How improved flight connections and new hotels are putting Bangkok in the spotlight

Just last month, British Airways reintroduced its route to Bangkok. The flights – which operate three times a week from Gatwick rather than the pre-pandemic route of Heathrow – are perfectly timed, providing even easier access to a city that is home to the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels top-ranked property (it’s Capella Bangkok if you were wondering) and some of Asia’s swankiest shopping centres, chicest bars and most innovative green spaces. It’s also worth noting that Thailand’s popularity is rocketing among travellers.

In July, the Thai government released data showing that the destination welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2024 – 35% more than last year. The total is still some way off pre-pandemic levels, but the government is going all out to fast-track the country’s recovery. In June, authorities announced an extension of a waiver on hoteliers’ operating charges for two further years and scrapped a proposed tourism fee for visitors.