The Airports of Thailand (AoT) says its six international airports are ready to welcome passengers as it expects 30,000 passengers to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday, the day of the country's reopening to foreign tourists.

The government has issued a fresh order banning rallies and activities deemed at risk of spreading Covid-19 across the country ahead of the kingdom's upcoming reopening to international travellers.

Restaurants in Bangkok will be allowed to sell alcohol starting on Monday, as the capital has been designated a "blue" tourist zone with fewer Covid restrictions, alongside Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin, was appointed chief adviser to Pheu Thai for participation and innovation, at the party’s general assembly in Khon Kaen on Thursday.

Well-known music director Jakkawal Saothongyutitum, also known as Neung Jakkawal, has bowed to criticism over his social media post in which he was seen touching his 9-year-old daughter's buttocks and stomach during play.

The invitation to bring K-pop sensation Lalisa "Lisa" Manoban of Blackpink to the New Year celebration in Phuket is worth the investment to help promote tourism, a senior Thai Hotels Association official said on Wednesday.

All eyes are on a meeting on Thursday of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) which may discuss an overhaul of its executive board, a move which could see its secretary-general replaced.

About 300,000 foreign tourists are expected to visit Bangkok in each of the next two months after the capital reopens, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

A student who developed blood clots after getting her second Covid-19 vaccine shot and her left leg was amputated has since died of a haemorrhagic stroke after brain surgery.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has defended the government's plan to spend some 100 million baht to secure K-pop sensation Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal of Blackpink and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli for the New Year's Eve celebrations.