Seen Here: ✈️🌴 Thailand is calling — and the journey just got sweeter! Emirates Holidays has unveiled its new Thailand Pass, unlocking exclusive shopping and dining offers of up to 40% off, buy-one-get-one-free attraction deals and complimentary VIP lounge access across selected destinations. From Bangkok’s vibrant streets to Phuket’s tropical escapes, South African travellers can discover more, experience more and make their holiday budget go further. 🇹🇭✨ Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG — From Bangkok’s bustling shopping districts to Phuket’s island attractions, Thailand is offering travellers even more reasons to explore, with Emirates Holidays launching a new Thailand Pass packed with exclusive shopping, dining and leisure benefits.
Announced on 7 October 2026, the initiative gives Emirates Holidays customers travelling to Thailand access to offers of up to 40% off, with no minimum spend, alongside special attraction deals and complimentary experiences designed to enhance their stay.
The launch comes as Thailand continues to attract strong interest from holidaymakers, with Emirates Holidays reporting a 10% year-on-year increase in bookings to the destination.
For South African travellers considering a holiday in Southeast Asia, the Thailand Pass adds value beyond flights and accommodation, giving visitors more opportunities to explore the country while making their travel budget go further.
Shop, dine and explore for less
The Thailand Pass offers shopping and dining vouchers across 14 participating malls in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi and Chiang Mai.
Customers can access their Welcome Package by presenting their vouchers and a copy of their passport at the reception of a participating mall or outlet.
The benefits extend beyond discounts, with the pass also offering a complimentary shuttle service between centralwOrld and Central Village Bangkok, as well as complimentary VIP lounge access at both venues.
For visitors planning a shopping-focused city break, these additions offer a convenient way to move between selected retail destinations while enjoying additional comfort during the experience.
More experiences, fewer expenses
Thailand’s appeal goes well beyond its shopping centres, and the new pass also includes buy-one-get-one-free offers on selected attractions and experiences in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi.
Participating offers include Playsquare Laser Tag, Playmondo, Swensen’s, Auntie Anne’s, Aquaria Phuket, OTO Playpark and Monowheel.
Travellers can also access an additional 5% discount on Karmakamet wellness products, adding another option for those looking to incorporate wellness and self-care into their holiday.
Whether travelling as a family, with friends or as a couple, these benefits provide additional ways to plan activities and make the most of time in Thailand.
Getting to Thailand from South Africa
Emirates connects South African travellers to Thailand through its Dubai hub, with onward flights to Bangkok and Phuket.
The airline operates 56 weekly flights between South Africa and Dubai, departing from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, according to the announcement.
For travellers, this provides departure options from three major South African cities while connecting them to two of Thailand’s key gateways.
Bangkok offers a mix of shopping, dining, urban attractions and cultural experiences, while Phuket provides access to beach holidays and island activities. From there, visitors can explore other destinations covered by the Thailand Pass, including Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi and Chiang Mai.
Emirates expands its Thailand offering
The Thailand Pass also builds on Emirates’ continued investment in the destination.
The airline has recently deployed its Airbus A350 aircraft to Phuket and operates retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft featuring new Premium Economy cabins on services to Bangkok.
Emirates says it operates 49 weekly flights to Thailand, reflecting sustained demand for the destination.
Together with the new holiday benefits, the airline’s services form part of a wider offering aimed at making travel to Thailand more accessible and enhancing the experience beyond the flight itself.
Flexible booking for future holidays
The Thailand Pass is available on qualifying Emirates Holidays package bookings made until 31 March 2027, giving customers several months to plan their trips.
Customers can also secure a holiday with a deposit and benefit from a flexible cancellation policy, according to Emirates Holidays. These options may provide additional planning flexibility for travellers who need time to arrange visas or adjust their travel plans.
In South Africa and Kenya, bookings can be made through participating travel agencies.
Travellers should review the applicable terms and conditions for the Thailand Pass, including the participating outlets, eligible offers and redemption requirements, before booking.
Further information is available at Emirates Holidays – Thailand.
Thailand with a little more value
Thailand’s combination of shopping, food, beaches, family attractions and cultural experiences continues to make it an appealing international holiday destination.
The new Thailand Pass adds another dimension to that experience by combining selected discounts and complimentary benefits with Emirates Holidays packages.
For South African travellers looking beyond the cost of flights and accommodation, the initiative offers a further consideration when comparing holiday options: the additional experiences that can be included once they arrive.
From Bangkok’s shopping streets to Phuket’s attractions, the Thailand Pass aims to make every holiday budget work a little harder — leaving travellers with more opportunities to experience the destination.
