Five Days of Global-Scale Festivities Along the Chao Phraya River

Bangkok’s ICONSIAM will once again serve as the stage for the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026,” running from 27 to 31 December 2025. The five-day celebration will feature large-scale performances and immersive entertainment along the Chao Phraya Riverfront.

Held under the theme “A Global Phenomenal Celebration at the ICON Unrivaled,” this year’s event pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Visitors can expect cutting-edge drone displays, 4D sky performances, and environmentally conscious fireworks designed to deliver a visually striking yet sustainable celebration.

More than 200 artists from Thailand and abroad are scheduled to perform throughout the event, offering a wide range of musical styles. Highlights include pop-focused showcases on 27 December and high-energy dance performances on 28 December.

A major highlight will be the return of international artist Mark Tuan to the ICONSIAM stage, alongside special collaborations with leading Thai performers. As one of Thailand’s largest countdown events, the celebration aims to unite global energy with Thai cultural spirit as the country welcomes 2026.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.

The Thai Prime Minister’s Office announced on 21 December that Thailand secured a total of 499 medals, including a record-breaking 233 gold medals, at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 2025) held in Bangkok. The multi-sport event concluded on 20 December with Thailand dominating the medal standings.

Thailand’s gold medal tally surpassed the previous SEA Games record of 205 golds set by Vietnam in 2021, marking the highest number in the history of the Games. This achievement also extended Thailand’s streak as the top gold medal-winning nation to 14 consecutive editions. The overall medal count comprised 233 gold, 154 silver, and 112 bronze medals.

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Aiyarin Panrit, the economic impact of hosting the Games is estimated to exceed 1.2 trillion baht, or approximately 60 billion yen. This figure includes direct spending related to event operations as well as broader effects on tourism, services, and related industries, representing one of the highest economic returns among international sporting events held in Thailand.

The government also highlighted the strong nationwide support from Thai fans, both at competition venues and across the country, noting that the enthusiastic atmosphere left a lasting impression on athletes and visitors from other nations. Beyond sporting success, the Games were seen as an opportunity to showcase Thailand’s culture, hospitality, and soft power, reinforcing a sense of unity and friendship within the ASEAN region.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.

As of 22 December 2025, 13:00 hrs. GMT+7

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that travel and tourism activities throughout Thailand continue as normal. However, enhanced security measures remain in place in certain eastern and northeastern provinces located along the Thailand–Cambodia border.

The affected areas include Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. In Trat Province, previously imposed curfew measures in several districts were lifted on 16 December following improved stability, allowing daily activities and services to resume as usual.

Martial law and curfew regulations remain in effect in selected districts of Chanthaburi and Sa Kaeo provinces. The curfew, enforced from 19:00 to 05:00, will remain in place until further notice to ensure public safety in border areas.

Nationwide transportation services—including air, rail, bus, and marine travel—are operating normally. Major destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, and Ayutthaya continue to welcome visitors without disruption. Temporary adjustments, however, are in place for certain rail and bus routes serving border regions.

Travellers are advised to avoid restricted zones and checkpoints near the border and to follow guidance issued by local authorities. For official travel information and assistance, visitors may contact the TAT Call Centre at 1672 or the Tourist Police Hotline at 1155, available 24 hours a day.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.

Euromonitor Index Highlights Strong Global Demand

Bangkok has been ranked as the world’s most visited city in 2025, according to the latest Top 100 City Destinations Index released by Euromonitor International. The Thai capital recorded approximately 30.3 million international arrivals during the year, the highest figure among all global cities.

The ranking places Bangkok ahead of other major destinations such as Hong Kong and London, reflecting its broad appeal across tourism, culture, gastronomy, and urban lifestyle. Euromonitor’s index evaluates cities using more than 50 indicators, including tourism performance, infrastructure, health and safety, sustainability, and economic activity.

Thailand’s Tourism Authority noted that the result underscores the city’s focus on value-driven tourism, longer visitor stays, and high-quality travel experiences rather than volume alone. Bangkok’s diverse offerings—from historic temples and riverside districts to modern shopping areas and renowned food scenes—continue to attract travelers year-round.

Euromonitor’s analysis also points to a global shift toward sustainable urban tourism. Despite economic uncertainty and growing competition among travel hubs, Bangkok has maintained its leading position, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most resilient and competitive tourism destinations.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.

Euromonitor data highlights continued global appeal

Bangkok has claimed the top position as the world’s most visited city in 2025, according to the latest Top 100 City Destinations Index released by Euromonitor International. The Thai capital recorded approximately 30.3 million international arrivals, securing first place globally.

The ranking placed Bangkok ahead of Hong Kong, which welcomed 23.2 million visitors, and London with 22.7 million. Other cities in the top ten included Macau, Istanbul, Dubai, Mecca, Antalya, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur, underscoring intense competition among major international travel hubs.

Bangkok’s sustained popularity is attributed to its diverse offerings, ranging from renowned street food and cultural landmarks to expansive shopping areas and a vibrant nightlife. Ongoing national tourism campaigns have also contributed to consistent visitor numbers throughout the year.

Euromonitor’s annual index tracks international arrivals across global cities to identify travel trends and shifting demand patterns. Bangkok’s leading position in the 2025 ranking reaffirms its status as one of the world’s most attractive and resilient tourism destinations.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.

TAT expands five-day heritage event with immersive light and community experiences

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that the Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade will be repositioned as an international cultural festival, taking place from 20 to 24 December 2025 in Tha Rae Municipality, Sakon Nakhon Province. The event forms part of the Signature Event Thailand initiative, aimed at showcasing distinctive local traditions to global audiences.

With a history spanning more than a century, the Christmas Star Parade is one of Northeastern Thailand’s most unique Christian celebrations. Inspired by the Star of Bethlehem, the procession reflects a deep-rooted blend of faith, craftsmanship, and community identity that has been preserved and reinterpreted across generations.

For the 2025 edition, TAT is introducing enhanced creative elements, including immersive lighting installations at key heritage sites such as the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel, as well as drone performances, interactive photo zones, and hands-on cultural workshops. These additions are designed to enrich visitor engagement while maintaining the festival’s spiritual foundations.

The main highlight will take place on the evening of 23 December, when illuminated star floats parade through the town in a large-scale procession, accompanied by live performances and a special drone light show. Through this expanded format, TAT aims to strengthen international awareness of Thailand’s cultural diversity while supporting sustainable tourism and local community participation.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.

Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) announced on 15 December 2025 that it has approved the official election management plan following the dissolution of the House of Representatives, which took effect on 12 December. Preparations for the upcoming general election are now moving forward.

According to the plan, nationwide voting will take place on Sunday, 8 February 2026. Advance voting is scheduled for Sunday, 1 February 2026, covering both in-constituency and out-of-constituency voters, as well as special voting arrangements for elderly voters and persons with disabilities.

Candidate registration for constituency-based seats will be open from 27 to 31 December 2025. Registration for party-list candidates and the submission of prime ministerial nominee lists by political parties will take place from 28 to 31 December 2025 at a designated government complex in Bangkok.

Voters wishing to register for advance voting may do so between 20 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Separate periods have also been designated for notifying authorities of an inability to vote. The Election Commission stated that further details and updates will be made available through its official website and public information channels.

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If you are planning to visit the Phra Khanong area in Bangkok, consider experiencing a premium full service massage at 101 Premier Massage, conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong Station.