On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Bali Provincial Government and the Kingdom of Thailand explored stronger strategic cooperation spanning tourism to healthcare services.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster met with the Thai Ambassador to Indonesia, Prapan Disyatat, in Denpasar to discuss expanding ties between the two regions. Improved flight access remains central to boosting foreign tourist arrivals and developing quality tourism across the island, according to Koster.
“Improved flight access is a key factor in boosting foreign tourist arrivals, while supporting the development of quality tourism in Bali,” Koster said.
He added that over 40,000 Thai citizens traveled to Indonesia throughout 2025.
Tourism Overhaul and Flight Connectivity
The Bali Provincial Government continues restructuring its tourism sector to ensure sustainability, which includes heightened supervision and stricter law enforcement against rule-breaking visitors. Foreign tourists violating immigration regulations face sanctions, while criminal offenses are handled through applicable legal channels.
THE BALI PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND ARE EXPLORING STRONGER STRATEGIC COOPERATION IN TOURISM, WASTE MANAGEMENT, AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES, PARTICULARLY FOCUSING ON THE SANUR HEALTH SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE.
During the Denpasar meeting, the Thai delegation affirmed its commitment to direct flights. Disyatat said improved flight access boosts foreign tourist arrivals and supports quality tourism development in Bali.
“Improved flight access is a key factor in boosting foreign tourist arrivals, while supporting the development of quality tourism in Bali,” Disyatat said. He added that over 40,000 Thai citizens traveled to Indonesia throughout 2025.
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Healthcare and Waste Management Expansion
Beyond tourism, the discussions turned to environmental management and medical cooperation. Koster expressed interest in exploring collaboration in waste management technology to support sustainable solutions for environmental issues.
Disyatat expressed interest in collaborating on waste management technology to support sustainable environmental solutions. The talks also covered potential partnerships in healthcare services and medical tourism within the Sanur Special Economic Zone, including the possible development of plastic surgery services.
Expert Insight: The push to connect Bali with regional healthcare hubs like Jakarta signals a broader national strategy to position Indonesia as a preferred medical tourism destination through targeted public-private partnerships.
Disyatat commended Koster’s leadership and praised Bali’s air quality and serene atmosphere as ideal conditions for health recovery.
How many Thai tourists visited Bali in 2026?
How many Thai tourists visited Bali in 2026?
Information regarding the specific number of Thai tourists in Bali for 2026 is unavailable.
What actions does Bali take against violating tourists?
Foreign tourists violating immigration rules face sanctions, whereas criminal violations are processed under applicable laws.
What medical tourism developments are planned in Bali?
Thailand and Bali are exploring cooperation opportunities in healthcare services and medical tourism at the Sanur Special Economic Zone, including potential plastic surgery services.
How might direct flight connectivity between Bali and Thailand reshape regional travel patterns in the coming years?
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