BANGKOK — Thailand is considering introducing a fee on Thai nationals travelling abroad, or an "exit fee", as part of a plan to generate funding to support domestic tourism promotion, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said.

Surasak said the proposal is a joint policy initiative with the Ministry of Finance and is aimed at strengthening Thailand's "Thai travel within Thailand" campaign by creating a dedicated funding mechanism for domestic tourism programmes.

He said, for example, a fee of 1,000 baht per outbound traveller could generate around 10 billion baht annually, based on an estimated 10 million outbound trips by Thai nationals each year.

The revenue could then be used to subsidise domestic travel, such as providing 1,000-baht support per trip for Thai travellers within the country, or other incentive schemes depending on suitability.

"This type of programme will help strengthen the long-term sustainability of Thailand's tourism sector without relying on annual government budgets," Surasak said, adding that it would also allow for clearer long-term planning.

He said the ministry is currently preparing short-term domestic stimulus measures to offset a slowdown in international tourism caused by geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East.

The ministry is reviewing previously successful domestic tourism schemes for possible revival, such as the "We Travel Together" co-payment programme and other travel subsidy initiatives, including bus travel promotions, tax incentives and measures to boost secondary-city tourism.

Lieutenant General Supol Chanthaphuang, deputy president of the Thailand Water Sports Association, chaired the 2568 annual general meeting at The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel on April 27. The meeting reviewed the annual budget showing revenues of 85,874,604.95 baht and expenses of 95,935,081.09 baht, with expenses exceeding revenues by 10,060,476.14 baht. The association also approved changes to its emblem.

Following the meeting, Secretary-General Thanavichya Thossakul reported that the association maintained continuous operations throughout 2568, with key initiatives including hosting water sports events and preparing athletes for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The association achieved impressive results, earning 11 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 12 bronze medals. Preparations for various tournaments in 2569 are underway, and the association has been sending coaches, referees, and officials for training and to officiate competitions for the World Aquatics Federation and Asian Aquatics Federation.

Thanavichya discussed preparations for Thailand's water sports team competing at the 20th Asian Games in Japan from September 19 to October 4, including swimming, water polo, diving, and synchronized swimming. After the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last year, the association met with all sports with Asian Games quotas to plan jointly. Training camps began in March, with swimmers who won Southeast Asian Games gold medals preparing abroad, divers training in China, and synchronized swimmers training in Italy. The water polo team is inviting foreign teams from Russia, Hungary, and China to train at Chumphol Satrabhaya Naval School in Sattahip. The water polo team's goal is for the women's team to win a bronze medal at the Asian Games for the first time in history, as they finished fourth four years ago.

P'Jung, Cullen, and Dan are making waves as the new official presenters of DERMEDY skincare brand under MYU-NIQUE, operated by Varinda Import and Export. The trio, featuring P'Jung (Jeong Kyungbae), Cullen (Park Keedok), and Dan (Kim Inyeon) from the viral YouTube channel Cullen HateBerry, were unveiled at the grand 'DERMEDY Summer Lab: Perfect Balance with P'Jung Cullen Dann' event. The event introduced the new DERMEDY PH BALANCE TONER PAD in three formulas—a moisturizing and pH-balancing product enhanced with vegan PDRN for naturally stronger skin, held at Mega Plaza Bangkok's fountain zone.

Before the event began, all three shared their experiences using the products and reflected on their recent Songkran celebrations in Khon Kaen, where temperatures hit a scorching 42 degrees Celsius. They recounted getting splashed with water and covered in powder throughout the festivities, with Dan hilariously admitting he forgot to buy powder paint. When asked about their recent appearance on 'Khun Phra Chuay,' a traditional Thai cooking show—their first time on the program as a trio—the group expressed genuine excitement. Cullen praised the experience of learning traditional Thai cooking techniques, while P'Jung highlighted how much they enjoyed attempting authentic Thai culinary traditions. Dan, who regularly cooks at home, confessed he's been focusing more on Thai dishes lately and would struggle without YouTube tutorials for Korean recipes anymore.

When discussing the differences between Thai and Korean ingredients and cooking styles, Cullen noted the challenge of understanding flavor profiles with unfamiliar ingredients, while P'Jung particularly enjoyed learning to scrape coconut meat. Dan revealed his favorite Thai dishes to prepare are pad krapow (basil stir-fry) and som tam (papaya salad). The event transformed into an interactive DERMEDY Summer Lab experience where attendees could try products firsthand, participate in games, take photos at exclusive booths, and engage with multiple zones designed for discovering the perfect toner pad formula for their skin type.

Breaking: Court Grants Bail to Min Pichaya and Sam Yuranun with 1 Million Baht Collateral in D-Icon Case, Imposing Travel Ban. At the Criminal Court on Ratchadamri Road, following the Special Cases prosecutor's presentation of renowned actors Yuranun Phamormnontri and Pichaya Wattanamontri as defendants in the D-Icon fraud case, both submitted 3 million baht collateral each to request temporary release while awaiting court judgment. The court found that although it had previously denied bail during the investigation phase, the change in case circumstances warranted reconsideration. The court approved temporary release for both defendants during trial proceedings. However, given the large number of victims and substantial damages involved, the court set bail at 1 million baht and imposed a ban on traveling outside the kingdom without permission, with notification required to immigration authorities. Min Pichaya and Sam Yuranun posted 3 million baht collateral each, shocking observers who noted they faced additional charges related to multi-level marketing promotion.

Thailand is confident in its bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games with stronger prospects than rival candidates, following a visit from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president who met directly with the Prime Minister with full backing. Multiple nations are supporting Thailand's bid, expressing confidence in the country's preparedness. Prof. Pimol Srivikrom, chairman of the Thailand Olympic Committee, along with deputy chairs Maj. Gen. Chai Pakdi Sirivat and Thana Chaiyaprasit, held a press conference updating on Thailand's progress as host candidate after Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the Olympic Council of Asia and Qatar's Olympic president, visited Thailand and met with the Prime Minister on April 27.

Prof. Pimol stated that Sheikh Joaan's two-day visit had two objectives: visiting the Thailand Olympic Committee, which is a great honor as Thailand is only the second country he has visited since assuming the OCA presidency, and meeting with the Prime Minister, both of which went smoothly. The Olympic Committee discussions covered Thailand's future international role in sports, with Sheikh Joaan expressing that Thailand should host more sporting events and offer to host training camps for Asian taekwondo teams, which he enthusiastically accepted.

Regarding the Prime Minister's meeting, Pimol explained it focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Thailand's bid for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. Sheikh Joaan expressed hope that the games would remain in Asia and offered full support, while the Prime Minister listened and inquired about details including the selection timeline and process. The International Olympic Committee will select the host at its assembly on June 25, 2026, in Lausanne, Switzerland, with three finalists: Chile, Paraguay, and Thailand.

The Prime Minister called in the Minister of Tourism and Sports and other officials to receive detailed briefings, pledged his commitment, and scheduled further meetings. When asked about obstacles, Prof. Pimol noted issues with government guarantee letters and accommodation guarantees for 5,000 rooms, though the Youth Olympic Games organizing committee understands due to the government transition. Thailand has significant advantages including excellent tourism infrastructure, culture, and accessibility, with many nations wanting to send athletes to train there.

Thai Airways Ground Handling Company Limited (AOTGA) strengthens its position as a leader in comprehensive ground handling services while building a global network of partners at the 17th Asian Ground Handling International Conference (GHI) 2026 at Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore. The conference aims to expand AOTGA's international airline customer base and enhance operational capabilities as part of establishing Thai airports as an aviation hub for Southeast Asia.

Tamyanatee Kongpoolsilp, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at AOTGA, stated that participating in this conference marks a significant step in showcasing AOTGA's vision on the global stage, presenting operational plans and outstanding service standards at each airport under the company's management.

"AOTGA's objectives extend beyond simply meeting service standards," Kongpoolsilp explained. "We aim to create seamless travel experiences for all airlines by incorporating real-world user insights to develop innovative services that respond to global aviation industry changes."

AOTGA will apply feedback and recommendations from airline representatives at the conference to enhance service delivery and airline customer support, with emphasis on safety, service standards, and maximum customer satisfaction. The goal is to sustainably elevate Thailand's airports as a Southeast Asian aviation hub.