Phuket, 3 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Vietnam Airlines’ inaugural Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket flight, the first route outcome under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two partners on 28 May 2026. The launch comes as Thailand and Viet Nam celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

The inaugural flight VN621 on 2 July, operated by an Airbus A321, departed Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 16.00 and arrived at Phuket International Airport at 17.50 local time with 152 passengers. The flight was greeted with a water cannon salute, while arriving passengers and crew received floral garlands and commemorative gifts. Miss Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, led the welcome together with TAT executives and representatives from Vietnam Airlines and Phuket International Airport.

Operating four flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, the service reflects the MOU’s focus on joint tourism promotion, business opportunities, and expanded air connectivity. It gives southern Viet Nam direct access to one of Thailand’s leading resort destinations and supports closer people-to-people and regional tourism links.

Miss Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, said, “This inaugural flight shows how cooperation with Vietnam Airlines is converting air access into tangible travel opportunities. The route offers trade partners new packaging potential, supports quality visitor demand from Viet Nam, and broadens ASEAN tourism links. TAT will continue to work with airline and travel trade partners to match market demand with routes, products, and promotions that deliver long-term value for both countries.”

To build on the route launch, TAT’s Ho Chi Minh City Office is organising a familiarisation trip from 7 to 11 July 2026, bringing 16 Vietnamese travel agents and four media representatives to Phuket. The programme will showcase tourism products and services in the province and include business matching between Vietnamese travel companies and Phuket tourism operators, helping build confidence in Phuket’s tourism readiness and expand market opportunities.

TAT’s Ho Chi Minh City Office is also promoting the “Thai Lan – Càng Hiểu Càng Yêu” initiative through targeted consumer communications, trade partnerships, and package promotions. The campaign presents Thailand as a safe, meaningful, and value-led destination, with content shaped around Vietnamese travellers’ interest in lifestyle, family, event-based, and flexible travel experiences, supporting TAT’s target of 689,000 Vietnamese arrivals in 2026.

The post TAT and Vietnam Airlines see MOU take shape with Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket flight appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

ALESE skincare brand generated considerable excitement at COSMOPROF 2026 with its booth, continuing to gain nationwide consumer attention after aggressively targeting the melasma market and becoming a recognized name among those with pigmentation concerns.

Brand executives, including presenter Tohntraer Tinakorn Phuwasakkdiwong, showcased the brand's commitment to addressing Thai skin problems by displaying flagship products at the international beauty event, drawing interest from both Thai and international participants.

ALESE's signature melasma cream continues to perform exceptionally well, with its ability to treat various melasma forms—sun-induced, hormonal, superficial, and deep—resulting in over one million units sold consecutively for three years. Actual users report visible fading of melasma and improved skin smoothness. The product is currently available in sachet and bottle formats at 7-Eleven, CJ MORE, Watsons, Lotus's, EVEANDBOY, and major retailers nationwide.

The booth drew continuous attention from beauty influencers and creators including SP Saypan, Dr. Beauty (Sawysart Society), Bean (Bean Bok), Fai (Review with Fai), and Ice (Nida Jett), who tested products and discussed skincare in an energetic atmosphere. This activity reflects the brand's sustained popularity growth.

ALESE exemplifies a Thai brand worth watching, having built a strong consumer base by understanding Thai skin problems while expanding brand awareness toward future beauty market success.

The Gold Traders Association announced that gold prices on July 3, 2026, jumped more than 1,500 baht per baht weight compared to yesterday's closing, with gold ornaments selling at 66,450 baht per baht weight. According to the Gold Traders Association's latest data released at 9:01 AM, gold prices have surged 1,550 baht compared to the previous day's close on July 2. Gold bars are currently quoted at 65,450 baht per baht weight for buying and 65,650 baht per baht weight for selling under the first announcement. For 96.5% gold ornaments, the buying price is 64,141.96 baht per baht weight and the selling price is 66,450 baht per baht weight. Global gold spot prices are trading at $4,183.00 per ounce. Gold traders predict that the market will open tomorrow with gold prices potentially rising another 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht level.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo shared a photo and message on Instagram after his team advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, honoring late footballer Diogo Chota. Portugal edged out Croatia 2-1 in the group stage and progressed to face Spain next. Following the match, Ronaldo posted on Instagram—where he has 670 million followers—paying tribute to the deceased Portuguese player. His post stated: "This victory is for us, for Diogo, and for Portugal! Let's go!" Portugal's next match in the Round of 16 will be against Spain on July 7 at 2:00 AM.

Indonesia's national narcotics agency announced on July 3 that it seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds and arrested 12 suspects, including foreigners, during operations between June 29 and July 1. Police General Suryadi Ario Seto, head of the national narcotics agency, said the cannabis buds hidden in suitcases and rubber containers originated from Thailand and were seized in East Java province. Investigators determined the shipment was intended for distribution to major Indonesian cities including Jakarta and Bali, where it would be used to manufacture cannabis-infused electronic cigarettes. Indonesia is among the world's countries with the strictest drug laws. The most notorious drug case involved the Bali Nine gang, arrested in 2005 while attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali International Airport. Indonesia's courts executed two Australian gang leaders in 2015, an incident that strained relations between Indonesia and Australia.

Passakorn Phalburan (Fern) has officially stepped down as director of the Miss Universe Ubon Ratchathani pageant, effective July 2, 2026. In her announcement, she explained that the decision was made to allow her and her fellow directors to dedicate their full attention to managing the Miss Universe Bangkok 2026 competition with maximum efficiency.

The resignation affects three pageant officials: Passakorn Phalburan (Fern), Jutamad Intra (Am), and Phanupong Bunyong (Bass). Fern emphasized that this restructuring does not affect the positive relationships among the pageant community or their shared commitment to supporting and developing the beauty pageant industry at all levels.

Despite stepping down from their administrative roles in the Ubon pageant, all three will remain as directors of Miss Universe Bangkok 2026. They will also continue to serve as advisors and consultants to Manasvi Nilbuala (Roemmelle), the current Miss Universe Ubon Ratchathani 2026, providing guidance on related activities as appropriate.