Some say it was Greeks who first said ‘elephants never forget’ and, indeed, Asian elephants apparently really impressed Alexander the Great in battles in the 4th century BC. In modern peace-time language, the elephants of Northern Thailand are waiting for travellers to return.

Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) – the country’s most significant B2B travel trade event – made its return last week after a 2-year COVID hiatus. Held over three days at the beachfront Angsana Laguna Phuket, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) used the show to highlight the destinations ‘Amazing New Chapters’ to buyers from 43 countries including Australia, Europe and the United States.

Thailand intends to use the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to address ‘over tourism’ issues that have bedeviled the destination for years.

Southeast Asian cruise operator Pandaw River Expeditions is promoting a new collection of Combo Expedition River Cruises for guests with more time on their hands.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a wellness-inspired resort that fronts Phuket’s longest stretch of sand with a chilled-out beach club and private pool villas, has opened on Thailand’s largest island. The resort is the second five-star property to be launched in Thailand under Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International as part of a brand roll-out in key destinations across the Kingdom.

Avani Hotels has added Avani+ Koh Lanta Resort in Krabi to the brand’s collection that offers back to nature and island escape experience.

Thai hotel operator, Centara Hotels & Resorts, has opened its first Centara Reserve member property – Centara Reserve Samui. Centara Reserve is Centara’s sixth brand, complementing the group’s five other labels including Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a 30-suite and 70-villa resort on Phuket’s northwestern coastline overlooking the Andaman Sea is now accepting bookings from 1 December 2021.

Chiva-Som in Thailand has introduced four new retreats to support the new normal lifestyles. Recognising and proactively addressing guests’ changing needs, the innovative programs enhance the resort’s already comprehensive retreat offerings, focusing on specific objectives from supporting the immune system and gut health to embracing nature and ageing gracefully.

MGallery Hotel Collection has unveiled its latest offering in Thailand, with the opening of V Villas Phuket – MGallery. Inspired by the lush nature found on the southern tip of the tropical island, the resort is perfect for travellers seeking an enriching escape into unparalleled privacy and bespoke indulgence.

Nobu Hospitality has its eyes on potentially one, if not two, hotels in Thailand as part of a new venture with Asset World Corporation (AWC), a Thai integrated lifestyle real-estate group.

137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts has added a luxurious new offering to its collection with the launch of 137 Pillars Spirit, a sleek Azimut 55 flybridge motor yacht, based out of Yacht Haven Marina, Phuket.