#ThaiTravelers

As global tensions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine continue to reshape international travel, the latest research and reporting reveal that visiting Russia has become a far more complicated—and, for some, contentious—journey than in years past. Despite Western sanctions, flight route disruptions, and dramatic changes to digital and financial infrastructure, thousands—including sizeable numbers from Asia and the Middle East—still make the trip each year. Understanding the new landscape is crucial for Thai citizens and all potential travelers as the realities of 2025 require unprecedented preparation and vigilance. This report distills the most up-to-date advice and developments for those considering travel to Russia, with special attention to safety, logistics, and implications for Thai travelers.

A recent alert issued by the US State Department warning Americans of potential dangers when travelling abroad has sparked a global conversation about travel safety, raising urgent questions for Thai citizens planning international trips. With concerns of geopolitical instability, evolving regional conflicts, and the heightened threat of terrorism, the world’s tourism industry once again finds itself at a crossroads, balancing wanderlust with the need for personal security.

The US State Department’s ‘worldwide caution’ advisory, updated in June 2025, arrives in a period marked by mounting international tensions and an increase in incidents such as politically motivated protests, violent attacks, and travel disruptions in various parts of the world. According to the official alert, Americans are advised to “exercise increased caution” when travelling, especially to volatile regions, due to “the increased potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests.” This development carries broader implications for travelers of all nationalities, including Thais, who may be considering journeys to affected areas (BBC Travel).

As the international travel industry mounts a determined comeback after pandemic-era setbacks, new skepticism is emerging among would-be tourists, fueled by controversial ad campaigns and rising concerns over safety, reputation, and human rights in key destinations. A recent opinion column published in The Boston Globe on July 3, 2025, highlights a growing wave of “wayward tourism promotions” and the complex, often contradictory realities facing travelers in 2025, raising questions especially relevant for Thai travelers considering outbound journeys (Boston Globe).

For many travelers, the iconic African safari conjures images of thundering wildebeest, golden savannas, and up-close encounters with elephants and lions. Over the years, the high season—those dry, chilly months from June through October—has become synonymous with classic safari experiences. However, recent insights from a leading travel advisor specializing in African adventures suggest that the best time for an unforgettable safari might be during the lesser-known “secret seasons,” offering both spectacular sights and significant cost savings (Travel + Leisure).

China has unveiled sweeping updates to its value-added tax (VAT) refund scheme for international tourists, rolling out instant refunds in additional locations and making the process smoother and more enticing for overseas visitors. The new policy—effective from July 1, 2025—marks a major departure from the previous refund-upon-departure model, allowing eligible tourists to claim cash back directly at participating stores and select refund counters, rather than navigating cumbersome airport procedures. This change aims to attract greater numbers of foreign tourists, boost retail spending, and revitalize the local economy after several challenging years for China’s tourism industry.

Afghanistan, long marred by decades of conflict, is witnessing an unexpected and slow revival in tourism since the return of Taliban rule, according to the latest report by the Associated Press. The current rulers, whose government has not yet been recognized by the international community, are actively encouraging foreign visitation, touting the revenue and cultural exchange potential for a nation in deep economic and social flux (apnews.com).

For Thai readers, the story offers a gripping lens into how economic desperation, societal transformation, and international isolation can upend even the most unlikely sectors—like tourism—in conflict-ridden nations. As Thailand’s own tourism industry serves as the economic backbone and a major conduit for cultural dialogue, the Afghan situation is a case study in how travel and tourism can become both a form of soft diplomacy and a crucible for ethical debate.

Tourists seeking an experience beyond the ordinary are increasingly looking to Mongolia, where vast steppes, nomadic traditions, and untouched nature offer a unique journey unlike anywhere else in Asia. According to travel advisers highlighted in a recent Business Insider article, Mongolia’s tourism is gaining attention as a rare destination for those eager to wander off the beaten path and engage deeply with authentic local culture and dramatic landscapes. This trend holds special appeal for adventurous Thai travellers and those in search of meaningful, sustainable tourism.