Home Blog Page 1142

Thailand welcomes 2026 with countdown celebrations anchored by Phayao and Su-ngai Kolok

Tourism Authority of Thailand spotlights two flagship regional events alongside celebrations across Bangkok and key provincial destinations to mark the New Year

BANGKOK, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thailand is welcoming the arrival of 2026 with a nationwide programme of countdown celebrations, anchored by two flagship events organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Phayao and Su-ngai Kolok, alongside a series of TAT-supported festivities across Bangkok and major destinations nationwide.

Thailand is set to welcome 2026 with nationwide countdown celebrations anchored by flagship events in Phayao and Su-ngai Kolok, alongside TAT-supported festivities across Bangkok and key destinations nationwide.
Thailand is set to welcome 2026 with nationwide countdown celebrations anchored by flagship events in Phayao and Su-ngai Kolok, alongside TAT-supported festivities across Bangkok and key destinations nationwide.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The two flagship events organised by TAT in Phayao and Su-ngai Kolok represent a strategic focus on showcasing regional identity through meaningful, high-quality celebrations. These events are complemented by strong public–private collaboration in Bangkok and other provinces, creating a nationwide countdown atmosphere that invites visitors to experience Thailand’s diversity at the turn of the year. The combined programme reinforces confidence in Thailand as a welcoming, creative and culturally rich destination as the country enters 2026.”

In northern Thailand, Amazing Thailand Phayao Countdown Flora Fest 2026 will take place from 28–31 December 2025 at Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Monument Plaza and around Kwan Phayao. Paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, the event is designed to introduce new experiential formats while elevating Phayao as an emerging global destination recognised for its cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm local hospitality. The four-day programme features large-scale lighting and installation displays and floral art exhibition zones, complemented by drone performances from 29–31 December and a grand New Year’s Eve fireworks display on 31 December. The celebrations will culminate in a high-profile countdown evening marked by ceremonial proceedings and VIP attendance, reinforcing the event’s stature as one of Thailand’s most visually spectacular year-end celebrations.

In Thailand’s deep South, Amazing Thailand Su-ngai Kolok Countdown 2026 will be staged from 28–31 December 2025 at Sirindhorn Public Park, Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat. The event highlights the cultural richness and contemporary creative energy of the border region through decorative lighting, live concerts by nationally recognised artists and performances rooted in local traditions. Each evening presents a curated mix of cultural showcases and contemporary music, building towards the New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks display shortly before midnight. The official countdown ceremony, attended by senior representatives from Thailand and neighbouring Malaysia, underscores Su-ngai Kolok’s role as a cross-border cultural and tourism gateway.

Beyond these two core events, TAT is also supporting a wide range of Thailand countdown celebrations 2026 that reinforce the country’s position as one of Asia’s leading festive destinations.

In Bangkok, the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 at ICONSIAM from 27–31 December features four-dimensional sky performances combining environmentally friendly fireworks, drones, and pyrotechnics over the Chao Phraya River, alongside appearances by global and Thai iconic artists, including a special performance by Mark Tuan. One Bangkok Countdown Celebration 2026 on 31 December presents a new urban landmark with live performances by internationally renowned Korean artists, immersive light-and-sound shows and a central city countdown experience. CentralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2026 on 31 December continues its role as the “Times Square of Asia with headline concerts, special performances and a landmark fireworks display. NEON Countdown 2026 at Rajamangala National Stadium on 30–31 December delivers a large-scale EDM experience featuring top-ranked global DJs, transforming the stadium into a high-energy New Year party destination. Extravaganza Sukhumvit Countdown 2026 on 31 December creates a first-of-its-kind urban spectacle, with coordinated fireworks launched across more than five kilometres of Sukhumvit Road around the EM District, uniting retail, hospitality and entertainment districts into a single countdown corridor.

Provincial destinations are also marking the New Year with distinctive local celebrations that strengthen regional tourism appeal. Hat Yai New Year 2026, held at Thumnoonvithi Road (Odeon Intersection) in Hat Yai, Songkhla, on 30–31 December, combines live music, cultural performances and a city-centre countdown celebrating the revival of southern Thailand’s key tourism hub. Hua Hin Countdown 2026, taking place at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort on 31 December, offers a beachfront New Year experience with live DJs, fireworks and family-friendly activities, positioning Hua Hin as a relaxed yet festive coastal destination. Udon Countdown 2026, staged at UD TOWN in Udon Thani on 31 December, features live entertainment, decorative lighting, food zones and a midnight fireworks countdown, supporting year-end travel and local economic activity in the Northeast.

All events are scheduled to take place between 27 and 31 December 2025, with New Year’s Eve countdowns and fireworks marking the transition into 2026 across the country. A full listing of countdown events nationwide is available at the Thailand events calendar for Countdown 2026.

As part of the nationwide countdown programme, comprehensive safety and security measures have been put in place to ensure a safe, orderly and enjoyable experience for visitors. The Royal Thai Police are deploying personnel, vehicles and modern security technologies to support event operations across the country, while the Tourist Police are fully prepared to assist travellers and manage crowd movement at key celebration sites.

Finding Her Flag: Lao-American Golfer Malisone Chanthapanya’s First Swing for Laos

Finding Her Flag: Lao-American Golfer Mali Chathapanya’s First Swing for Laos
Malisone swinging her golf club during her training in Laos (photo credit: Thongsavnh Souvannasane)

Malisone Chanthapanya, a 22-year-old Lao-American golfer, was selected to represent Laos professionally at the SEA Games this year, marking both her first appearance at the regional multi-sport event and her first visit to the country.

Soul App Releases 2026 Gen Z Social Trends Report: “AI Spiritual Shareholder” Becomes Key Trend in Gen Z Social Landscape

SHANGHAI, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AI-powered social platform Soul App, in collaboration with the Communication and State Governance Research Center at Fudan University and the Value Cognition Communication and Human-AI Collaborative Governance Cross-Innovation Team at Fudan University, today released the “2026 Gen Z Social Trends Report” (“the Report”).

The Report, themed “Finding a Life Partner,” summarizes the social behaviours and conceptual shifts of contemporary young people into ten keywords. “AI Spiritual Shareholder,” identified as one of the top ten trends for 2026, indicates that AI will evolve from a mere tool into a profound partner for personal growth.

“AI Spiritual Shareholder” Redefines Personal Growth

Based on multi-modal content trends on Soul and analysis of 9,812 valid questionnaires, the Report highlights that with the rapid advancement of AI technology, Gen Z’s understanding and expectations of AI are shifting from “an external tool for problem-solving” to “an internal companion for self-growth.” They are no longer satisfied with merely obtaining answers. Instead, they have come to recognize their true “selves” through interactions with AI. Today, a growing number of young people genuinely believe, “AI has made me a better person.”

Moreover, individuals with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) may be among the greatest beneficiaries of the AI era. When young people label themselves with #ADHD, it does not necessarily refer to clinically diagnosed attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder, but rather reflects a state of diverse interests, divergent thinking, and a rejection of linear thought processes. With the advancement of AI technology, the “instant inspirations” of the younger generation are being captured, expanded, and provided with structured support by AI, ultimately opening up endless possibilities.

Among interviewees who have interacted with AI on Soul, 57.0% indicated that “self-actualization” is the dimension from which they hold the highest expectations. They hope that through in-depth interaction with AI, they can “better understand themselves, explore, and become a version of themselves they prefer.” Notably, the higher the frequency of interaction with AI, the greater the proportion of users expecting AI to empower their “self-actualization.” On Soul, among those who engage with AI daily, this proportion reaches as high as 77.3%.

This transformation has given rise to the concept of “AI Spiritual Shareholder.” AI, through its superior analytical capabilities, logical reasoning, and insights into vast data, serves an invisible yet profoundly influential role as a “spiritual” guide in users’ self-exploration and decision-making processes.

The Report also notes that AI can be viewed as a new type of social support system, enabling young people to safely practice emotional expression, sort out self-cognition, accumulate emotional energy, and gain the courage for inward exploration and outward connection. This is reflected in a similar finding from Soul’s “2025 Report on AI Usage Behavior and Mindset Insights Among College Students”(3,129 valid questionnaires), released in September this year: 62.7% of respondents stated they use AI to assist in real-life social interactions, with the most popular application scenarios including “communication skills” (41.9%) and “gift selection” (39.3%).

Other Key Social Trends for 2026

In addition to “AI Spiritual Shareholder,” the Report identified nine other keywords: “SoulManyShips,” “Everything is a Problem to Solve,” “Re-parenting Parents,” “Love Yourself Like a Friend,” “Commute-style Healing,” “Digital Detox,” “Effective Effort,” “Being a Live Human,” and “Heroism of Ordinary People.” These key terms collectively sketch a social portrait of the younger generation in pursuit of freedom, sincerity, and meaningful engagement.

MINISO Brings Christmas Cheer to Bangkok’s Siam Square with YOYO and Signature Characters, Closing Out a Standout Year in Thailand

BANGKOK, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This Christmas, MINISO is bringing YOYO and a lineup of its popular characters to Bangkok’s Siam Square, creating a festive seasonal setting and marking the close of a strong year for the brand in Thailand. A series of Christmas-themed installations will remain in place across Siam Square’s pedestrian streets and at Thailand’s first MINISO LAND through the holiday period, running until January 4, 2026.  

MINISO and its proprietary IP YOYO bringing Christmas spirit to Siam Square, Bangkok
MINISO and its proprietary IP YOYO bringing Christmas spirit to Siam Square, Bangkok

Christmas in Thailand may come without snow, but this year, MINISO brings festive cheer to the heart of Bangkok. Its signature characters—YOYO, the Gift Bear, and DUNDUN—headline a 10-day holiday installation anchored by a 60-meter-long Christmas promenade. Featuring five themed photo spots, the route leads visitors from Siam Square to MINISO LAND, ending at a Christmas tree marked by MINISO’s iconic red wink. Inside the store, seasonal displays, limited-edition gifts, and wish cards await.

MINISO LAND at Siam Square with Christmas tree at entrance
MINISO LAND at Siam Square with Christmas tree at entrance

MINISO LAND in Siam Square marks the company’s first overseas debut of its new experiential store format. Opened in October, the store features a redesigned storefront and highlights the Zootopia product lineup. Since launch, it has drawn strong foot traffic from both local shoppers and tourists. The opening reinforced MINISO’s presence in Thailand, while the brand awareness built earlier in the year positioned the store as a natural hub for year-end holiday activations. Through immersive design, curated assortments, and campaign-led execution, MINISO continues to elevate the in-store experience for Thai consumers.

MINISO’s Gift Bear plush in Christmas edition
MINISO’s Gift Bear plush in Christmas edition

A Year of Joy: Retail Expansion and Brand Activity

Throughout 2025, MINISO continued to expand its retail footprint and delight Thai consumers with a combination of new stores, exclusive product launches and immersive brand experiences. The year kicked off in January with the opening of the brand’s first flagship store at Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok, and coincided with Thailand’s debut of MINISO’s Harry Potter merchandise collection.

MINISO store at Asiatique The Riverfront, Bangkok
MINISO store at Asiatique The Riverfront, Bangkok

In the following months, MINISO introduced multiple newly refreshed and flagship stores in key Bangkok locations, including Megabangna Mall, MBK Center, and The Mall LifeStore Bangkapi. Each opening showcased IP-themed products, and immersive displays, drawing strong foot traffic and social media buzz. The May launch at The Mall LifeStore Bangkapi marked the overseas debut of the Stitch GenZ Street Series vinyl plush, generating high shopper interest.

MINISO store at The Mall LifeStore Bangkapi, Bangkok
MINISO store at The Mall LifeStore Bangkapi, Bangkok

Beyond Bangkok, MINISO strengthened its presence in northern Thailand by establishing stores across key commercial destinations in Chiang Mai, including Central Festival Chiangmai, Central Chiangmai Airport, and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center. The expansion reflects the brand’s focus on delivering an elevated and refined store experience, while steadily extending its presence across Thailand.

MINISO store at Central WestGate
MINISO store at Central WestGate

MINISO’s growth strategy also emphasized engaging local consumers through popular IP collaborations. Throughout the year, the brand introduced over 15 new IP collections in Thailand—including Zootopia, Stitch, Harry Potter, and One Piece—alongside more than 5,000 new products.

By combining retail expansion with engaging retail experiences and campaigns, MINISO has positioned its stores as vibrant destinations for Thai consumers. The Christmas and New Year program, anchored by MINISO LAND and a festive promenade in central Bangkok, further strengthened the brand’s visibility and engagement during the holiday season, setting the stage for continued growth in 2026.

 

Luang Namtha Welcomes Nearly 1.3 Million Tourists in 2025, Surpassing Expectations

Kayaking in nothern Laos ' Laung Namtha Province. ({Photo credit: Luang Namtha News)

Luang Namtha Province has marked a successful year for tourism in 2025, welcoming a total of 1,290,192 visitors both international and domestic, an increase of 2.86 percent compared to the same period of 2024.

Somsawat Namintha, Deputy Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Luang Namtha Province, reported that among these visitors, 970,760 tourists entered via international checkpoints and 136,410 via the Laos-China Railway.

A major factor driving the province’s rise in tourist numbers was a series of vibrant cultural festivals. 

These included the Akha Swing Festival, Hmong New Year, Rocket Festival, and Boat Racing Festivals in Nalae and Viengphoukha districts, which drew both domestic and international visitors and generated over USD 40 million in revenue.

Key highlights of 2025 also featured the Forest Trekking and Boat Trip Festival in the Nam Ha National Protected Area, which promoted sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. In addition, Luang Namtha enhanced its international profile by participating as the “City of Charm” at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo 2025 in Nanning, China, in September.

In addition, the province earned two ASEAN-standard awards for excellence in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) and public sanitation. Strategic projects included designating the Luang Namtha Paddy Fields as a cultural and tourism site.

Currently, Luang Namtha has 433 tourism business units, with total investment exceeding LAK 504 billion (about USD 23 million ). Provincial authorities have focused on inspecting and regulating services, particularly improving the central provincial market and ensuring compliance with standards to guarantee service quality.

Looking ahead, the province aims to attract 1,441,568 visitors in 2026, generating around USD 45 million in revenue, while continuing to enhance sustainable tourism development.

Asian Development Bank Approves Funds for Forestry Restoration Project in Laos

Forest Landscapes and Local Livelihoods in Lao PDR - (Picture by AllTrails)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 10 million in funding for the Responsible Forestry Project Phase I in Laos. The package includes a USD 5 million concessional loan from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and a USD 5 million grant.

The project aims to tackle forest degradation, enhance climate resilience, and support the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities in Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Vientiane Capital.

ADB emphasized that public funding alone is insufficient to reverse the damage, highlighting the need for increased private investment in forest restoration, tree planting, and conservation-focused ecotourism.

Phase I will focus on identifying existing challenges and preparing technical and feasibility studies for Phase II. It will also promote collaboration among relevant stakeholders to develop commercial plantations and conservation initiatives.

The project is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and create opportunities for local communities to participate in forestry activities while benefiting economically from sustainable forest management.

Forests cover approximately 62 percent of Laos and provide employment for more than 65 percent of the workforce. However, unsustainable practices have caused widespread degradation, resulting in economic losses estimated at nearly 19 percent of the country’s gross domestic product each year.

Laos Section of Laos-China 500kV Power Interconnection Reaches 80 Percent Completion

This photo is used for representational purpose only.

The Lao section of the Laos-China 500-kilovolt (kV) power interconnection project has reached 80 percent completion, one of the country’s most important cross-border energy infrastructure projects in northern Laos.

Vilaxay Xayluangsy, a technical officer from Electricité du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T) under the Construction Department, confirmed the milestone during an interview with Lao state media on 19 December at Namor 3 Power Station in Namor district, Oudomxay Province.

The project is being developed in two phases. EDL-T is responsible for the Lao section, while China Southern Power Grid (CSG) manages the Chinese section, which includes a 145-kilometer, 500kV transmission line from Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture to the Lao border.

This interconnection is expected to support major renewable energy developments in northern Laos, including the 1,000-megawatt solar power project in Oudomxay Province, which was inaugurated on 13 December. Phase I of the solar facility is projected to generate 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours annually, with electricity transmitted to China’s Yunnan Province through the new interconnection.

Beyond these bilateral benefits, the project will enhance power system stability, facilitate clean energy exports, and strengthen Laos’ electricity connections with neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Once completed, the Lao government said the Laos-China 500kV interconnection will be a cornerstone in its plan to position the country as a regional clean energy hub in the Lancang-Mekong region.

Project Background

Construction of the Lao section began in late February 2025, following an official launch ceremony in Vientiane Capital. The project is expected to be completed by April 2026, with full operations scheduled to commence later that year.

The Lao section encompasses Oudomxay and Luang Namtha provinces and includes construction of a new 500kV substation in Namor district. 

This substation will connect to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, China, via a 183.5-kilometer cross-border transmission line.

Once operational, the interconnection will enable two-way power assistance of up to 1.5 million kilowatts and facilitate transmission of approximately 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to power millions of households for an entire year.

Georgian Railway Modernization Project Officially Put into Operation, Adding a New Highlight to the Belt And Road Initiative

TBILISI, Georgia, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 25th, Beijing time, Georgian Railway Modernization Project constructed by China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co., Ltd., is officially put into operation. After 13 years of hard work, this major achievement of ChinaGeorgia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has injected strong impetus into the transportation upgrade and economic development of Georgia, and also demonstrated the outstanding capabilities of Chinese infrastructure enterprises in the overseas railway market.

Georgian Railway Modernization Project Officially Put into Operation, Adding a New Highlight to the Belt And Road Initiative
Georgian Railway Modernization Project Officially Put into Operation, Adding a New Highlight to the Belt And Road Initiative

The railway is located in central Georgia, starting from the city of Zestaponi and ending in the city of Khashuri, with a total length of 43.911 kilometers. It serves as the “main artery” for transportation between the east and west of the country. The project involves the upgrading and renovation of existing lines as well as the construction of new ones, covering multiple fields such as line design, civil engineering construction, power supply, communication systems, and station facilities. The construction was particularly challenging due to the complex geological conditions, with key tasks such as tunnel excavation, high slope embankment protection, and bridge beam installation all faced with significant obstacles. The construction team of China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co., Ltd. adopted a “lean and efficient” management model, flexibly adjusted the construction plans, deepened cooperation with local enterprises, and relied on technological innovation to overcome a series of technical difficulties. They strictly adhered to safety standards throughout the process to ensure the smooth progress of the project.

During the construction period, the project management actively fulfilled its social responsibilities, providing employment for approximately 1,000 local workers. This not only has helped local people increase their income but also enabled them to acquire professional skills through technical training, which allows them to participate in and witness the development and changes of their hometowns.

This project is the largest railway project newly built and successfully put into operation in Georgia. As an important part of the “Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor”, the official operation of the project is of great significance for enhancing the overall transportation capacity of Georgian railways, promoting logistics transportation between China and Europe, and driving regional economic development. The average travel efficiency from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to the western Black Sea port thus will increase by 37%, and the annual freight capacity will double. This will not only promote the industrial upgrading of Georgia and the development of the regions along the line but also strengthen the trade connection and cooperation with neighboring countries.