Cabinet approves Myanmar request to buy additional land for diplomatic use

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18 June 2026, 18:09

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft exchange of notes with Myanmar allowing the neighbouring country to acquire additional land and buildings in Thailand for diplomatic and consular use, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Pherdsriwattana said on Thursday.

The proposal, submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concerns reciprocal ownership of land and buildings by Thailand and Myanmar for embassy and consular operations in each other’s territory.

Lalida said Thailand currently owns land and buildings covering approximately 14,605 square metres in Yangon for use as the Royal Thai Embassy and the ambassador’s residence. Myanmar, meanwhile, owns about 16,600 square metres of land and buildings in Bangkok for its embassy and related diplomatic facilities. Both countries have held the properties since 1948.

Myanmar has requested permission to purchase an additional 3,306.8 square metres of land and buildings in Thailand. The acquisitions include property in Chiang Mai for the expansion of the Myanmar Consulate-General and accommodation for the consul-general and staff, as well as a property in Bangkok to serve as offices and residences for labour attaché personnel.

Lalida said the Cabinet’s approval reaffirmed the close relationship between Thailand and Myanmar, which share Thailand’s longest land border.

She added that the arrangement would facilitate diplomatic and consular work while strengthening cooperation in labour affairs, human security, trade, investment and the management of cross-border issues.

The approval also reflects Thailand’s commitment to international obligations and international law, she said.

Ukraine hits Moscow oil refinery and disrupts commercial flights with major drone attack

By

Khonphong Thanatphongjira

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18 June 2026, 18:07

Ukraine hit a major Moscow oil refinery for a second time in a week and disrupted commercial flights at Moscow airports in one of its biggest drone attacks since Russia’s all-out invasion of its neighbor more than four years ago, Russian officials said Thursday.

The attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had held “an important coordination call” with U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron that may “bring about significant change.”

Zelenskyy said Wednesday his country had won key pledges of further support from world leaders attending the G7 summit in France, including the United States.

Images and video released by the Russian media showed massive fires raging at the Moscow Oil Refinery, located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Kremlin. Thick black clouds of smoke rose over the city.

The Moscow Oil Refinery is one of Russia’s biggest refineries, according to its official website, and accounts for more than a third of the fuel market of the capital region. It was last attacked by Ukrainian drones on June 16, catching fire, but officials said the blaze was swiftly put out.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russia’s oil facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion.

Flights from four Moscow airports were temporarily halted, transport and aviation authorities said.

In the surrounding Moscow region, a drone hit a residential building in the town of Zhukovsky, and the building was being evacuated, according to Gov. Andrei Vorobyov.

Elsewhere in the region, drone debris hit private houses, a car, a fitness center, an unspecified industrial facility and a large mall, whose roof caught fire, Vorobyov said. One woman was injured, he said.

Ukrainian drone attack embarrasses Putin again

The Russian Defense Ministry said that its air defenses overnight shot down 555 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions, with almost 200 intercepted as they were approaching the Russian capital.

That was roughly double the number of drones that Russia launched at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force.

The attack was the latest embarrassment for Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a Ukrainian drone attack on his hometown of St. Petersburg earlier this month just as he held a showcase economic forum in the city with foreign VIP visitors.

Putin on Thursday was in Kazan, some 700 kilometers (430 miles) east of Moscow, hosting leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as Russia seeks to bolster business and other ties with the nations of the regional bloc.

Zelenskyy said the attack on Moscow was part of Ukraine’s efforts to force Putin to the negotiating table.

“This is a fully justified response to Russian attacks on our cities and communities, and another important result of our warriors’ work against facilities that sustain Russia’s war machine,” the Ukrainian leader said on social media. “It is time the war ended, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X: “One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is ‘What is going on?’ I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what’s going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it.”

Ukraine disrupts Russian supply lines with drones

As well as gaining pledges of more diplomatic and military help from Western supporters at the G7 summit, Ukraine recently has gained momentum on the battlefield against Russia’s bigger army thanks to its high-tech drones, Western officials and analysts say.

As well as disrupting Russian oil production, longer-range drone strikes are choking Russian supply lines in occupied regions of Ukraine.

Macron said the G7 summit was “very important for Ukraine” because its supporters — crucially including the United States — vowed to help it, although the French president provided no details. The U.S. under Trump has cut back assistance to Ukraine, leaving the Europeans as the biggest suppliers of military and financial aid. Trump and Zelenskyy have had an at times strained relationship.

″America is with us on Ukraine, that is very important,″ Macron said.

″And now we will continue to advance to help Ukraine to resist″ and to build up its ″capacity to defend itself and capacity to counterattack,” Macron told reporters as he and Trump left the Palace of Versailles near Paris.

Gunman livestreams brushing teeth as police surround hideout

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Khaosod English

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18 June 2026, 17:33

Gunman livestreams brushing teeth as police surround hideout

BURIRAM — 18 June 2026, A gunman inside a sedan ambushed and accused of fatally shooting a lottery vendor unfazed by the standoff and livestreamed himself brushing his teeth after police surrounded his hideout, casually telling, “it’s game over,” and shouting officers to “wait a moment” before walking out to surrender.

On Thursday, reporters provided updates on the case of 40-year-old Pichit, Pichit, 40, a lottery seller from Prakhon Chai district in Buriram province. He was targeted by an unknown number of assailants driving a white sedan, who pulled up alongside him while he was riding his motorcycle into an alley in Ban Pradeak village, Moo 3, Lawia subdistrict in Buriram’s Prakhon Chai district.

Clear CCTV footage showed the victim arguing with the occupants of the vehicle moments before the shooting. One of the suspects allegedly used a shotgun to shoot Pichit, causing him to fall from his motorcycle, before getting out of the car and firing a second shot. In total, two shots were fired. He instantly died. The incident occurred at around 00:58 on Tuesday.

Upon inspecting the scene, investigators found 140 methamphetamine pills dropped between the victim’s legs and are investigating whether the dispute related to drug trafficking, despite the victim working as a lottery vendor. Pol. Col. Wisanu Apornphong, Superintendent of Prakhon Chai Police Station, has since coordinated with nearby local police to trace down the suspect vehicle seen in the CCTV footage, believing the suspects have not fled far.

Recently, on Wednesday afternoon, Pol. Col. Jaturaphat Singhatthit, deputy commander of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, alongside Pol. Col. Damrong Iampairoj, Chief of the Investigation Division of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, and Pol. Col. Chaturaphat Singhasit, Deputy Commander of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police (Investigation), led a team of investigators to surround and search the property in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. The raid aimed to apprehend a suspect after authorities were tipped off that the getaway vehicle, the white Honda City, was parked in front of a room at a rental complex in Baan Mai Nong Sai subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district. Upon arrival, officers called on the occupant inside the room to come out.

During the standoff, one of the suspects livestreamed himself brushing his teeth, saying police had surrounded the front of the room and that “this game is over”, while telling viewers to take care of themselves. Investigators believe the message may have been directed at associates involved in the drug trade. The suspect then shouted to officers outside, saying: “Wait a moment.”

Shortly afterwards, three people walked out of the room and surrendered without showing any signs of resistance. They were identified as Sutthirak (also known as “Thi”), 24, the alleged gunman; Kiattisak (also known as “Earth”), 26, the alleged driver; and Nuntita, 23, the girlfriend of the suspected shooter. Officers took them into custody for questioning and notified Prakhon Chai Police Station, the jurisdiction where the crime occurred, to transfer the suspects for further for legal proceedings.

As for the reason the three suspects took this route, police believe they may have been preparing to flee Thailand through natural border crossings into neighbouring Cambodia.

Rider Caught on Camera Picking Up Wallet, Driving Off

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Khaosod English

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18 June 2026, 16:13

Rider Caught on Camera Picking Up Wallet, Driving Off

CHIANG MAI — 18 June 2026, A woman in Chiang Mai has filed a police report after losing her wallet near Phraharuthai Chiang Mai School, with CCTV footage showing a motorcycle rider in a green uniform stopping to pick it up before driving away.

The incident occurred on 18 June 2026 when the woman reportedly dropped her wallet beside her vehicle before crossing the road to buy noodles near the school.

After realizing the wallet was missing, she reviewed surveillance footage obtained from nearby agencies. The footage allegedly showed a rider, identified by the woman as a Grab delivery rider, noticing the wallet on the ground, picking it up and leaving the area on a motorcycle.

The woman has since reported the matter to police and contacted nearby stations, including Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station, to check whether the wallet had been turned in.

As of the latest update, no one has returned the wallet, which reportedly contains valuables and several important documents.

Police are currently working to identify the motorcycle involved and trace its registration details as part of the ongoing investigation.

Tuk-Tuk driver confesses in death of Scottish boxer in Phuket

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Khaosod English

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18 June 2026, 15:44

PHUKET — A tuk-tuk driver has confessed to charges in connection with the death of Scottish professional boxer Colin Cairney, 22, who fell from a public vehicle in Patong and later died, police said.

The incident occurred in the early hours of 14 June 2026 on Phra Baramee Road in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket.

Police at Patong Station confirmed they have detained and questioned the driver of the vehicle involved.

According to investigators, the suspect, a 34-year-old man from Phatthalung province identified only as Kittipong, was summoned for questioning on 15 June after evidence linked him to the incident.

During questioning, the driver confessed that he picked up two foreign tourists, a man and a woman, from the Bangla Road nightlife area and drove them to a hotel near Kalim Beach. He said the male passenger, who was intoxicated, later asked to be taken to several ATMs after claiming he had no cash to pay the fare.

The driver said he brought the passenger to three nearby ATM locations, but the withdrawal attempts were unsuccessful. He then decided to return the passengers to the original pick-up point.

While driving past the hotel where they had initially stopped, the driver said he was travelling at normal speed when he noticed something unusual with the vehicle but did not stop to check. He later realized, after driving about 2 kilometres, that the passenger was no longer in the vehicle.

He did not report the incident to authorities at the time, and only later learned that the Scottish passenger had fallen from the tuk-tuk, sustained serious injuries and died.

Police said the tuk-tuk involved belonged to the suspect’s brother and was being rented for passenger service.

Following questioning, authorities charged the driver with two offences: reckless driving causing death, and failing to stop and report the incident or provide assistance after the accident.

The suspect has reportedly confessed to all charges during the investigation stage. Police also said discussions are underway regarding compensation with the victim’s uncle, who resides in Phuket.

Club mourns death of rising 22-year-old boxer after fatal tuk-tuk fall in Phuket

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Khaosod English

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18 June 2026, 15:23

PHUKET — 18 June 2026, a 22-year-old Scottish undefeated professional boxer has died after suffering severe head injuries when he fell from a tuk-tuk in Patong, Kathu district, his boxing club has confirmed.

Colin Cairney, a championship-winning boxer, had remained in a coma while receiving intensive treatment at Vachira Phuket Hospital since the incident in the early hours of Sunday.

International media reports later confirmed that Cairney had died. In a statement, his club, 1314 Boxing Club, paid tribute, stating: “He wasn’t just a member of the club; he was family. He was a huge part of Team 1314 and meant so much to so many people.”

According to CCTV footage and information from hotel security personnel, before the incident Cairney had taken a red tuk-tuk from an entertainment venue back to his hotel. However, a dispute arose over the fare because he did not have cash to pay. He then agreed with the driver to return and withdraw money from an ATM to pay for the ride.

CCTV footage later showed the tuk-tuk travelling back towards Patong at around 04:02 without turning into the hotel to drop off the passenger. Cairney subsequently fell from the rear of the vehicle and struck his head on the road, suffering critical injuries.

Lt. Col. Surachart Thongyai, an investigator at Patong Police Station, said preliminary inquiries indicated that Cairney had travelled to Phuket with relatives and British friends. He said alcohol may have been a factor, as friends who arrived at the hospital also appeared intoxicated. Officers have collected blood samples for testing for alcohol and narcotics, with official results still pending.

Based on testimony from a hotel security guard, the victim had unsuccessfully attempted to exchange a card for cash at the hotel. As a result, he left to withdraw money to pay the fare, which was estimated at 300 to 400 baht (9.16 to 12.25 USD). A woman was seen leaving the hotel with him, although investigators have not yet confirmed whether she was in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Furthermore, CCTV footage showed Cairney falling from the vehicle alone and provided no evidence that he had been assaulted, dispelling earlier speculation surrounding the case. Meanwhile, the tuk-tuk driver did not stop to assist him after the incident.

Thailand Warns of Prolonged Dry Spell Amid El Niño

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Khaosod English

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18 June 2026, 14:26

Thailand Warns of Prolonged Dry Spell Amid El Niño

BANGKOK — 18 June 2026, Thailand’s Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned that a seasonal dry spell expected from late June to mid-July could become more severe and prolonged due to the influence of El Niño, prompting authorities to accelerate nationwide water management plans.

ONWR Secretary-General Chayan Muangsong said on 18 June that although Thailand is currently in the rainy season, weather monitoring conducted jointly with the Thai Meteorological Department and the Hydro-Informatics Institute indicates that the country will enter a period of reduced rainfall from late June through mid-July 2026.

The dry spell is considered a normal seasonal phenomenon, occurring when the monsoon trough shifts northward across southern China, temporarily reducing rainfall and its distribution across Thailand.

However, Chayan said the situation could intensify because the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has now transitioned into an El Niño phase. Climate models project that El Niño conditions will persist throughout the year, a relatively uncommon occurrence that can trigger widespread weather extremes.

Such conditions could bring heatwaves, drought and, in some areas, episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri has expressed concern over the situation and instructed ONWR to work closely with relevant agencies to closely monitor weather developments and prepare response measures aimed at minimizing impacts on the public.

According to ONWR, cumulative rainfall since the beginning of the year remains around 10% below the seasonal average. Despite lower overall rainfall, localized heavy downpours could still trigger flooding, flash floods and landslides in some areas.

Authorities have therefore been ordered to strictly implement the government’s nine measures for the 2026 rainy season, while ensuring that equipment, machinery and personnel are ready to provide assistance when needed.

As of 17 June 2026, Thailand’s 35 major reservoirs held a combined 45.054 billion cubic meters of water, equivalent to 56% of total storage capacity. Usable water stood at 20.943 billion cubic meters, or 37% of capacity, which is 490 million cubic meters lower than the same period last year.

To manage water resources during the rainy season, ONWR has coordinated with the Royal Irrigation Department and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to adjust reservoir discharge plans in line with actual conditions while maintaining targets under the national water management framework.

The agency is also encouraging all sectors to use water efficiently and conserve supplies, while maximizing water storage after the rainy season ends.

ONWR currently monitors and assesses weather and water conditions twice daily, in the morning and evening, to support water management planning and disaster warnings.

The agency is also evaluating the accuracy of warning systems with partner organizations and is developing a new rainfall forecasting model. The model will be proposed to the Subcommittee on Water Resources Management and is expected to improve runoff analysis and forecasts of flood- and landslide-prone areas.

Bhutan king and queen pay respects to Princess Bajrakitiyabha

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Khaosod English

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18 June 2026, 13:19

BANGKOK — Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema paid their respects to the late Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati at the Grand Palace on Thursday morning.

At 09:24, the Bhutanese monarch and queen laid a wreath before the princess’s funerary urn at Pimarn Rattaya Hall and signed a book of condolence at Rajakaranya Sabha Hall within the Grand Palace complex.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and Princess Soamsawali, was born in 1978.

The princess had been receiving treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital since suffering a heart-related illness in December 2022. She passed away peacefully on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47.

Following her death, The King ordered the Royal Household Bureau to conduct funeral rites with the highest royal honours in accordance with royal tradition. Her funerary urn is being housed at Pimarn Rattaya Hall in the Grand Palace.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema are known to share close ties with the Thai royal family and have attended several royal ceremonies in Thailand over the years.

29-year-old man drives car into Chulalongkorn pool over condo rent dispute with mother

By

Khaosod English

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18 June 2026, 13:09

29-year-old man drives car into Chulalongkorn pool over condo rent dispute with mother

BANGKOK — 18 June 2026, a 29-year-old man was injured after driving his car into a pool inside Chulalongkorn University, in front of the Sasapol Building in Pathum Wan district, Bangkok, early Thursday morning, following a dispute with his mother over condominium rent payments.

At 05:45, a white Toyota Harrier was found submerged in the pool, with the 29-year-old male driver sustaining injuries. The driver managed to swim to shore by himself before emergency crews arrived.

Officers from Pathum Wan Police Station and rescue workers later rushed to the scene and transported the man to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital. No other casualties were reported.

A preliminary investigation found that the incident followed a family conflict in which the driver wanted his mother to help contribute around 27,000–30,000 baht per month (828–920 USD) toward condominium rent, but no agreement was reached, leading to stress and frustration.

Reports indicate that prior to the incident, the man drove into the university grounds before heading toward the pool. Security guards attempted to intervene, but the driver accelerated, crashing through a barrier and fence before the car entered the pool.

Police said the incident caused no additional injuries. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances, including a detailed assessment of the driver’s mental state and motives.

Following the incident, widespread commentary emerged on social media, with some users pointing out that the potential costs arising from the incident, including vehicle repairs, site restoration and legal penalties, could exceed the disputed rental payments within the family.

Bhutan launched the Inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026

By

MC Marketing

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18 June 2026, 13:03

The Department of Tourism (DoT), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), in partnership with the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO), officially launched the inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026, a landmark event for Bhutan’s tourism sector. Following a welcome dinner on 10 June, the event opened on 11 June 2026 and was graced by the Honorable Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji. Over three days, BITM 2026 will bring together tourism professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders for business-to-business meetings, destination and product showcases, networking opportunities, technical tours, and industry engagement sessions.

The Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) is a landmark initiative strategically designed to elevate Bhutan’s status and standing on the global stage, positioning the Kingdom as a premier, high-value destination. It is a calculated investment in our national prosperity, serving as a dynamic engine that converts global interest into tangible local prosperity. By bringing the world’s most influential international buyers to our doorstep, we are unlocking a new frontier of business that ensures the economic dividends of tourism are captured within our borders. The goal is to develop BITM into a top global tourism event generating good employment and economic opportunities for Bhutan, in addition to the great promotional value.

The event has attracted strong interest from the global travel trade, underscoring Bhutan’s growing appeal as a premier high-value destination. The event attracted more than 200 confirmed international buyers from around 15 key markets, including India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, China, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Bangladesh, Slovakia, Ukraine, Canada, Germany, Japan, Russia, and Spain. India represents a diverse range of cities and regions such as New Delhi, West Bengal, Bangalore, Kolkata, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Haryana, Assam, Gurgaon, Chennai, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Amritsar, Pune, and others. This broad international representation reflects the increasing global demand for Bhutan’s unique tourism experiences and reinforces BITM’s role as a strategic platform for strengthening international partnerships and expanding market reach.

The event has also received strong support from Bhutan’s tourism industry, with more than 50 exhibitors confirmed, including tour operators, hoteliers, airlines, and a heli service provider. Their participation highlights the sector’s commitment to showcasing Bhutan’s diverse tourism products and experiences to the international travel trade. Through dedicated business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, and product and destination showcases, exhibitors will have valuable opportunities to establish new business relationships, deepen existing partnerships, and position Bhutan more prominently within key global tourism markets.

A key highlight of the inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026 was the spotlight on Bhutan’s emerging destinations, innovative tourism products, and transformative national initiatives that embody the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism. The event featured dedicated showcase spaces for flagship projects and experiences, including the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, the pioneering Dinchengang Regenerative Village, and the internationally acclaimed Snowman Race. Complementing these showcases, a curated selection of Bhutanese products and experiences were presented by the Tarayana Centre, CSI, the Embassy of India, and Bhutan Textiles: A Collective Collection, developed in collaboration with the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property. In line with efforts to promote balanced tourism development, BITM also provided a platform for 11 lesser visited Dzongkhags, including all six eastern Dzongkhags as well as Zhemgang, Haa, Gasa, Tsirang, and Dagana, to present their unique attractions and tourism potential to international buyers.

As Bhutan’s first international travel mart, BITM marks a historic milestone in the nation’s tourism journey and is envisioned as an annual flagship event that will strengthen Bhutan’s engagement with the global travel trade. Funded through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and the Royal Government of Bhutan, the event is strategically designed to elevate Bhutan’s standing as a premier high-value destination while creating tangible economic opportunities for Bhutanese businesses and communities. Furthermore, BITM 2026 will accord special attention to the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), as we unveil its visionary potential to the global travel trade. By bringing GMC to the forefront for our international partners, we are inviting the world to witness the next chapter of the Bhutanese story.

“The inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart 2026 marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s tourism journey. More than a trade event, BITM is a strategic platform that strengthens our engagement with international markets while showcasing Bhutan’s unique approach to high-value, regenerative tourism. By bringing together global buyers, industry partners, and destinations from across the country, we are creating new opportunities for sustainable growth, fostering meaningful partnerships, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach communities throughout Bhutan. We are delighted to welcome the world to Bhutan and look forward to building enduring relationships that will shape the future of our tourism sector in Bhutan,” said Damcho Rinzin, the Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.

“BITM 2026 represents a landmark opportunity for Bhutan’s tourism industry to connect directly with key international buyers and showcase the exceptional experiences that our country has to offer. For our tour operators, hoteliers, and tourism partners, this event provides a valuable platform to forge new business partnerships, expand market access, and highlight the innovation, quality, and authenticity that define Bhutanese hospitality. We are proud to partner with the Department of Tourism in making this historic event a success and in advancing the growth of Bhutan’s tourism industry,” said Kinley Gyeltshen, the Chairman of the Association of the Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO).

For more information on BITM, please visit www.bitm.bt

Ukrainian drone attack embarrasses Putin again

Ukraine disrupts Russian supply lines with drones

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