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India eyes to boost trade, tourism with BIMSTEC using UPI

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In an effort to strengthen the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) alliance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested integrating India’s United Payments Interface (UPI) with the payment systems of member countries, potentially enhancing trade, commerce, and tourism across the region.

BIMSTEC is a regional organization formed on June 6, 1997, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Originally called BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), it later became BIMSTEC, comprising seven member states after Myanmar joined on December 22, 1997, followed by Bhutan and Nepal in February 2004.

“For regional development, physical connectivity must go hand in hand with digital and energy connectivity,” Modi said during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4.

“I would also like to propose establishing connectivity between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the payment systems of BIMSTEC member states. Such integration would bring substantial benefits across trade, industry, and tourism, enhancing economic activity at all levels,” Modi announced.

“India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has revolutionized the delivery of public services. It has significantly enhanced good governance, increased transparency, and accelerated financial inclusion. We would be happy to share our DPI experience with BIMSTEC member states. To take this forward, a pilot study could be undertaken to better understand the specific needs and priorities of BIMSTEC countries in this area,” Modi added.

India’s flagship UPI, an example of effective Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), is recognized as one of the world’s most successful real-time payment systems. UPI is a system that integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile app from any participating bank, combining various banking features, seamless fund transfers, and merchant payments into one platform. It has revolutionized financial transactions, making them quicker, safer, and more convenient while empowering individuals, small businesses, and merchants.

UPI has played a key role in pushing India’s digital transformation. In 2024, it facilitated approximately 172 billion transactions, reflecting a 46% increase from 117.64 billion in 2023. This growth highlights the country’s cultural shift toward greater financial inclusion, with UPI as a foundational element.

Travel sector calls for measures to sustain visitor spending amid currency pressure

Key points:
– Exchange rate shifts may reduce spending by mainland visitors
– Sector urges wider adoption of visitor dispersion and incentive schemes
– Calls to utilise international IPs to encourage exploration beyond central districts
The recent weakening of the renminbi has drawn attention from Macau’s travel industry, with stakeholders calling for improved strategies to maintain tourist spending levels.
As reported by Macao Daily, Andy Wu, Chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, said that the currency’s downward trend could dampen the purchasing power of mainland visitors. While overall travel interest remains strong, he cautioned that discretionary spending, particularly on higher-end retail items, may be affected by less favourable exchange rates.
Recent data shows the offshore renminbi has dropped to a historic low of 7.4287 against the US dollar. As the Macau pataca is linked to the Hong Kong dollar, this development has made it more expensive for mainland visitors to spend in the territory. 
Wu explained that, in previous years, a stronger renminbi encouraged greater spending due to the perceived value. In the current climate, however, visitors are likely to exercise more caution. This may be particularly felt in the retail sector, where pressure is already mounting amid global economic uncertainty.
During the recent Ching Ming holiday, Macau saw average daily arrivals of over 130,000 visitors. With further holiday periods approaching, Wu urged that efforts should be made to convert foot traffic into meaningful economic activity.
He suggested enhancing the “attract tourists to districts” scheme by creating photogenic attractions in less-visited areas, potentially using international IPs. Additionally, he proposed that targeted incentives, such as prize draws or ticket giveaways for reaching spending thresholds, could help stimulate consumption and encourage repeat visits.

How to Travel Thailand in 2025: Underrated Experiences Beyond Bangkok

Thailand offers a wealth of unique and exclusive experiences that go far beyond the crowded streets of Bangkok. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape in a quiet coastal town or an adventure in the wilderness, these underrated destinations will leave you with unforgettable memories. Here’s a guide to the best activities that Thailand has to offer in 2025!
Also read: A Taste of Thai Luxury: Indulgent Culinary Experiences in Bangkok and Beyond
1. Private yacht charters to secluded islands
Image credit: Hype Boat Club | Official Facebook
How does lounging on plush daybeds with a cocktail in hand while sailing across the Andaman Sea sound? If that’s your idea of paradise, Hype Boat Club’s signature catamaran party is the experience for you! This catamaran glides toward the stunning waters of Coral Island and Racha Island with plenty of time for snorkelling, paddleboarding, or simply floating in the sunshine. It’s the perfect blend of tropical escape and an upscale day party.
Contact: +66 2 430 4405
Average Price: From ฿3,500 (~S$135+)
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Phuket International Airport. Depending on the package you purchase online, you will set sail from either Chalong Pier or Royal Phuket Marina.
Image credit: Ocean Marina Yacht Charter | Official Website
If you’re looking for an alternative closer to Bangkok, Ocean Marina Yacht Club offers a chic coastal escape minus the crowds. Their star sailing catamaran, Sonic, fits up to 20 guests, making it perfect for private parties, family days out, or stylish getaways with friends. 
Lounge on the sun-drenched netted deck, glide across the water in a kayak or keep the mood going with your favourite playlist on their waterproof Bluetooth speakers. With an experienced crew at the helm, cruising through the Pattaya islands and the Gulf of Thailand will be effortlessly smooth and refreshingly serene.
Contact: +061-994-0633
Average Price: From ฿6,500 (~S$250+)
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take a car transfer to Pattaya or fly into the U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport.
2. Mountain onsens and world-class wellness
Image credit: Onsen @ Moncham | Official Website
Forget the sea for a second, how about hot springs in the clouds? Onsen @ Moncham, just outside Chiang Mai, brings the Japanese onsen experience to the lush mountains of Northern Thailand. Picture yourself in a private tub, overlooking misty forests and alpine blooms. It’s a tranquil escape perfect for a calming retreat!
Contact: +66 53 111 606
Average Price: S$200+
How To Get There: Take a direct flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai International Airport before taking a car transfer to Onsen @ Moncham. 
Image credit: Chiva-Som Hua Hin | Official Facebook
Chiva-Som Hua Hin is another serene sanctuary where wellness takes centre stage. Recently named one of the Top 10 by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, this beachfront wellness haven blends holistic therapies, bespoke wellness programmes, and Thai hospitality to offer a truly transformative retreat. 
Whether it’s through a Thai massage, aqua aerobics, or nourishing cuisine, Chiva-Som creates a deeply restorative experience designed to inspire lasting lifestyle change.
Contact: +66 32 536 536
Average Price: S$1,800+
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take either a car transfer or train to Hua Hin. 
3. Horseback riding along pristine beaches
Image credit: Krabi Horse Riding | Official Website
Thailand’s underrated experiences aren’t just off the beaten path. Sometimes, they’re on the beach, on horseback, and under a blazing sunset sky. Krabi Horse Riding at Ao Nam Mao Beach offers a unique way to explore the stunning coastal landscape on horseback, whether at a gentle trot or a thrilling gallop. Suitable for all experience levels, their guided tours include beach rides, countryside treks, and even swimming with horses! 
Sunset rides provide a particularly magical setting, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink. For those looking to explore beyond the beach, excursions to Fossil Shell Beach, the Emerald Pool, and the Hot Spring Waterfall add to the adventure, making this an unforgettable way to experience Krabi’s natural beauty away from tourist-heavy areas.
Contact: +66 90 161 2498
Average Price: From S$50+
How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Krabi International Airport before making your way to Ao Nam Mao Beach via car transfer.
4. Golf resorts with breathtaking views
Image credit: Black Mountain Golf Club | Official Website
If the beach isn’t really your kind of holiday, you’ll be happy to hear that Thailand’s golf scene is nothing short of spectacular. Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin is a prime example of the country’s world-class offerings! Ranked among Asia’s top courses, Black Mountain is set against a stunning backdrop of rolling mountains, providing a perfect blend of sport and scenic beauty. 
Formerly a jungle and pineapple plantation, the course is renowned for its natural terrain, including rocky outcroppings, lush trees, and rustic creeks. It offers a challenging yet accessible experience, with varied holes and strategic layouts that cater to both seasoned golfers and beginners.
After a round, guests can unwind in the club’s luxurious spa or enjoy a meal with panoramic views of the course from the clubhouse, making Black Mountain an ideal destination for both sport and relaxation.
Contact: +66 32 618 666
Average Price: From ฿5,000 (~S$194+)
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take either a car transfer or train to Hua Hin. 
Image credit: Robinswood Golf Club | Official Website
Robinswood Golf Club, located in Lam Luk Ka, Thailand, is another golf course that blends beauty with challenge. Apart from offering an 18-hole golfing experience, the course features lush greenery, stunning water features and an impeccable design that appeals to golfers of all skill levels. 
Iconic holes challenge players to tee off from a wooded hillside, cross large lakes, and even land on an island green, making it a visually captivating and thrilling destination for golf enthusiasts.
Contact: 02-978-8888
Average Price: Overseas membership for ฿250,000 (~S$9,700+)
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take a car transfer to Lam Luk Ka. 
5. Luxury resorts in paradise
Image credit: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort | Official Website
Thailand’s lush rainforests provide the ultimate setting for an indulgent escape, blending adventure with luxury. The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai offers a one-of-a-kind experience, where guests arrive by longtail boat along the Mekong River, passing the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Beyond the stunning views, there are plenty of unique activities to elevate your stay. Ride through the jungle in a Royal Enfield Classic 500 sidecar, cruise past elephant pastures, or embark on a multi-day Mekong River voyage aboard a private rice barge, stopping at remote hill tribe villages.
With the Golden Triangle and historic Phrathat Doi Pu Khao Temple nearby, breathtaking panoramas and cultural discoveries await, making this retreat a perfect blend of nature and heritage.
Contact: +66 53 784 084
Average Price: From ฿2,000 (~S$80+)
How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Chiang Rai International Airport and the hotel will arrange for a transfer via longtail boat.
Image credit: Rayavadee Krabi | Official Website
Next on the list is Rayavadee Krabi, it’s the kind of place where your jaw drops even before you check in. Nestled on the Phranang Peninsula and only accessible by boat, this luxury resort is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters.
Once you arrive, you have one job: to relax. And how do you do that, you may ask? Well, Rayavadee offers a variety of activities designed to help you unwind. Kayak through mangroves, scale limestone cliffs with a private guide, or set sail to explore Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay. The possibilities here are endless, and all of them are pure bliss!
Contact: +6623011861
Average Price: From S$500+
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Krabi and the hotel will arrange for a transfer. From Krabi International Airport, it’s a 20-minute van ride to a private pier, followed by a 20-minute boat trip to the resort. 
6. Polo matches at local Clubs
Image credit: Thai Polo Club | Official Website
Thailand’s polo scene offers an exciting blend of luxury and sporting elegance. The Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya is a premier venue, hosting high-profile international tournaments, exclusive training sessions, and vibrant festivities. Set amidst over 2,000 rai (about 250 hectares) of lush grounds, this venue offers an idyllic setting for polo enthusiasts.
Spectators can enjoy thrilling matches while immersing themselves in the festive activities surrounding the tournaments, adding an extra layer of excitement!
Contact: +66 81 617 4744
Average Price: Free entry for events
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Bangkok and take a car transfer to Pattaya or fly into the U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport.
7. Michelin-starred gastronomy in Phuket
Image credit: PRU | Official Instagram
Thailand’s culinary scene goes way beyond pad thai, and at PRU Restaurant, it’s a full-on community-to-fork journey. As Phuket’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, PRU embraces sustainability and local sourcing at every turn. Ingredients come directly from its organic Pru Jampa Farm and nearby local producers. The result? Delicious dishes that showcase the true essence of Phuket’s culinary landscape. 
Every detail of the restaurant’s theatre kitchen has been meticulously crafted to offer a dining experience that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but for the eyes as well. Watch in awe as dishes, like durian with caviar and aged duck, are expertly prepared right before you, adding a unique visual element to the unforgettable flavours.
Contact: +66 76 683 344
Average Price: ฿1,000+ (~S$40+)
How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Phuket International Airport and take a car ride to the restaurant. 
8. Island-hopping with a long-tail twist
Image credit: Kiri Phuket | Official Instagram
Luxury doesn’t always mean yachts, sometimes, it’s a beautifully restored long-tail boat taking you to secret beaches and hidden lagoons. Kiri Phuket offers premium half-day or full-day island-hopping tours with a local twist, bringing guests to stunning swimming spots and secluded shores that feel worlds away from the usual crowds.
Contact: +66 91 897 8777
Average Price: ฿12,900+ (~S$500+)
How To Get There: Fly direct from Singapore to Phuket International Airport. You can arrange for a pick up from anywhere in Phuket for an extra charge of ฿2200 per car or head directly to Kan Eang Pier. 
Image credit: ILoveRanong84 | Official Facebook
Alternatively, book a tour with ILoveRanong84 for a unique long-tail boat island-hopping adventure where you’ll discover secluded beaches and enjoy fresh, delicious seafood along the way. Accompanied by friendly, knowledgeable local guides, these tours offer an authentic insight into the area’s hidden gems. With their expertise, you’ll uncover the beauty of the islands while savouring local flavours, making it an adventure that’s both educational and unforgettable.
Contact: +66 95 267 7579
Average Price: From ฿400 (~S$15+) per person
How To Get There: Fly from Singapore to Bangkok (BKK or DMK), then catch a domestic flight to Ranong.
With its lesser-known gems like secluded islands, pristine beaches, and cultural treasures, Thailand offers a wealth of experiences that are perfect for those looking to go beyond Bangkok. Whether you’re sailing to private islands, enjoying a round of golf with breathtaking views, or immersing yourself in traditional Thai craft, these underrated experiences promise an unforgettable trip to Thailand!

Brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand

Why Your Next Travel Companion Might Be a Smart Device

In today’s world, it seems like just about everything is smart — and if it’s not smart, it probably at least has the potential to be. Whether you’ve turned your home into a smart house or not, you have likely encountered smart appliances and other gadgets as you’ve gone about your daily life. Even if all you own is a smartwatch, you’ve brought the power of real-time connectivity into your life. The same is true if you own a smartphone.
If you’re a frequent traveler or even if you only travel occasionally, you know how invaluable smart devices can be in helping you get to where you need to be while on the road. From helping translate unknown languages to helping you find a good place for lunch, smart technology can help you make the most of your next vacation. In this article, we take a look at how smart technology can improve your travel experience.
Entertainment and Content on the Go
While many of us imagine that every minute of our travels will be spent sightseeing without a moment to spare, for most travelers, that perception couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is, there’s a lot of downtime when you travel. From spending hours waiting in an airport or train station to time spent hanging out in your hotel room at night, there will always be times when you’ll want to entertain yourself when you’re traveling.
Smart devices make this easy to do, providing us with an easy way to stream music, podcasts, audiobooks, and even play our favorite games. For fans of slots, that might mean visiting an online casino and spinning the reels. Others may prefer a quiet night curled up in bed with their Kindle, reading the classics. The nice thing about smart devices is that they allow us to take our entertainment with us, minus bulky devices and the weight of physical books.
Navigation and Local Guidance

If you’re visiting a new part of the world, you’ll need an efficient way to get around, and smart devices can be the answer. For example, with a GPS app like Sygic, ​​you can get real-time updates and offline access, making it much easier for you to find your way, even if you don’t have an internet connection.
Augmented reality (AR) is also catching on as a way to help travelers find their way around new locations. With AR, you can interact with maps and go on virtual tours, all while viewing directions and points of interest overlaid onto your real-world surroundings through your phone’s camera. Digital transit passes and ride-sharing apps like Uber are also making it easier to get around new destinations.
Communication and Translation
Let’s face it, most of us want to travel beyond the English-speaking world, and depending on where we go, there may not always be someone on hand to translate for us. Thanks to technology, we can confidently travel to places where we don’t know the local language and get real-time translations from a smart device.
AI-powered translator earbuds are increasingly becoming available in a range of languages, making it easy to converse with people who don’t speak our language. Many of these devices offer instant text and voice translation, making it possible to talk to locals without an intermediary.
Safety, Security, and Convenience
While most of us plan our travels in a way that minimizes our exposure to dangerous situations, life happens, and nothing is ever 100% safe. The good news is that smart devices like GPS-equipped safety alarms can send real-time location data to our emergency contacts if we ever run into trouble. Smart locks and hotel room apps allow us to get into our rooms without a key, and digital wallets let us pay for things securely without carrying a lot of cash. All of these things help us have a safe and worry-free travel experience.