很多的娛樂啊，派對行為，然後夜生活會有做限制，不能說(活動會)全面停止，但是我們(觀光客)要很低調，盡量保持不要太歡樂”

要是真的遇上了，景點大多仍會開放，但氣氛會比較肅穆、行程也可能會有所變動，但入境他國，只要尊重當地，就不必過度擔心。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Voice of Ho Ying-lu
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The Mainland Affairs Council says that the rules apply to everyone, not just people holding public office. Anyone who cooperates with Beijing to spread pro-unification or military propaganda will face investigation and potentially sanctioned. Every case will be evaluated independently to determine whether Taiwan’s national interests have been harmed.

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Lin Yu-ting became the first Taiwanese boxer to win gold at the Olympics in Paris last year. She also had to deal with online abuse over questions about her gender. Now she’s written a book about all her experiences.

Lin Yu-ting
Olympic gold medalist
Looking back at that time now, I think: Wow! It really wasn’t easy for me to persevere and go forward to where I am today. Whether it is the pain from training, or the lows I experienced, I want to use these stories and share them with everyone.

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Lin Yu-ting
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Lin Yu-ting’s coach
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Drives over the lines
It’s almost 90 degrees. I just drive like I used to, and go over the lines a bit.

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Taichung maintenance office
Any parts where the contractor failed to follow the design plans will be reviewed in accordance with the contract. The contractor and supervisor could both be fined for negligence.

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First-year student
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I find it pretty amusing to see them pop up over there. We see them on field day, it’s really delightful.

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If a water bird starts to chase after you, you must leave as quickly as you can, because it could get defensive and even prepare to strike once you’ve crossed a line. We humans should just leave the soonest possible.

Students are off to a good start just by leaving the water birds alone, delightful as they might be.

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