Global Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, March 9, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Board of Directors of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) has reappointed Suvimol Thanasarakij (Dee) as Executive Director for a new two-year term beginning in mid-March 2026, following an open international recruitment process, with shortlisted candidates interviewed by the MTCO Board in February 2026.

“I am grateful for the MTCO Board’s trust and honored to continue working with the GMS tourism community and our partners to promote the Mekong region as a vibrant and sustainable destination,” said Thanasarakij. “Regional cooperation remains essential to strengthening tourism development, supporting local communities, and enhancing the region’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.”

During her previous two terms (2022–2026), Thanasarakij led a range of regional initiatives supporting tourism businesses and cooperation among the GMS countries. These included the Women in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Training-of-Trainers programme, which built a regional network of trainers who later delivered follow-up training for local women in their home countries. MTCO also partnered with Agoda to deliver a regional e-commerce training programme for MSME accommodation providers, helping tourism businesses in secondary destinations strengthen their online presence and access global travel markets.

Under her leadership, MTCO facilitated the development of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, the region’s five-year framework for tourism cooperation. The organization is currently coordinating the GMS Tourism Marketing Action Plan, a roadmap for joint destination promotion across the Mekong region. Progress has also been made toward establishing the Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Organization (GMSTO), an intergovernmental body being established by the GMS member countries.

In her new term, Thanasarakij will continue working with the GMS National Tourism Organizations and regional partners to advance the implementation of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, strengthen regional tourism partnerships, and promote sustainable tourism development across the Mekong region.

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Cebu, Philippines, March 8, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) TRAVEX 2026 concluded on a high note in Cebu, Philippines, delivering strong business outcomes, robust industry engagement, and renewed confidence in the future of ASEAN tourism. Over the course of the event, more than 9,500 pre-scheduled appointments were conducted, driving meaningful connections and collaboration across the regional and international tourism community.

The three-day trade exhibition featured 261 booths representing all 9 ASEAN countries and welcomed over 1,000 delegates to the show floor. Participation included 270 buyers from 50 countries and territories, around 70 media representatives from 25 countries, creating a dynamic and international marketplace throughout the event.

Delegates were warmly welcomed with specially curated delegate bags featuring gifts from local businesses, reflecting the Philippines’ renowned hospitality while supporting community partners. ATF TRAVEX 2026 also highlighted ASEAN’s collective push towards digital innovation, sustainability, and community-based tourism, reinforcing the region’s shared vision for inclusive growth and long-term competitiveness.

The opening day of TRAVEX was marked by an official ceremony led by Philippines Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. She was joined by Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, ASEAN Tourism Association President Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Maria Cynthia King Chan, Congressman Junard Quirante Chan, and representatives from ASEAN member states. Delegates were later hosted at the historic Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, where cultural performances, local food experiences, and a vibrant atmosphere showcased Cebu’s appeal as both a business and leisure destination, culminating in a celebratory fireworks display.

Over the following days, buyers and exhibitors took part in scheduled business appointments, National Tourism Organisation briefings, and special programme sessions showcasing new tourism products, strategic initiatives, and destination developments from across ASEAN. Media in attendance also gained first-hand insights into the latest developments shaping ASEAN tourism. These exchanges highlighted the region’s shared ambition to strengthen connectivity, enhance destination competitiveness, and position ASEAN as a diverse and compelling tourism region on the global stage. Regional camaraderie continued with an evening hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board, officially welcoming delegates to Singapore as the host of ATF TRAVEX 2027.

The final day of ATF TRAVEX 2026 coincided with the ASEAN Tourism Awards, which celebrates outstanding achievements across multiple categories from ASEAN member states. The forum concluded with a closing dinner, marking the successful wrap-up of a week of business exchanges, collaborations and celebrations. Buyers from across multiple international markets participated alongside a strong presence of destination representatives, reinforcing TRAVEX’s role as a key platform for regional tourism exchange.

With robust buyer participation, strong exhibitor engagement, and a clear focus on sustainability and innovation, ATF TRAVEX 2026 reaffirmed its position as the region’s leading platform for tourism trade and cooperation. Anchored in the spirit of the theme “Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together,” the event sets a confident and collaborative tone as ASEAN tourism charts its path forward.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 6, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson marks its 75th anniversary with the launch of a global celebration, reflecting its evolution from a Thai silk pioneer into an international lifestyle brand while honoring its heritage and continued transformation. Founded on the belief that Thai silk belonged on the world stage, Jim Thompson marks 75 years of evolving from a Thai silk pioneer into a global lifestyle brand rooted in Thailand. Today, the brand spans fashion, home furnishings, hospitality and creative experiences, supported by a retail presence of 31 stores across key destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, Krabi and Pattaya. This evolution is anchored by immersive brand destinations such as the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter and the brand’s first integrated lifestyle store at One Bangkok.

A defining milestone in recent years was the development of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter between 2022 and 2023. Conceived as a cultural and creative destination, the Quarter brings together heritage, design, exhibitions, dining and retail, marking a shift from product-led storytelling to experience-led engagement. This approach continues to inform the brand’s broader lifestyle strategy across its business units.

Jim Thompson’s global relevance has been shaped through a focused portfolio of partnerships and collaborations across travel, hospitality and culture. These include a multi-year collaboration with Thai Airways, extending the brand’s design language into curated amenity kits and cabin comfort wear from 2023 to 2026, alongside hospitality collaborations with Four Seasons. The brand’s presence in global culture is further reflected through international productions such as The White Lotus Season 3, as well as curated travel experiences developed with DTH Travel for The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson train.

In fashion, collaboration remains central to Jim Thompson’s creative direction. The Artists in Residence program, launched in 2023, brought together Thai artists Pichaya Osothcharoenpol, Nakrob Moonmanas and GOH M, each contributing distinct visual languages that bridged art, fashion and contemporary Thai identity. The program continued in 2025 with the Scarf Edition, featuring Juli Baker and Summer, Lili Tae and Pomme Chan. These initiatives sit alongside collaborations with designers and brands including ASAVA, FitFlop, PAÑPURI, VVON SUGUNNASIL, SARRAN, Zee NuNew, Baan Krua and Lisa Von Tang, extending the brand’s fashion dialogue across generations and audiences.

Within interiors and furnishings, Jim Thompson has presented Spring collections at Paris Déco Off in successive editions including Creative Director Vichada “Dao” Sitakalin’s 2026 collection, Oriental Odyssey, which reinterprets archival motifs through contemporary craftsmanship, reaffirming the House’s creative legacy. Across landmark hotels, resorts, and restaurants, the brand’s textiles and wallcoverings shape distinctive hospitality environments worldwide.

In the past three years, the company has delivered more than 500 projects across 60 countries worldwide, spanning hospitality, luxury retail boutiques, and high-end residential developments, reinforcing its global reach.

A recent highlight is ‘Wild’ a textile collection developed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed architect and designer Bill Bensley, whose Bangkok- and Bali-based creative atelier, BENSLEY, has created more than 200 distinctive resorts, hotels, and palaces across over 30 countries.

Food and beverage continues to play an integral role in expressing the Jim Thompson lifestyle. Anchored by Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, the brand’s culinary presence includes Jim’s Terrace, The O.S.S. Bar, The O.S.S. Room and Silk Café at the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, alongside Jim’s Terrace at One Bangkok and a second Silk Café at ICONSIAM.

“Jim Thompson has always been rooted in heritage, yet driven by evolution,” said Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO of Jim Thompson. “As we mark 75 years, our ambition is to continue bringing Thai creativity to the global stage, building a lifestyle brand that is culturally meaningful, creatively relevant, and globally connected.”

The 75th anniversary global celebration

The year-long 75th anniversary global celebration opened with the launch of the Jim Thompson 75th Anniversary coffee table book, Jim Thompson – Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand, created in collaboration with luxury publishing house Assouline. The publication captures the brand’s journey from Thai silk heritage to global lifestyle through archival imagery, design narratives and contemporary perspectives. Following its international launch at Assouline’s Paris flagship, the book was introduced in Bangkok.

Throughout 2026, the anniversary program will continue to unfold through a series of storytelling and creative initiatives. At its heart is a commemorative short film that traces Jim Thompson’s 75-year journey through the perspective of hands – hands that weave silk, create, and pass down knowledge from one generation to the next – capturing the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and continuity at the core of the brand.

Building on this narrative foundation is Jim and I: The Weaver’s Stories, a community-driven storytelling project that explores Jim Thompson through the voices of those who have shaped its journey. Featuring 12 individuals whose personal and professional paths are closely intertwined with the brand, the series offers first-hand perspectives on craft, creativity and connection. Each story is presented through a short film and a high-impact portrait, anchored by a single unifying question: ‘What is the thread that connects you to Jim Thompson?’ Together, these voices reflect the idea that Jim Thompson is not the work of a single figure, but a collective legacy woven by many hands over 75 years.

Additional anniversary highlights unfolding throughout the year include a 75th Anniversary Capsule Collection inspired by archival patterns and Thai silk heritage. Designed to celebrate the depth of Jim Thompson’s textile legacy, the collection will be released in two phases, with the first drop in June 2026 followed by a second in October 2026. Spanning scarves, apparel, accessories and lifestyle pieces, each drop reinterprets historic prints and cultural motifs through a contemporary lens, extending the anniversary story into wearable and collectible form.

Another key initiative of the anniversary year is the introduction of the specially designed 75th Anniversary logo, to be used across global communications throughout 2026. The ‘7’, rendered in black-and-white, references the brand’s origins and the revival of Thai silk, while the ‘5’, expressed in vibrant color, reflects its evolution into a dynamic, internationally recognized lifestyle brand. Together, the logo bridges heritage and future, symbolizing Jim Thompson’s enduring legacy and continued transformation on the global stage.

About Jim Thompson
No brand spells heritage like Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk Company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, an architect, art collector, socialite, and entrepreneur who is recognized as the driving force behind the revival of Thailand’s silk industry. Jim Thompson’s disappearance remains one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries.

Today, Jim Thompson is the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand with a reputation for beautiful silks and “Beyond Silk”.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 6, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Dom Pérignon, the world’s most prestigious champagne, proudly unveils the latest chapter of the Dom Pérignon Society in Thailand through an exclusive collaboration with Chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij acclaimed as The World’s Best Female Chef 2025, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024, and the Michelin-starred chef-owner of POTONG, which has also been voted the No. 1 restaurant in Bangkok by TOP 25 Bangkok Restaurants.

This intimate dinner brings together the timeless elegance of Dom Pérignon Vintage with Chef Pam’s visionary Thai-Chinese cuisine, offering society members and distinguished guests an unparalleled dining experience.

Held at Potong, one of Bangkok’s most acclaimed fine-dining destinations, the evening embodies the shared philosophy of Dom Pérignon and Chef Pam: the pursuit of excellence, creativity, and the art of harmony between tradition and innovation.

POTONG

A Progressive Thai-Chinese Cuisine by Chef Pam. With 5 Elements, 5 Senses: Taste Chef Pam’s (World’s Best Female Chef) memories of her culinary journey in heritage home of 120 years old building passed down from her ancestor as 4th generation POTONG’s Traditional Medicine House situated in the heart of Yaowaraj (Chinatown Thailand).

POTONG is the multi-award winning restaurant and is the only MICHELIN Star restaurant that also awarded 1-Diamond from Black Pearl Guide in Chinatown Thailand. Currently ranked #1 TOP25 Restaurant in Bangkok, #13 in ASIA, and #13 in World Best restaurant and voted World Best New Restaurant from Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Hot List’.

A Meeting of Icons

The highlight of the evening will be Chef Pam’s signature Pad Thai, reimagined through her unique culinary lens and paired with Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2—a champagne that has matured for over two decades to reach a new level of energy, intensity, and precision.

Chef Pam Pichaya Soontornyanakij

This pairing symbolizes the meeting of two cultural icons: Thailand’s most beloved dish, elevated by Chef Pam’s artistry, and Dom Pérignon’s rare second life, where the champagne reveals deeper complexity, vibrancy, and harmony.

Guests will also explore Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 alongside a tailor-made tasting menu, with each dish reflecting the duality of flavors—delicate yet powerful—that resonates with the soul of the vintages.

Dom Pérignon Society
The Dom Pérignon Society is an invitation-only circle dedicated to epicureans, tastemakers, and visionaries who share a passion for the extraordinary. Members enjoy privileged access to rare vintages, private dinners, and experiences that embody the Maison’s philosophy of “creating harmony that inspires emotion.”

The collaboration with Chef Pam marks the continuation of the Society’s mission in Thailand to redefine luxury dining through meaningful partnerships with world-renowned chefs.

About Chef Pam
Chef Pam Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij is the chef-owner of Potong, a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Named The World’s Best Female Chef 2025, she is celebrated for her innovative interpretation of Thai-Chinese heritage, combining artistry, precision, and storytelling in her cuisine. Her signature Pad Thai has become an iconic symbol of her culinary philosophy—heritage elevated to haute cuisine.

Founded in 1668, Dom Pérignon embodies the visionary spirit of its namesake, the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, who aspired to create the “best wine in the world.” Each vintage is a unique creation, born of a single year, with an unwavering commitment to harmony, intensity, and radiance.

Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 represents a rare second life for the champagne, unveiled after more than 20 years of maturation, where it reaches a new dimension of energy, depth, and longevity.

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Las Vegas, United States, March 5, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The first Travel & Tourism Awards spotlight system level technologies reshaping mobility far beyond consumer devices. CES 2026 will be remembered as the year AI stepped out of the lab and into the physical world. Yet amid the avalanche of “AI everywhere” announcements, a quieter milestone pointed to a deeper shift in how global travel innovation is now being defined.

For the first time, CES introduced the Travel & Tourism category in the CES Innovation Awards. The light blue glass trophies blended quietly among the heritage categories. They didn’t dominate social feeds, yet their implications reach far beyond the show floor. With this move, CES effectively declared that travel is no longer just an “application scenario” for technology — it is becoming a technology industry in its own right.

A Shift in How Travel Innovation Is Defined
The three inaugural winners share something important. None are consumer gadgets or booking tools. All operate at the infrastructure level, addressing the systems that determine how people move, connect, and experience the world.

For years, travel tech has been defined by distribution platforms, personalization engines, loyalty apps, and digital marketing tools. CES is signaling a different future — one where innovation is measured not by convenience, but by coordination and system integration.

Inside the Oshkosh Pavilion: An Award for Safety, and a Vision for the Future Airport
The 110-year-old Oshkosh Corporation of the U.S. won the CES award for its Striker Volterra electric airport fire truck, a next-generation ARFF vehicle designed to improve emergency response with lower emissions and higher operational efficiency.

But at the Oshkosh pavilion, I was drawn to a three-minute video playing under the banner “AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE.” It stitched together a broader ecosystem of electric ground vehicles, autonomous systems, and robot-enabled operations — all contributing to an efficient “Perfect Turn.”

I asked Jennifer Stianson, Vice President of Global Branding and Communications, “How do you convince airports — and the FAA — to adopt these new technologies in one of the world’s most risk-averse environments?”

She responded: “Airports have long been asking for these technologies. They want more efficiency, better accident prevention, and more human-centered operations. We’re in active discussions with the FAA and have received encouraging feedback.”

Some of the equipment featured in the video is already in use by Oshkosh clients. The company is not focused on futuristic concepts, but on operational systems that can be deployed in real-world conditions.

Travelers rarely think about the choreography behind a flight departure: the timing of the jet bridge, the synchronization of power units, the coordination of tugs, loaders, and safety checks. Yet these unseen systems determine whether a flight leaves on time, whether connections are made, and whether the airport experience feels seamless or stressful. Oshkosh’s video quietly reminded viewers that travelers feel the impact of systems they never see.

At the Even Realities Pavilion: Tourism as Enhanced Perception
Even Realities, a Hong Kong SAR–based company, offered a very different window into the future of travel. I tested their G2 smart glasses, which overlay real-time contextual information with surprising precision. The device is not a consumer toy; it is designed for airports, museums, and destinations that want to make information more accessible, especially for travelers with mobility or cognitive challenges.

When I spoke with Nikolaj Schnoor, Chief Strategy Officer, he noted that Even Realities had submitted their technology to multiple CES categories. “CES chose to recognize us in Travel & Tourism,” he said. He explained that the company’s work is fundamentally about helping people navigate and understand the world around them.

That framing matters. It suggests that CES sees tourism innovation not as entertainment, but as enhanced perception — a way to make destinations more legible, inclusive, and data-rich.

At a Korean Booth: Mobility with Global Reach
The third award winner, LBS Tech from South Korea, had a humble booth — yet the technology they showcased aims to solve one of travel’s biggest structural challenges: how people move through cities and campuses with clarity, safety, and real-time guidance.
LBS Tech uses AI to map walkway-level accessibility and design optimized pickup points, enabling inclusive, door-to-door mobility across cities and campuses. The system is already being piloted far beyond Korea, including universities in the United States (University of Rochester, University of Southern California), as well as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The company CEO, Mr. S.W. Lee, was busy receiving potential clients.

The contrast was striking: a modest booth representing a technology with global reach. It underscored a theme running through all three award winners — travel innovation is no longer defined by booth size or noise, but by the scale of the system it can transform.

Why This Moment Matters
Taken together, the award selections show CES view that travel innovation is shifting toward infrastructure, mobility, and system level coordination. It’s a narrative the travel and tourism industry has been slow to claim, despite its economic impact accounting for roughly 10% of the global economy. The sector has long been described as technologically fragmented, constrained by legacy systems and slow upgrade cycles.

The pandemic accelerated automation and contactless technologies, but the sector still lacked a global stage that recognized travel as a frontier of innovation. CES has now provided that stage, reframing travel tech from “front of house convenience” to “back of house intelligence.” The awards may have been quiet, but their implications are not: travel tech has entered the main arena of global innovation, and the question is whether the industry is ready to claim that space.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex. She is an international travel journalist and analyst whose work spans destinations, global tourism trends, and cross cultural storytelling. She reports in both English and Chinese.

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Limpopo, South Africa, March 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel Promoters is delighted to share its appointment as Sales & Marketing representatives for Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa in South Africa’s Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo Province.

The 35,000 hectare “Big 5” reserve in the Waterberg District is rich in wildlife, and prides itself on being home to the world’s largest concentration of endangered white rhino living on private land, which are fiercely protected by a world class, highly skilled anti-poaching unit.

Travel Promoters Founder, Ailsa Tavares said “We are very proud to be welcoming Mhondoro into our portfolio, especially as we approach the busy trade show season, and look forward to sharing updates on this special property with our tour operator partners”.

Mhondoro sleeps up to 24 guests in total split across:

• Honeymoon Suite (sleeps 2)
• Luxury Pool Suite 1 (sleeps 2)
• Luxury Pool Suite 2 (sleeps 2)
• Executive Suite (sleeps 4)
• Family Deluxe Suite (sleeps 4)
• Family Pool Suite (sleeps 4)
• Mhondoro Villa (sleeps 6)

The lodge enjoys panoramic views over a busy watering hole – and, for guests wanting a more intimate experience, also links via a 65-metre tunnel to an incredible underground hide hidden in close proximity to the waterhole.

Mhondoro is widely regarded as the benchmark for luxury safaris in this region, with a reputation for service excellence and gourmet cuisine, paired with a wide selection of fine wines.  Activities include guided open-air game drives, rhino tracking and guided walks with highly skilled rangers. Spa treatments can also be enjoyed in the dedicated Spa Suite overlooking the waterhole. Stargazing, wellness retreats and guided excursion to two rock art sites are also available.

This malaria-free reserve is less than three-hour’s drive or a one-hour flight from Johannesburg, making it an ideal destination for multigenerational families with young children, or simply travellers wanting a smooth and easy connection to the bush. Shorter, child-friendly Bumble game drives, child-minding services and a full kids programme ensures even the youngest of guests are made to feel welcome. Families staying in the Mhondoro Villa have no age restriction on game drives as they have an exclusive vehicle and guide.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Travel Promoters to strengthen and grow our market share in the UK and Europe, and we look forward to engaging with the trade to share our unique offering. Hot off the press, we are proud to announce the acquisition of Izingwe Lodge in the South of Welgevonden Game Reserve. The lodge will be presented to the trade after refurbishment where the Mhondoro look and feel will be added to the already existing luxurious atmosphere and the lodge will be renamed to Mhondoro Southern Residence. The Southern Residence, which sleeps up to 8 guests, will be available on an exclusive basis only”, says the owners Frank and Myriam Vogel.

Team TP will be heading out to experience Mhondoro first-hand ahead of Indaba and look forward to working with their incredible team to market this gem of the Waterberg.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / 1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok and Executive Chef Thierry Drapeau welcome Michelin chef friends for the fourth edition of THE REUNION. This year’s 3-night event features four renowned Michelin chefs, a collaborative 8-course menu with wine, and spectacularly fusion of flavours from France, Mexico, Singapore and Thailand. 1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok Restaurant is thrilled to announce the return of The Reunion, taking place on 2-4 April, 2026 at Signature Bangkok. The Reunion 4.0 is the fourth edition of The Reunion, an annual gastronomy experience which brings together top Michelin starred chefs from different backgrounds to create a unique tasting menu. 

Headlining this year’s event are Chef Thierry Drapeau from France and Thailand; Chef Naatali Jean Baptiste from France;  Chef Enrique Casarrubias from France and Mexico; and, Chef Laurence Tan from Singapore. Together, the chefs represent French, Mexican, and pan Asian cuisine—three distinct culinary traditions. Each chef will contribute two courses to an 8-course menu, creating a tapestry of bold, innovative flavours over three evenings of incredible gastronmy. 

The Reunion 4.0 will be held at 1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok, situated on the 11th floor of VIE Hotel Bangkok – MGallery Collection with stunning city skyline views. The 8-course menu with mini wine pairings is offered at THB 6,800++, and limited seats available. Guests are encouraged to book early via  shorturl.at/uT9jW

REUNITING MICHELIN FRIENDS & GLOBAL FLAVOURS

Signature Bangkok Executive Chef Thierry Drapeau founded The Reunion series in 2022 to gather his chef friends and colleagues for a collaborative, concept-driven gastronomy experience. The series has been a resounding success and is one of Bangkok’s most anticipated culinary events. 

The Reunion 4.0 celebrates the ‘multinational universe’. Each chef will contribute courses to the menu, infusing the experience with their unique local and global perspectives. For this year’s edition, Chef Thierry invited chefs representing France, Mexico, and Asia. Although each chef is from a distinct culinary background, they are long-term friends and colleagues. They are excited to reunite at Signature Bangkok and participate in this first-ever collaboration. 

MEET THE CHEFS of THE REUNION 4.0

On three consecutive nights, from 2-4 April, The Reunion 4.0 will feature an 8-course menu with mini wine pairings. Each chef will oversee two courses, bringing to the table their unique flavours and stories. 

Chef Thierry Drapeau — France & Thailand

Chef Thierry leads the culinary vision at 1-Michelin star Signature Bangkok, where he continues to shape and evolve his innovative modern French and floral cuisine. Chef Thierry’s “cuisine of the soil” approach emphasises terroir, premium, story-driven ingredients, and stunning presentations. Chef Thierry’s first restaurant Logis de la Chabotterie, in Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon, Loire Valley, held on to its 2-Michelin star status for nine consecutive years. Always keen to develop his skills and collaborate with others, Chef Thierry began the Reunion gastronomy series in 2022.  

Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali — France

A distinguished French chef renowned for his innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, Chef Jean-Baptiste is one of Chef Thierry’s oldest friends. At 27 years of age, he became the youngest chef in France to earn a Michelin star—an accolade he has proudly maintained for 23 years. Chef Natali’s cuisine style is rooted in authentic French culinary techniques, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for ingredients. With over three decades of international experiences, Chef Natali brings a broad range of global influences, creating a unique and innovative dining experience. 

Chef Laurence Tan — Singapore 

Chef Laurence is the Executive Chef at 1-Michelin Star JAG, a contemporary French restaurant in Singapore. Chef Laurence’s style of cuisine marries classic French techniques with an innovative approach to flavour and presentation. At JAG, Chef Laurence approached the restaurant’s vegetable-centric approach by enhancing French techniques, highlighting bolder flavors, and adding subtle local influences. Chef Laurence’s pioneering work on plant-based cuisine deeply impressed Chef Thierry, who immediately invited the Singapore-based chef to be part of The Reunion 4.0. This is Chef Laurence’s first time participating in a culinary event in Thailand.

Chef Enrique Casarrubias — México

Originally from Mexico City, Chef Enrique Casarrubias calls Paris home. He is the founder and head chef of 1-Michelin Star OXTE, which is the first French-Mexican fine dining restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Chef Enrique style of cuisine that merges the warmth of Mexican tradition with French haute cuisine. Childhood flavours of spices, chiles, and herbs are reimagined through the lens of French training, and each plate is an attempt to find harmony between his two worlds. Chef Theirry was first introduced to Chef Enrique through mutual friends, and the two bonded over shared pursuit of depth, complexity, and elegance in the kitchen. 

THE REUNION 4.0 | GLOBAL FLAVOURS : THE DETAILS

2, 3, and 4 April 2026

6:00 to 10:00 PM  | THB 6,800++

Early Bird 10% OFF when booking before 15 March. 

**Limited Seats Available

Book now > shorturl.at/uT9jW

ABOUT 1-MICHELIN STAR SIGNATURE BANGKOK

1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok is a pioneering modern French and floral restaurant in Bangkok. Led by former 2-Michelin Star Chef Thierry Drapeau, Signature Bangkok received its first Michelin Star in 2023 and has retained the award for four consecutive years. Seasonal ‘Flower Bouquet’ menus achieve classic French flavours using imported herbs and edible flowers. Chef Thierry’s “cuisine of the soil” approach celebrates terroir, while keeping the experience approachable and in-step with Thai culture’s emphasis on relaxed meals in beautiful settings. Signature Bangkok is located on the 11th floor of 5-star VIE Hotel Bangkok – MGallery Collection next to the BTS SkyTrain Ratchathewi station.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Siam Yacht Club at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok invites guests to experience an immersive evening of cuisine, cocktails, and sensory storytelling with “Yacht Club Fusion: The Fifth Sense,” a one-night-only four-hands collaboration taking place on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

Set along the iconic Chao Phraya River, the evening brings together Siam Yacht Club’s culinary creativity and the artistry of award-winning mixologist Kenny Thianthong, 2024 Giffard West Cup Champion and former Head Bartender of Bangkok’s renowned Vesper. Together with Chef Nu Natchayapong Homsombutchoti, the duo presents a curated five-course modern Asian tasting menu paired with crafted cocktails, including both alcoholic and refined zero-proof expressions.

What is The Fifth Sense?

At Siam Yacht Club, dining has always been about more than taste. It is about atmosphere, rhythm, energy, and emotion.

The Fifth Sense represents that unspoken element — the feeling that lingers long after the last sip and final bite.

In this one-night-only edition of Yacht Club Fusion, cuisine and cocktail craftsmanship come together in a seamless dialogue. Each course is designed not only to complement the next, but to awaken sight, sound, scent, and texture — culminating in the fifth sense: emotional connection.

Set against the flowing backdrop of the Chao Phraya River, the evening unfolds like the water itself — layered, expressive, and alive. Through modern Asian flavors and boundary-pushing mixology, guests are invited to experience dining not as a sequence of courses, but as a curated sensory journey.

A Curated Culinary & Cocktail Experience

The five-course menu begins with Lobster Toast with cocktail dressing, coriander, pear, and gochujang, followed by Creamy Oyster Soup with wakame and dashi broth, before refreshing the palate with Passion Fruit Sorbet.

The main course presents Roasted Beef Tenderloin with tarragon crust, creamy potato mille-feuille with Époisses cheese, and port wine jus, culminating in an indulgent dessert of Mayan hazelnut chocolate with raspberry tuile, macadamia caramel, and balsamic rhubarb cherry compote.

Each course may be enhanced with carefully crafted cocktail pairings, created by Kenny Thianthong using premium ingredients from partners including Giffard, Sober Spirits, Maison Perrier, Vittel, and Pinnacle Gastro.

Yacht Club Fusion: The Fifth Sense will take place on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at Siam Yacht Club, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, with guest arrival from 6:30 PM and dinner commencing at 7:00 PM. The experience is priced at THB 1,688++ per person for the five-course set menu, with optional cocktail pairing at THB 988++ per person, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic (Sober Spirits 0%) selections. Seating is limited to ensure an intimate and curated riverside dining experience.

The Venue: Siam Yacht Club

Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Siam Yacht Club combines sleek contemporary design with the relaxed spirit of the waterfront. With open-air terraces, signature cocktails, and a vibrant yet refined energy, it embodies the essence of Bangkok’s riverside lifestyle — where culinary artistry meets effortless charm.

About Kenny Thianthong

With over 9 years behind some of Asia’s top bars, Kenny Thianthong has evolved from an energetic bartender into a true force in the region’s cocktail movement. As the 2024 Giffard West Cup Champion, Kenny’s skill is matched only by his passion for storytelling through liquid craft.

A former Head Bartender at the legendary Vesperbkk, and one-time brand advocate for Stranger & Sons, Kenny now leads beverage innovation for Giffard Thailand’s non-alcoholic range — reshaping the future of mindful mixology.

His creations celebrate Asia’s diverse ingredients, combining culinary precision with emotional depth. With Kenny at the helm, expect cocktails that are unexpected, elegant, and rooted in culture. At SYC, he makes his next mark — reimagining riverside drinking with bold new expressions.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 02 266 0123

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok proudly announces the opening of The Ledger Room, an intimate cigar and whiskey bar located on the 32nd floor of the hotel. Designed as a sanctuary for discerning guests, The Ledger Room introduces a new chapter in refined leisure—where legacy is felt, not displayed.

Tucked above Sukhumvit Soi 24, The Ledger Room is a high-rise retreat with the soul of a forgotten barroom and the posture of a private club. Darker corners, considered comfort, and deliberate design replace excess and spectacle. This is a space shaped by restraint, ritual, and intention—created for those who value discretion over display.

The venue officially opened its doors on February 27 with an exclusive, invitation-only evening for select partners, collaborators, and industry leaders. Guests were welcomed to explore the walk-in humidor, curated whiskey selections, and signature house rituals, while enjoying complimentary food and beverages throughout the evening.

Opening remarks were delivered by Markus Hesse, Cluster General Manager of SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok and SKYVIEW Resort Phuket, who expressed his gratitude to the hotel’s owners, Khun Vikromjit Sachdev and Khun Channarong Sachdev, for their continued support and vision, also highlighting the concept behind The Ledger Room and its place within SKYVIEW’s evolving lifestyle portfolio.

The evening also recognized the contributions of Martin Loving, Director of Culinary Service at SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok, who has been instrumental in bringing The Ledger Room to life alongside the hotel’s Food & Beverage and operations teams.

A Room Defined by Access and Intention

Open to the public, The Ledger Room also introduces a tiered membership program designed for guests seeking a more private and personalized experience. Membership is built around Ledger Credit—an internal currency redeemable for curated pours, cigars, and bespoke experiences within the room.

Members enjoy exclusive privileges such as:

• A curated welcome ritual featuring select bottles and cigars
• Private whiskey or humidor lockers for personal collections
• Priority reservations and early access to rare and marked pours
• Preferred room rates when settling hotel stays through the bar

Four distinct tiers—The Seal, The Key, The Reserve & The Vault—offer varying levels of access, ritual, and recognition, each crafted with intention rather than excess.

More Than a Bar

“The Ledger Room is not about being seen,” said Markus Hesse. “It’s about presence. It’s about slowing down, honoring ritual, and creating a space where every detail has meaning.”

With its carefully curated whiskey library, premium cigars, and understated atmosphere, The Ledger Room sets a new benchmark for cigar and whiskey lounges in Bangkok—one rooted in legacy, discretion, and timeless indulgence.

The Ledger is now open.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / On 20 February 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya paid a visit to the royal exhibition and display of local wisdom on Thai textile and the community handicrafts of the South at Suratthani Rajabhat University, Surat Thani province. The exhibition is part of the “Fun with Thai Fabrics” project, which aims to further develop and enhance Thai textile wisdom in an environmentally responsible manner, in line with the royal initiative “Sustainable Fashion.”

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with his spouse, led 98 participants of the Study Visit to Surat Thani Province, of whom 65 are Heads of Diplomatic Missions from 45 countries together with their spouses, as well as with executives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and spouses, to attend the royal audience with Her Royal Highness alongside H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Her Royal Highness graciously hosted a luncheon in honor of the Diplomatic Corps, led the delegation in visiting the exhibition of Thai textiles and Southern Thai community handicrafts, and granted the diplomatic representatives an opportunity to learn about Her Royal Highness’s work in carrying forward the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in preserving traditional craftsmanship and Thai textiles as invaluable local wisdom and cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Her Royal Highness has also actively promoted weaving communities in all regions to ensure sustainable livelihoods, drawing upon Her expertise and experience gained from engagements both at home and abroad to further develop Thai textiles, preserving their distinctive local identities while enhancing their modern appeal and international relevance to meet global market demands.

This activity not only provided a valuable opportunity for the Diplomatic Corps to witness firsthand the royal initiatives of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya in preserving, safeguarding, and further developing Thai arts and crafts, reflecting the creative strength of local communities and sustainable development under the guiding principle of “Sustainable Fashion,” but also created meaningful opportunities for local communities to engage with and learn from the experiences and perspectives of international visitors through the presence of the Diplomatic Corps.

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