Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, has earned the prestigious ICONIC THAI BRAND AWARD and Blue by Alain Ducasse, its Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant, has been listed among Asia’s Top 100 Restaurants at the Tatler Best 2024 awards ceremony organized by Tatler Asia, the region’s leading luxury, fashion, and lifestyle media outlet.

These accolades underscore ICONSIAM’s success in becoming a top destination for both locals and international visitors, uniting the best of Thailand with global excellence. ICONSIAM also showcases Thailand’s unique identity in every dimension. Blue by Alain Ducasse, a luxurious fine-dining restaurant, has consistently held one Michelin star from 2021 to 2024 at ICONSIAM. This recognition further highlights ICONSIAM’s commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences and bolsters Thailand’s reputation as a premier global culinary destination.

ICONSIAM, a flagship development by Siam Piwat, under a joint venture with Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), continues to set new standards with innovative concepts designed to elevate customer experiences. With over 38 international awards in just six years since its operation, ICONSIAM stands as a global destination and a beacon of Thai excellence along the Chao Phraya River. It serves as a model for pioneering developments that drive economic growth and sustainability in Thailand.

In addition, Tatler Asia and ICONSIAM together provide a unique culinary experience featuring two world-renowned chefs: Chef Wilfrid Hocquet, who has received a one Michelin star from Blue by Alain Ducasse, and Chef Joris Rousseau of Feuille, a Michelin-starred and Green Star-awarded restaurant in Hong Kong. Together, they crafted an innovative menu blending premium French cuisine with exquisite local flavors, offering an exclusive dining experience at Blue by Alain Ducasse for distinguished guests and customers who are interested in experiencing the best of Thailand and the world at Blue by Alain Ducasse, ICONSIAM.

The Tatler Best 2024, hosted by Tatler Asia, celebrates outstanding excellence in Asia’s hospitality and culinary sectors. The event recognizes 100 hotels, 100 restaurants, and 100 bars, alongside the Best in Class Awards, which honor the best hotel, restaurant and bar in Asia with 27 distinct awards.

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Almaty, Kazakhstan, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Alain St.Ange, who travelled to Almaty in Kazakhstan at the invitation of ‘Visit Almaty’, the Almaty Tourism Department of Kazakhstan, was working alongside local Kazak tourism training personality and official guide Mrs Zhanar Gabit and Mr Tom Buncle, the Managing Director of ‘Yellow Railroad’ International Destination Consultancy to speak at training sessions, an event totally dedicated to the Tourism Industry in Kazakhstan organised for tourism related or industry support managers working in different fields of government i.e. tourist police, rescue, destination management, museums, customs and border guards.

Alain St.Ange, Head of Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy. He was a former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles and was a candidate for the post of Secretary General of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) now rebranded as UN Tourism and was one of three candidates vying to be President of the Seychelles in the island’s 2020 Presidential Elections.

These training sessions in Kazakhstan concentrated mainly on managers to empower them to follow up with training of their department’s personnel on better ways to work with tourists in a manner to show the country is attractive for tourism.

The organisation rallied some 300 government delegates divided into 10 groups with 30 people for all day sessions spread out over two days.

“The knowledge of international tourism is average. The employees understand what tourism is in general. And Kazakhstan is a new destination on the world tourism map so many people do not understand how to deal with foreigners. The format is the Facilitation training that will end with an extensive Q&A session” said a representative of the organisers before adding: – “Mainly, the goal of this government organised training program is: To firm up the understanding of International standards implementation importance in hospitality industry to create “friendly” environment for international visitors and to train people the high standards of behavioural norms towards visitors. Which can be addressed to Global awareness of Kazakhstan as friendly tourist destination”.

Alain St.Ange took on his sessions with “What is Tourism” and how each and every Manager in attending the sessions can help tourism in Kazakhstan to be consolidated. He also encouraged the Kazakhstan authorities to work with its Central Asia countries and to develop a new ‘Central Asia Tourism’ as a new destination.

“I was amazed by what Kazakhstan has to offer the discerning travellers looking for a new destination. The have the most incredible mountains just 30 minutes for Almaty City centre with ski-slopes offering four feet of snow now and this at very high altitudes, they have the rivers offering incredible white-water rafting and they have lakes and a desert. They have canyons, great nature as a remarkable asset and they people and culture remain unique as they are not Asia and they are not Europe, but well established as a tourism centre in Central Asia and are Eurasian” St.Ange said as he encouraged the authorities to embark on a cooperation that can help open up tourism to become a solid pillar of the economy after oil and gas that they are so blessed with.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The stage is set for one of the most anticipated events in the tourism industry calendar: the Annual SKAL/PATA Christmas Charity Luncheon. This festive gathering of industry leaders and innovators takes place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok’s Grand Ballroom.

The event begins with check-in and networking drinks from 11:00 AM, followed by a formal luncheon at 12:15 PM sharp. As the year winds down, this luncheon offers a unique opportunity to connect, celebrate, and reflect, while also giving back to the community.

A Festive Feast for All

Appetizer: Seared pepper tuna with chopped salad

Soup: Creamy mushroom soup

Main Course:

Slow-roasted turkey with bread stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce OR grilled pork chop with roasted potatoes and prune sauce

Vegetarian: Grilled halloumi cheese starter, mixed vegetable Wellington, and all the festive trimmings

Dessert: Christmas pudding drizzled with caramel sauce

Raffles, Auctions, and Networking

The event will also feature a Christmas raffle and a silent auction, offering guests the chance to win exciting prizes while contributing to meaningful causes. Networking opportunities abound, as tourism leaders gather to exchange ideas, forge connections, and look forward to the opportunities of 2025.

This year’s proceeds will support two impactful charities:

The Good Shepherd Sisters Centre, dedicated to helping vulnerable communities.

Kusa Panyarachun Scholarship, providing opportunities for hotel and tourism students.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

This year’s event is made special by the generous support of: Paulaner Beer, Serenity Wines Asia, Bangkok Vodka, Move Ahead Media, Chalong Bay, and Prunk & Partners.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the holiday season, reconnect with industry peers, and contribute to a brighter future.

Reserve Your Spot Now. Seats are limited—book your tickets online today! For inquiries, contact: secretary@skalbangkok.com or register here.

Celebrate, connect, and contribute this holiday season. Join us for the SKAL-PATA Christmas Charity Luncheon and help spread the joy!

Mark your calendars—this is the holiday event of the year.

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Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, November 24, 204 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism’s Executive Council has met again to jointly advance the transformation of the sector. With the latest UN Tourism Data showing that the sector is on track to reach 96% recovery of pre-pandemic numbers by the end of the year, the 122nd Session of the Executive Council looked to the future, with investments and innovation high on the agenda. The Session welcomed representatives of 47 countries, including 21 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Tourism, alongside key strategic partners from the private sector, civil society and international finance.

Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the example set by Colombia in “betting on tourism” to provide a better future for the country, including for previously-marginalized groups. He said: “Colombia has chosen to invest in tourism, not in weapons or war, and as the only country to have hosted every major UN Tourism event, including two General Assemblies, it is a testament to the power of tourism as a force for change.”

The Secretary-General then presented his report to Members. The report sets out the progress made in advancing the Organization’s work since the Council last met, again with a special emphasis on the shared priorities of investments into tourism, education and accelerating innovation across the sector.

Colombia has chosen to invest in tourism, not in weapons or war, and as the only country to have hosted every major UN Tourism event, including two General Assemblies, it is a testament to the power of tourism as a force for change

Advancing shared goals

In Cartagena, the Members of the Executive Council advanced plans to build a more inclusive, resilient and forward-looking sector, with a focus on:

• Innovation: UN Tourism is the global leader in innovation in the sector. Executive Council Members were given an overview of key achievements in this area, including the continued success of its Challenges and Competitions, designed to identify and support the best new ideas and talent. In Cartagena, the winners of two new competitions, the Green Projects Challenge and the Community Tourism Challenge, were formally announced.
• Investment: In Cartagena, UN Tourism will present its Tourism Doing Business Guidelines: Investing in Colombia. The publication series continues to grow, with a further 28 editions, each focusing on investment opportunities in a specific destination, now planned. Also in Cartagena, UN Tourism will host a landmark Global Forum on Investment and Innovation to conclude the Executive Council meeting.
• Education: Executive Council Members were brought up-to-date with UN Tourism’s leading work in promoting tourism education and training at every level. Key advances include the continued rolling out of the Education Toolkit, designed to help Member States introduce tourism as a subject in high schools, as well as the ongoing success of the UN Tourism Online Academy and the growing global network of International Academies in Association With UN Tourism.

Strengthening strategic partnerships

Within the framework of the 122nd Executive Council, UN Tourism further advanced its work building strong partnerships around shared goals. A special networking session of the UN Tourism Affiliate Members focused on Tourism of the Future: Moving Towards the Sustainable Development Goals, bringing together destinations, private sector leaders and civil society stakeholders.

Best Tourism Villages 2024 announced

During the Executive Council, UN Tourism announced the latest additions to its growing Best Tourism Villages network. For the 2024 edition, a further 55 rural destinations were awarded the title, recognizing their leading work in harnessing the power of tourism to create local opportunities as well as preserving and celebrating natural and cultural heritage.

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Krabi, Thailand, December 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Gabrielle Mendoza, a renowned trainer in restorative yoga and the creator of the Uncovering the Oasis Within concept, has been specially invited to hold classes at Banyan Tree Krabi resort in southern Thailand from December 6 – 15, 2024.

During her 10-day residency as visiting practitioner, Gabrielle will be offering a plethora of mindful and holistic practices, including Vinyasa Yoga, meditation and sound healing, as well as her signature classes of restorative yoga, where one maintains deep breaths and maintains asanas (yoga poses) for longer – a technique accredited with alleviating stress, and helping with sleep, flexibility, and overall wellbeing.

Based in Singapore, Gabrielle says that she “crumbled under the stress of the corporate world” and later only reclaimed her lost self through yoga. She says she now follows her dharma to help others manage stress through the means of mindfulness, meditation, and the discipline of yoga.

Her appearance at Banyan Tree Krabi is another step forward in the hotel’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme, which was initiated in 2021 and allows guests an option to combine a leisure vacation with a tailor-made daily itinerary designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation and spa treatments to Thai boxing and nature trails —  complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations.

The Wellbeing Sanctuary programme is based on Banyan Tree’s own “8 Pillars” principle (Nourishment; Movement; Mindfulness; Rest; Groundedness; Growth; Connection; and Practice).

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was recently singled out by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven most luxurious spas in Thailand. MICHELIN also accredited the hotel with 2 Keys in its inaugural hotel listings for Thailand.

Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 25 km west of the town of Krabi, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort backs into a lush forested national park, and each of the 72 rooms faces westward towards uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea.

Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. An all-villa concept often with private pools, Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 70 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

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Da Nang, Vietnam, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Reflect, Reconnect, and Rejoice is the mantra at TIA Wellness Resort this New Year’s with activities designed to put guests in a blissful state of mind for 2025, while also celebrating the important day. Across the first day of the year and the last day of 2024, the wellbeing-focused property is running a Reflection & Intention Setting Creative Workshop and a Sunrise Meditation, along with offering a festive 6-course New Year’s Eve dinner and the option to celebrate in-villa with a champagne and strawberries package.

TIA’s Reflection & Intention Setting Creative Workshop is an extension of its daily creativity classes that are an essential part of the resort’s wellbeing toolkit. There will be two one hour-long sessions on New Year’s Eve at 2pm and 3pm that are complimentary to all guests. During the session one of the property’s wellness guides will use art as a tool to help each participant celebrate (or let go of) 2024 and set intentions for the year ahead.

Later that evening, in the recently renovated Dining Room, guests can enjoy a six-course dinner with a fully plant-based option available. Seafood lovers will enjoy course items like the freshly-caught broiled lobster tail, and salmon & caviar vol au vents truffle nest. Each dish has also been creatively re-interpreted for vegans and vegetarians, such as a carrot salmon & vegan caviar vol au vents truffle nest, or the beet filet with peri peri and chimichurri sauce instead of the wagyu filet mignon on the regular New Year’s Eve Feast menu. The highlight of both menus is a decadent dessert buffet. Mellow live music will accompany the meal and the dinner seating will run from 6:30pm – 10:30pm. Plant-based menus start from VND 1,400,000 ++ per-person or VND 2,600,000 ++ with organic wine pairing. The regular menu starts at VND 2,200,000 ++ per person or VND 3,400,000 ++ with organic wine pairing.

For those who want to continue the festivities the resort has three options for when the clock strikes midnight: a private in-villa celebration with Taittinger champagne and fresh strawberries (starting at VND 2,090,000 ++ for a 375 ml bottle), an intimate gathering at the Art Lounge with a glass of sparkling wine at midnight, or a complimentary shuttle from TIA to Da Nang at 10pm and a shuttle back at 1am.

The new year starts early at the property with a sunrise meditation season on the beach in front of the resort running from 6am – 6:30am.

TIA Wellness Resort recently landed two coveted spots on the annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler (USA). The property was recognized as the number ten spa resort globally in the ‘Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts in the World’ category and came in at number 17 in the ‘Best Destination Spas in the US & Around the World’ list.

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced that PATA Travel Mart 2025 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 26-28, 2025. This announcement, made by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid during the closing of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024, marks the second consecutive year the event will take place in Bangkok.

PATA Travel Mart has long been a key platform for industry stakeholders to gain firsthand insights into the dynamic Asia Pacific market, establish new relationships, and seize emerging opportunities. To be organised at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the event will feature a one-day conference, a two-day business-to-business travel mart, and numerous networking opportunities. Building on the success of past editions, the event will bring together buyers and sellers from across the region and beyond, with thousands of expected business appointments and a broad representation of destinations across six regions.

Reflecting on the success of PATA Travel Mart 2024, which brought together more than 900 buyers and sellers in Bangkok, Noor remarked, “The Asia Pacific region continues to be a global leader in tourism, both as a major destination and a source of outbound travel. Bangkok, with its rich cultural heritage, spirit of resilience, and innovative edge, captures the essence of this vibrant region, making it an ideal setting for stakeholders to convene, collaborate, and celebrate the myriad opportunities and partnerships shaping the future of tourism.”

He added, “PATA Travel Mart 2025 reaffirms the Association’s commitment to driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and promoting partnerships within the Asia Pacific region—advancing the industry’s reach and impact. We are excited to welcome industry professionals worldwide to PTM 2025 to share their unique offerings, explore new partnerships, and contribute to a thriving tourism landscape.”

As one of Asia Pacific’s most established travel trade shows, PATA Travel Mart 2025 is designed to connect global tourism and travel leaders in an environment dedicated to growth, collaboration, and opportunity. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, explore new market opportunities, and strengthen relationships that drive the industry forward.

Further details about PATA Travel Mart 2025 will be shared in due course.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which include government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as youth members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 31 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 15 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, has been honored with the Businesswomen of the Year 2024 award by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand. This prestigious award is recognition of Mrs. Wallapa’s outstanding business achievements and her role as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs, while underscoring the crucial contribution of women in driving Thailand’s economic and social development.

The award was presented during the 42nd National Chamber of Commerce Seminar to honor women with exceptional achievements, organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand. The event was presided over by Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand. Also in attendance was Khunying Natthika Wattanavekin Angubolkul, Advisor to the Award Selection Committee. The ceremony took place on 23 November 2024, at NICE HALL, Nongnooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited (AWC), said: “I am deeply honored and would like to express my gratitude to the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand for the Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year 2024 award. I would also like to extend my congratulations to all the women entrepreneurs who received this award today. This prestigious recognition serves as an inspiration for all women in business to remain committed to contributing value to industries, society, and the nation, fostering sustainable growth.”

As the founder of AWC, Mrs. Wallapa has exemplified visionary leadership, steering the company through significant milestones. In 2019, she led AWC to its historic listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), achieving largest IPO ever on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the largest IPO globally in the global real estate sector in five years. This milestone marked a proud achievement for AWC, uniting a portfolio of world-class, award-winning projects to promote tourism while contributing to Thailand’s position as a sustainable global tourism destination.

AWC’s commitment to driving industry growth through continuous project development has remained steadfast. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, AWC took every opportunity to care for all stakeholders, including employees, to the fullest extent. Despite the challenging circumstances, the company continued to pursue growth, creating jobs and generating comprehensive value for the economy and society. Under her leadership, AWC’s total asset value increased from over THB 90,000 million in 2019 to more than THB 195,200 million in 2024. AWC remains confident in partnering with government and private sector allies, as well as communities, to achieve strong and sustainable growth.

In addition, Mrs. Wallapa’s visionary approach, encapsulated in AWC’s motto “Building a Better Future,” focuses on driving growth by creating comprehensive value for all stakeholders across the value chain. This vision is implemented through the 3BETTERs framework: Better Planet for environmental strategies, Better People for community sustainability, and Better Prosperity for governance and equitable economic growth. This framework aims to position Thailand as a leading destination for sustainable global tourism. AWC’s commitment has earned international recognition, including being ranked #1 in the Hotels, Resorts, and Cruise Lines Industry by S&P Global and achieving Top 1% in the Sustainability Yearbook 2024 by S&P Global. In 2023, AWC was also invited to join the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) by S&P Global, further solidifying its reputation for excellence in sustainability.

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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprised of WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels, has revealed plans to introduce its  Best Western® brand to the heart of Vietnam’s largest metropolis and commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City.

BWH Hotels has signed an agreement for Best Western Central Home Saigon, a new midscale hotel under construction in a prime location close to the Saigon River in District 13. Situated next to Binh Loi Bridge and Pham Van Dong Boulevard, the hotel is easily accessible from the city and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which is less than 5 km away. Travelers will be located just a short distance from District 1, the home of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic attractions, such as Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more, and has world-class cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

Scheduled to open in June 2026, Best Western Central Home Saigon guests will experience complete comfort, convenience, and connectivity in the 126 rooms and suites, all underpinned by warm, authentic Vietnamese hospitality.

This landmark signing comes just weeks after Best Western was honored with a prestigious “Travel Hall of Fame” award in the TTG Travel Awards 2024, having been named as the “Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” in Asia for more than a decade.

“We are delighted to introduce our award-winning Best Western brand to one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, as known as Saigon. With its prime location just moments from District 1 and excellent transport links to all parts of the city and beyond, this brand-new hotel is set to elevate the midscale sector and attract visitors worldwide. Complementing Caravelle Hotel, a member of WorldHotels Elite and legendary downtown five-star hotel, Best Western Central Home Saigon will enable BWH Hotels to cater to all business and leisure travelers in this major metropolis,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Vietnam is one of BWH Hotels’ key markets, so this signing marks another major milestone in BWH Hotels’ Asian expansion strategy. The company currently operates five hotels and resorts in the country and its portfolio is set to grow exponentially, with multiple new projects in the pipeline set to open their doors in the coming months and years.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand’s culinary community shines brighter than ever, with the announcement of the country’s first recipient of the ultimate accolade of Three Michelin Stars at the Michelin Guide Ceremony Thailand that marks the official release of The Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 edition, and the unveiling of its much-awaited full restaurant selection.

• The 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand showcases a total of 462 dining venues: 1 first-ever Three Michelin Stars, 7 Two Michelin Stars, 28 One Michelin Star, 156 Bib Gourmand, and 270 Michelin Selected.

• The lone addition to the Michelin Green Star list is ‘Baan Tepa’, in recognition of its eco-friendly efforts and community involvement initiatives on sustainable practices.

• Chon Buri makes its debut in the 2025 edition, with 20 entries (5 Bib Gourmand, and 15 Michelin Selected).

The newly released Guide features 462 establishments – with its first-ever Three Michelin Stars (promoted from Two Michelin Stars), 7 Two Michelin Stars (1 promoted from One Michelin Star), 28 One Michelin Star (4 new entries, and 1 promoted from Michelin Selected), 156 Bib Gourmand (20 new entries), and 270 Michelin Selected entries (44 new entries). Among the new additions to the Guide, 20 are from Chon Buri (5 Bib Gourmand, and 15 Michelin Selected entries), the newly covered destination in this eighth local edition.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The Michelin Guides, commented: “With the country’s first-ever ‘Three Michelin Stars’ restaurant, 2025 definitely marks a significant and historic year for Thailand on the international gastronomic map. What’s more, the entire selection celebrates the richness and diversity of Thai cuisine, and highlights Thailand’s gastronomy as an inclusive market that embraces tradition, modernity, and new trends.”

According to Mr. Poullennec, Thailand’s restaurant landscape has seen the continued growth of a new breed of modern Thai restaurants, helmed by young talented Thai chefs – mostly under the age of 35, with international experiences and/or western culinary education – who start up business in their hometown, with a passion to showcase traditional Thai dishes in a modern and sophisticated style, to push contemporary Thai cooking beyond its boundaries.

Moreover, Thailand’s fine-dining scene attracts foreign chefs from all corners of the world, to work, exchange their expertise with local chefs, and train young local teams. The focus on sustainability and local sourcing has also been widely and increasingly seen, with chefs becoming more engaged in sourcing local ingredients and cooperating with small eco-friendly producers. Such momentum inspires local chefs to take the initiative and make their approach with a positive change in the environment.

Michelin Guide Inspectors also found a noticeable number of simple restaurants and small eateries that have passed down recipes from generation to generation, ensuring their authenticity and originality. These types of dining establishments affirm Thailand as a country with exceptionally good food at reasonable prices.

‘Sorn’ made history by receiving Thailand’s first-ever Three Michelin Stars
Sorn – a restaurant with a focus on the art of Southern Thai cuisine that blends tradition with modernity, and refinement with evolution; its perfectly paced menu offering an array of exhilarating flavors, all of which are in perfect harmony –becomes iconic, being the first and only restaurant in Thailand to hold the highest level of Three Michelin Stars.

First making its appearance in The 2019 Michelin Guide Thailand on the One Michelin Star list, Sorn was promoted to Two Michelin Stars in the following year and has maintained this prestigious recognition for five consecutive years. Its being awarded the much-coveted Three Michelin Stars in the 2025 edition is a true mark of excellence, quality, and consistency. Rather than being a detour on the way to a destination, Sorn has now become the destination itself.

‘Côte by Mauro Colagreco’ – the only addition to the Two Michelin Stars list
In The 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, being promoted from the One Michelin Star status to join Baan Tepa, Chef’s Table, Gaa, Mezzaluna, R-Haan, and Sühring on the Two Michelin Stars list is Côte by Mauro Colagreco – a restaurant that brings the essence of Riviera-inspired cuisine to Bangkok, embracing Mediterranean, French and Italian influences, through its seasonal menus based on the finest produce available that day, highlighting dishes that are skillfully crafted and presented using modern techniques.

5 new entries awarded One Michelin Star
Of the 5 new One Michelin Star entries, 4 are newcomers making it into the Guide for the first time, and the other one is promoted from Michelin Selected.

The 4 newcomers awarded One Michelin Star are: AKKEE, a restaurant where bold, regional dishes of classic Thai recipes traditionally prepared in a no-frills kitchen to bring a rustic edge and distinct flavors, are served in an immersive, dimly lit setting; AVANT, a restaurant helmed by a Singaporean chef who combines traditional and modern techniques with meticulous attention to detail; GOAT, a restaurant that cleverly brings together elements of Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisines in a Thai seasonal concept, using herbs grown onsite and ingredients sourced from all over Thailand; and Aulis, a restaurant with a “Chef’s Table” concept, offering the multi-course tasting menu that presents native ingredients, many sourced from Thailand and local grower collaborations. It is noteworthy that among the newcomers, two are located outside of Bangkok: AKKEE in Nonthaburi, and Aulis in Phang-Nga.

The only One Michelin Star laureate promoted from the Michelin Selected category is Coda, a restaurant that celebrates the essence of regional Thai cuisine while incorporating modern techniques to forge a fresh identity, offering a concise, expertly seasoned tasting menu, rife with delicate yet richly layered flavors.

‘Baan Tepa’ – The only addition to the Michelin Green Star list
Joining PRU, Haoma and Jampa in holding of the Michelin Green Star highlighting their commitment to sustainability, is Baan Tepa – a Thai contemporary restaurant. The chef and the team have not only worked hard to be eco-friendly – such as growing herbs and edible flowers in their own garden, sourcing ingredients from eco-friendly producers, composting food waste into fertilizer, and creating zero-waste meals and drinks; but also conducted various community involvement initiatives on sustainable practices. Their dedication to the environment remains strong even in tough times, thus deserving a prestigious recognition for their green efforts.

With this newly-awarded restaurant, The Michelin Guide Thailand selection has a total of 4 Michelin Green Starred establishments.

Four Michelin Guide Special Awards
With its Special Awards, The Michelin Guide shines a light on talented professionals in Michelin-recommended restaurants who raise the gastronomic experience to a higher level. In doing so, they demonstrate how varied and exciting the hospitality industry is to work in.

2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award
The Michelin Guide Young Chef Award recognizes a young chef, who has proven over the past 12 months to have a unique personality and/or an identity in culinary creations. This year, the Young Chef Award, presented by Blancpain, is given to Mr. Sittikorn (Ou) Chantop, the owner-chef of AKKEE. With a passion for traditional Thai cuisine, Mr. Chantop is also bold in utilizing rare ingredients in the menu and clever in menu design. His talent is evidently seen, showcasing true originality with a modern touch. The Michelin Guide Inspectors are pleased to see him bringing traditional Thai recipes into the 21st.

2025 Michelin Guide Opening of the Year Award
The Michelin Guide Opening of the Year Award is given to individuals and teams, for the successful opening of a dining venue over the past 12 months, with
a creative degustation concept and a cuisine approach which has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene. This year’s award, presented by UOB, is bestowed to Mr. Dimitrios Moudios, the co-owner chef of Ōre. Opened in early 2024, Ōre offers an exclusively minimalist ambiance and an unforgettable dining experience through its 30-course creative menu that are incorporated with fermented and rare ingredients, executed by various cooking techniques, and results in unique flavors.

2025 Michelin Guide Service Award
The Michelin Guide Service Award aims to highlight and encourage skilled and talented professionals who dramatically enhance the customer experience. This year’s Michelin Guide Service Award, presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is given to Mrs. Yupa (Ying) Sukkasem, the restaurant manager at Baan Tepa. With 6 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, she provides professional yet thoughtful service. Her engagement and her team’s service brought Michelin Guide Inspectors memorable and pleasant nights.

2025 Michelin Guide Sommelier Award
The Michelin Guide Sommelier Award recognizes the skills, knowledge, and passion of talented sommeliers in the industry. This year’s Sommelier Award is bestowed to Mr. Thansith Wasinonth from Côte by Mauro Colagreco. Engaging in this domain for 4 years in Capella Bangkok, Mr. Wasinonth shows his passion and profession in wine service. His confident yet humble approach to wine recommendation ensures diners an enjoyable gastronomic journey with wine.

The Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 at a Glance:

1 Three Michelin Star (promoted from Two Michelin Star)

7 Two Michelin Star (1 promoted from One Michelin Star)

28 One Michelin Star (4 new, 1 promoted from Michelin Selected)
4 Michelin Green Star (1 new)

156 Bib Gourmand (20 new)
270 Michelin Selected (44 new)

About Michelin
Michelin is developing world-leading manufacturing of composites and experiences that transform our everyday lives. A pioneer in the science of materials for over 130 years, Michelin relies on unique expertise to make a significant contribution to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Thanks to its unequalled mastery of polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating in order to produce high quality tires and critical components for demanding sectors such as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.

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