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Thailand Postpones Tourism Tax Again, Now Unlikely Before 2026

Thailand Postpones Tourist Tax Again, Now Unlikely Before 2026. (Image for representational purposes only). (Photo credit: bady abbas on Unsplash)

Thailand’s long-anticipated “Tourism tax,” often referred to as the “land entry tax,” has been delayed once again, with officials now targeting the second or third quarter of 2026 for implementation.

On 14 July, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Jakraphon Tangsutthitham announced that 2025 would not be an appropriate time to begin collecting the THB 300 (approx. USD 9.26)  fee, citing “uncontrollable external factors” affecting the tourism industry.

The deputy minister emphasized that the timeline requires adjustment, with the Ministry planning to closely monitor international tourist demand during the high season quarters of 2025 before making any final decisions.

A Four-Year Journey of Delays, Reversals

The tourist entry fee concept originated in 2021 during the era of then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, when the National Tourism Policy Committee approved a THB 300 (approx. USD 9.26) charge per person, initially scheduled to begin in 2022. 

The proposal faced immediate turbulence when Yuthasak Supasorn, then-governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, unexpectedly suggested increasing the fee to THB 500 (approx. USD 15.43) in October 2021. This higher rate was quickly abandoned following strong opposition from tourism operators.

The fee collection experienced multiple postponements throughout 2022 and 2023, with deadlines shifting from the original April 2022 launch to late 2022, then early 2023, and subsequently to June 2023. 

Despite Cabinet approval on 14 February 2023, implementation was delayed again to September 2023. As that deadline approached, uncertainty persisted, with TAT officials speculating the fee would not begin until 2024.

Political Changes and Policy Reversals

In June 2024, then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the plan would be scrapped entirely. His administration cited the importance of boosting tourist arrivals and easing post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Later that year, the new administration under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong revived the proposal. 

In March 2025, officials confirmed plans to introduce the tourists fee by the end of the year, in conjunction with the rollout of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a new electronic system designed to streamline immigration procedures and facilitate fee collection.

The TDAC system officially launched on 1 May.

Under the revised plan, once officially endorsed through publication in the Royal Gazette, all foreign tourists arriving by air would pay a fee of THB 300 (approx. USD 9.26), while those arriving by land or sea would pay THB 150 (approx. USD 4.63). 

Land and sea travelers would be granted multiple entries within a 30-60 day window, and the fee was also expected to include basic insurance coverage during their stay.

Current Status and Future

As of mid-2025, Thailand has not implemented any tourist entry fee, and foreign travelers continue to enter the country without additional charges beyond standard visa and immigration requirements. 

The policy remains under review by Tourism Minister Surawong Thienthong, with the Ministry maintaining that external factors necessitate the continued delay.

Youthful Narrative Bridges Traditional Chinese Medicine to Global Audience

LIAOCHENG, China, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amidst global challenges in chronic disease prevention and health management, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)’s core principles of “preventive treatment of disease” (zhi wei bing, 治未病) and “harmony between humanity and nature” (tian ren he yi, 天人合一) are gaining international attention. The TCM cultural program The Young TCM Masters, co-produced by Dong-E-E-Jiao Co., Ltd, Shandong Radio and TV station, and Tencent Video, has achieved 5 billion online impressions through its innovative youth-oriented narrative.

The program dismantles cultural barriers through diverse international participation. Contributors including Italian travel blogger Alessio, French musician Aili, and Japanese guest Ichinose engaged in authentic TCM practices ranging from acupuncture to herbal processing. “This helped me understand TCM extends beyond therapy into life philosophy,” Alessio reflected during filming. Chinese and foreign participants jointly visited historical sites like the hometown of medical sage Zhang Zhongjing, conducting multilingual discussions on contemporary health applications.

To enhance accessibility, the production employs creative formats including “blind-box exploration” with team missions to boost interactivity, scenario-based dramas demonstrating herbal knowledge from the Compendium of Materia Medica, and debate sessions addressing globally relevant health concerns such as insomnia management and emotional regulation. Related social media campaigns like #Late-Night Recovery Guide generated widespread discussion, transforming classical wisdom into modern solutions.

The production underscores TCM’s universal applicability through its preventive approach that aligns with World Health Organization health promotion objectives, while demonstrated techniques like emotional regulation that address contemporary general health needs.

At the industry level, Chinese heritage brand Dong-E-E-Jiao demonstrates a  “culture + industry” two-wheel driving model through integrating traditional formulations like Fufang E’jiao Syrup Liquid(fu fang e jiao jiang, 复方阿胶浆) into modern wellness contexts and establishing crossover collaborations with contemporary tea brands, which developed a practical model for the innovative transformation of traditional culture.

China’s National Radio and Television Administration experts acknowledged the program’s success in “building dialogue between youth and traditional culture,” while People’s Daily recognized it provides important experience for the modern dissemination of traditional culture. Expansion plans include broadcasting through Hong Kong’s TVB network to reach wider audiences, with Dong-E-E-Jiao’s international project “The Healing Path,” currently in preparation for filming, aims to further deepen cross-cultural communication on a global scale.

As French participant Aili observed, “This experience transcends cultural differences, revealing traditional medicine’s potential in solving modern health challenges” – affirming how TCM’s millennia-old wisdom, conveyed through youthful expression, advances as a vital component of humanity’s shared health future.

BingX Joins Fans Worldwide in Celebrating Chelsea FC’s World Championship Victory

PANAMA CITY, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 AI company, proudly congratulates Chelsea Football Club for their historic victory in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. As the club’s official crypto exchange partner, BingX joins millions of fans around the world in celebrating this defining moment.

BingX Joins Fans Worldwide in Celebrating Chelsea FC's World Championship Victory
BingX Joins Fans Worldwide in Celebrating Chelsea FC’s World Championship Victory

To mark the occasion, BingX is launching a global campaign designed to unite fans and users worldwide in celebration. The campaign invites the global community to take part in this statement win, with every participant guaranteed a reward. Highlights include limited-edition Chelsea training kits, matchday experiences, and exclusive trading incentives. This initiative brings together the BingX and Chelsea communities in honoring this unforgettable achievement.

Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer of BingX, shared her reflections: “At BingX, we believe success is built on trust, resilience, and innovation — values Chelsea embodies on and off the pitch. Their victory is not only a win for the club but also for every fan who believed in the journey. As their official crypto exchange partner, we are proud to stand with Chelsea as they reach new heights — and we will continue innovating to ensure our users win alongside us.”

The partnership between BingX and Chelsea FC began in 2024, at a time when both brands were entering pivotal phases of growth. Chelsea, in the midst of rebuilding with a youthful squad, was focused on a long-term vision for success. BingX, an emerging player in a competitive crypto landscape, made its mark through user-first innovation, industry-defining AI tools, and an unwavering commitment to trust and transparency.

As part of the ongoing partnership, BingX proudly unveiled the official 2025/26 Chelsea FC men’s training kit earlier this summer, launching the new season under the shared campaign theme: Trained on Greatness. This collaboration reflects a strategic alignment between two high-performance brands that value belief, discipline, and forward-looking growth. United by a common mindset, BingX and Chelsea continue to push boundaries at the intersection of sport and Web3.

About BingX 

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3 AI company, serving a global community of over 20 million users. With a comprehensive suite of AI-powered products and services, including derivatives, spot trading, and copy trading, BingX caters to the evolving needs of users across all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Committed to building a trustworthy and intelligent trading platform, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance and confidence. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports sponsorship.

For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/

Zhejiang Historical Classic Industries Successfully Held at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, Displaying the Innovative Posture of Cultural Heritage

OSAKA, Japan, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 12, 2025, the Zhejiang Week Exhibition of the Zhejiang Historical Classic Industries was successfully held at the China Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan. The exhibition was organized by the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, co-sponsored by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhejiang Provincial Committee (CCPIT Zhejiang), Economy and Information Technology Department of Zhejiang Province, and Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group. With the theme “Eternal Ten Thousand Years • Jade-Hued Jiangnan“, the exhibition presents landscape culture and historical classic industries of Zhejiang in a three-dimensional way.

Historical classic industries are important carriers of Chinese culture. Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province attach great importance to the development of historical classic industries, and have officially designated 13 items, namely, tea, silk, traditional Chinese medicine, rice wine, wenfang (writing brushes, ink stone, paper and ink slab), wood carving, root carving, stone carving, celadon, swords, pearls, ham, and metal carvings.

Featuring full representation, heritage and artistry, the exhibition’s “Top Craftsmen’s Masterpiece Area” showcased 15 exquisite works of craft art by 12 artists, such as the Asia Pacific Region Craft Masters Ji Xigui, Lu Guangzheng, Xu Chaoxing, and Yu Jinshun, as well as Master of Chinese Arts and Crafts Zhu Binger, Chen Mingwei, and Jin Jiahong. Meanwhile, highlighting innovation, modernity, and interactivity, the exhibition featured 26 historical classic industrial products unique to 11 cities in Zhejiang Province and set up three interactive areas for experiencing intangible cultural heritage: Song-style Diancha Tea Art, Hangzhou embroidery, and DIY traditional Chinese medicine sachets, so visitors can be immersed in “Zhejiang Culture” which blends the preservation of traditional skills with contemporary innovations.

Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group is committed to innovation and renewal across the entire industrial chain of historical classic industries, as well as  the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional culture. Leveraging the platform of Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, the exhibition promotes the exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations through the historical classic industries and craftsmanship and of Zhejiang.

 

New Official Titles Announced for Provincial, District Leadership

National Assembly Laos
National Assembly Laos

On 14 July, the Party Central Committee’s Organising Bureau announced updated official titles for positions within the Party and state administrative systems at the provincial and district executive committee levels.

A Hundred Meters of Silence: How an Energy Storage Station Won Applause from a UK Community

STOCKPORT, United Kingdom, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the transition to the renewable power systems accelerates, energy storage has become a core enabler in balancing renewable generation, grid networks, demand and storage – while enhancing overall grid flexibility. These systems are also moving ever closer to urban load centers. But with this proximity comes heightened expectations for environmental adaptability – especially when it comes to noise control, a critical factor for both site selection and community acceptance.

When these “new energy neighbors” sit just a hundred meters from residential communities, one question inevitably arises: Will it disturb daily life? This is no longer just about technical parameters—it determines whether projects can move forward, win the trust of residents, and meet stringent environmental regulations.

As a global leader in green technology, Envision Energy offers a definitive answer – in the quiet nights of Stockport, UK.

A “Silent” Test  Right Close to the Community

Tucked into the south-eastern fringe of Greater Manchester, Stockport sits where river valleys and housing estates meet.

When you try to squeeze an energy-storage scheme into places like this, the kit often ends up barely a stone’s throw from people’s back gardens. In the UK—and across Europe and the States—that short gap is treated as a red line: one rumble above the legal limit and the letters of complaint start flying, usually killing the project on the spot. To test its system under the most demanding conditions, Envision operated the system at full load—a condition typically producing the highest noise levels—during a silent midnight period.

Field measurements showed that the noise level generated by Envision’s energy storage AC system at full load was approximately 5 decibels (dB) lower than the local background noise. In other words, during Stockport’s tranquil nights, the large-scale storage equipment blended seamlessly into the environmental background noise, remaining almost imperceptible to residents a hundred meters away.

noise testing site at the Stockport AC energy storage system
noise testing site at the Stockport AC energy storage system

AC Systems as the Key to Silence

Noise reduction is a critical part of renewable power systems, yet many storage solutions in the industry still grapple with high noise levels, particularly on the AC side. Even with improvements in thermal management and structural design, many products still produce over 70 dBA in operation—roughly equivalent to the sound of a running vacuum cleaner.

In general, DC systems are about 5–10 dB quieter than AC systems and, due to differences in cooling methods and heat generation. As a result, the primary noise control challenge for storage sites lies in the AC system, where the PCS (power conversion system) is the main noise source. The noise performance of the PCS directly shapes the site’s overall noise level, making it the linchpin in any noise control strategy.

Independent third-party tests conducted at a 1-meter distance confirm that Envision’s system-level design keeps its AC storage system operating at full load with noise levels below 58.5 dBA. That’s more than 10 dBA quieter than mainstream alternatives—effectively perceived by the human ear as twice as quiet.

How Did Envision Achieve the “Sleep-Level” Quietness? Envision’s breakthrough lies in reducing the AC system’s operational noise to “sleep-level” thresholds.

This achievement is backed by Envision’s deep expertise and continuous innovation in thermal management and environmental control technologies. Through highly integrated system design and a suite of coordinated “black technologies,” Envision strikes the perfect balance between performance and low noise. Key advancements including equipment optimized to suppress wind noise and vortex effects; specially designed blades on critical components, ensuring strong cooling with minimal sound; a proprietary intelligent liquid cooling system that enhances efficiency, cuts fan noise, and reduces equipment footprint by around 40%; an ultra-efficient architecture that minimizes energy losses and waste heat, reducing the root causes of noise at the source.

This commitment to quiet operation not only enables more flexible storage deployment, especially near urban centers, but also supports the broader vision of developing distributed, human-friendly power systems. High-performance and low-disturbance energy storage systems are becoming indispensable infrastructure- set to play a growing role in enhancing user-side flexibility and bolstering regional grid resilience.

Camel Group Obtained the Nomination Letter for the Foton Thailand Commercial Vehicle Project

XIANGYANG, China, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, FOTON CP Motor (hereinafter referred to as “Foton Thailand”) and Camel Group reached a nominated project cooperation, and Foton Thailand’s commercial vehicle battery supplier will switch to Camel Group. This cooperation marks the official entry of Camel batteries into Foton Thailand’s supply system, and it’s expected to achieve large-scale mass production in August 2025. The two parties will rely on their respective advantages in commercial vehicle manufacturing and automotive low-voltage batteries to jointly promote the upgrading of green transportation in the Southeast Asian market.

Strengthening partnership to expand in the Southeast Asian market

As a top player in China’s commercial vehicle sector, Foton has built a strong global presence, with Thailand at the heart of its Southeast Asian strategy. Foton Thailand Production Base is Foton Asia-Pacific regional manufacturing center, covering an area of 37,000 square meters, and its products cover medium and heavy duty trucks, light duty trucks, mini trucks, buses and other fields. This cooperation with Camel Group will further strengthen its supply chain localization capabilities and improve market response speed.

Camel Group is an advanced automotive low-voltage battery solution provider in Asia. Its business covers the R&D, production, sales and recycling of lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Its commercial vehicle batteries are known for the high safety, long cycle life and strong environmental adaptability. It has cooperated with more than 200 automotive OEM customers worldwide. This nominated project will rely on Camel Group’s strong OEM business capability and the production capacity advantages of Camel’s overseas factories to provide local supporting services for Foton Thailand, effectively reducing logistic costs and ensuring the stability of the supply chain.

Building trust through service

The key to Camel Group’s successful entry into Foton Thailand’s supply chain lies in its “customer-centric” service concept. The team actively listens to customer’s needs and optimizes product design and business solutions in a targeted manner. In addition, the location advantage of Camel’s overseas factories has become an important plus point – not only meeting the Thailand market’s requirements for battery localization rate, but also quickly responding to customer order needs, providing timely support for Southeast Asian customers.

The cooperation between Foton Thailand and Camel Group is not only the result of the strategic collaboration, but also provides a model of “Chinese technology + local service” for the Southeast Asian automotive market.

Body of Man Abducted from Laos Found in Chiang Mai

Body of Man Abducted from Laos Found in Chiang Mai
Thai medical officers carry the body of the deceased victim (photo credit: North Now)

Thai police have discovered the body of a 24-year-old Chinese man, identified only as Yang, who was murdered in Chiang Mai Province on 14 July, shortly after travelling from Laos to Thailand. Authorities suspect the killing was the result of a failed ransom kidnapping orchestrated by fellow Chinese nationals.