Siam Piwat is raising the bar for tourism in Thailand with the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card — a premium privilege card designed exclusively for international travelers visiting Bangkok. Tailored for today’s experience-driven tourist, the card acts as an all-in-one key to the city’s finest shopping, dining, and lifestyle destinations.

Already trusted by over 400,000 members from 150 countries, the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card can unlock up to THB 10,000 in value per trip. It offers seamless access to perks across Siam Piwat’s six flagship malls — Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, and ICS — and connects users to more than 250 partners across tourism, hospitality, and retail.

“The ONESIAM Global Visitor Card isn’t just a discount card — it’s a fully curated experience platform,” said Mr. Kriengsak Suvorapamaneesawat, Head of Global Partnership Management at Siam Piwat. “From airport transfers and international shipping to dining and cultural experiences, this card is designed to simplify travel while offering exclusive access and savings from the very first moment in Thailand.”

Under the theme “Access the Extraordinary,” the card provides benefits across four dimensions:

• Access More: Up to 80% discounts at over 200 brands and an extra 5% off at Paragon Department Store, Gourmet Market, Discovery Selection, and Siam Takashimaya.

• Access Extra: Travel services like airport transfers, mobile data, luggage storage, and shipping through partners like Grab, Bellugg, DHL, TrueMove H, and more.

• Access Beyond: Cultural and local experiences such as museums, tuk-tuk rides, and sightseeing, enriching the travel journey.

• Access Worldwide: International privileges like lounge access and a complimentary welcome drink at Hong Kong’s Times Square.

This initiative aligns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s goals, especially as the country expects over 33 million visitors in 2025 — largely from Asia. The card caters to modern travelers seeking convenience, personalization, and immersive experiences.

To keep the momentum going, Season 2 of the ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway will run from June 20 to September 30, 2025, as part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025. Registered cardholders will enjoy “Double Rewards,” including “Win 1 Get 1 Free” coupons and the chance to win prizes worth over 10 million baht — ranging from free flights and five-star stays to Michelin-star meals.

Siam Piwat continues to drive innovation in the hospitality and tourism sectors, positioning Thailand as a leading global destination with the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card at the heart of this transformation.

To sign up for the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card, visit: https://app.onesiam.com/4h6O76y

India and the United Kingdom have officially concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), ushering in a new era of professional mobility and bilateral trade between the two nations. Signed on May 6, 2025, the agreement aims to streamline visa procedures and support Indian professionals looking to work in the UK.

The FTA provides simplified entry routes for a range of professionals, including contractual service providers, business visitors, investors, intra-corporate transferees, and independent professionals like yoga instructors, musicians, and chefs. The UK has expanded the list of eligible occupations, but applicants must meet stringent criteria regarding experience and qualifications.

One of the most notable provisions is the waiver of national insurance contributions for UK-based companies that second Indian employees. This exemption applies for the first three years, reducing costs for employers and encouraging more cross-border professional placements.

While critics in the UK have raised concerns about possible impacts on local jobs and increased immigration, British authorities have clarified that this FTA does not alter the country’s points-based immigration system. According to Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, the agreement strictly pertains to temporary business mobility, not permanent immigration.

The long-term benefits are significant. Bilateral trade is projected to grow by GBP 25.5 billion (approximately USD 34 billion) annually by 2040, signalling stronger economic cooperation between the fifth and sixth largest economies in the world.

Overall, the India–UK FTA is a major step toward mutual economic growth, offering smoother pathways for Indian professionals and fostering deeper trade relationships between the two nations.

The aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India's military strike on terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has sent shockwaves through the domestic tourism industry. With rising uncertainty, flight shutdowns, and safety concerns, Northern India’s tourism has come to a standstill as nearly 90% of bookings have been cancelled.

Peak summer travel plans have been upended, especially in popular destinations across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Airports in Jodhpur, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Kashmir, all close to the international border, have suspended civilian operations till May 10, severely disrupting travel schedules.

“People who were already vacationing in Himachal Pradesh have cut short their trips. The North is totally out of the question now. Nearly 95% of bookings for northern destinations in May have been called off,” said Virendra Shah, a travel consultant.

The ongoing panic has left tour operators and travel consultants struggling. "This is the worst May we’ve seen in years," one operator said, pointing to widespread refund requests and a sharp drop in new enquiries.

Even tourists currently on vacation are opting to play it safe. Prashant Sharma, vacationing in Uttarakhand, said, “We had a packed itinerary from Nainital, Jim Corbett, and Mussoorie to Rishikesh, but we’ve cancelled everything except Nainital. We are heading back as planned from Dehradun.”

Experts say the mood of the traveller has been shaken. “This conflict has not just disrupted logistics; it has disrupted sentiment. Even journeys planned a month from now are being cancelled out of fear,” said Ankit Bajaj, a travel expert. He added that the industry is facing a 70% revenue loss for existing bookings this season.

The uncertainty is spilling over to international travel as well. While a few tourists are still flying to the UK and Spain, many are cancelling trips to Turkey, Dubai, Bali, Indonesia, and the Maldives at the last minute.

Sanjeev Chhajer, Chairman of GCCI’s tourism committee, added, “Domestic air travel is badly hit due to airport shutdowns. However, international travel is relatively steady, except for a few cancellations by government employees. Turkey and Azerbaijan have seen more cancellations, while others are less affected.”

With no clear timeline on when normalcy will return, the travel industry braces for an extended lull during what was expected to be a high-revenue summer.