Agoda opens new APAC tech hub in Bangkok. Travel booking platform Agoda said it is relocating to a new office in Bangkok's One Bangkok development to consolidate nearly 4,000 employees at one site. The company said the office covers more than 26,000 square meters across seven floors and will house teams working on its technology and regional business functions. Agoda said the space includes a dedicated network operations center zone for systems monitoring, collaboration rooms, and a professional studio and audio room for content production. Food for thought. Implications, context, and why it matters. Bangkok is the hub for Agoda's AI travel assistant development. * Agoda's new Bangkok office goes beyond a regional headquarters. It serves as a central base for the company's artificial intelligence work. * Hiring in Bangkok targets specialists who can build a "Personal Travel Assistant" that uses large language models for end-to-end trip planning 1. * These groups are building chat features that fit into booking steps and customer support used by millions of people worldwide 2. * Parent company Booking Holdings is investing in AI across Asian markets, including Vietnam, where Agoda reported strong traveler interest in AI tools for travel planning 3. The war for tech talent is moving to global hubs like Bangkok. * Office consolidation at Agoda tracks a wider shift. Tech companies are building in-person sites to attract scarce specialists. * Relocation support and visa sponsorship for senior AI hires in Bangkok puts Agoda in closer competition with Silicon Valley and other established hubs 1. * Asia-Pacific remains a staffing anchor for Booking Holdings, which said 39% of its workforce is based in the region 4. * The move raises the bar for rivals like Expedia and Airbnb. It suggests some products benefit from concentrating talent in modern offices while remote teams still contribute 3. Recent Agoda developments. Stay updated on the go with our mobile app. Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app. How would you feel if you could no longer use Tech in Asia? Share, tag us, and land on our Wall of!

JCB brings Google Pay contactless to Taiwan in first overseas rollout. Union Bank of Taiwan and Bank SinoPac will enable JCB contactless payments via Google Pay from 31 March 2026 Get the hottest Fintech Hong Kong News once a month in your Inbox JCB has announced that JCB-branded credit cards issued by Union Bank of Taiwan and Bank SinoPac will, for the first time outside Japan, support JCB Contactless payments via Google Pay from 31 March 2026. JCB will roll out the service on 31 March 2026, marking the first time it has made this functionality available outside Japan and enabling cardholders to use their mobile devices to make contactless payments through Google Pay. The expansion builds on JCB's earlier introduction of Google Pay support in Japan, where cardholders were first able to add JCB-issued cards to Google Wallet and make contactless payments at compatible terminals. The company had indicated plans to extend this capability to additional markets and issuers over time. Beyond payments, JCB has also been strengthening its broader ecosystem through partnerships. In November 2025, JCB International entered a three-year agreement with Agoda to enhance inbound travel to Japan through joint campaigns and data-driven initiatives, offering cardholders access to promotions and travel-related benefits across key Asian markets. These developments reflect JCB's wider strategy to expand its international presence across both payments and adjacent sectors, as it seeks to grow card usage and engagement beyond its domestic market. Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by freepik

Agoda unveils Pattaya as the top travel spot for thais during Songkran 2026. Home / NEWS / Agoda unveils Pattaya as the top travel spot for thais during Songkran 2026. March 27, 2026 Post Views: 1,426 Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Pattaya has emerged as the top domestic destination for Thai travelers during the upcoming Songkran festival, based on its platform accommodation searches. Following Pattaya, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai round out the top five destinations for domestic travel during the Thai New Year period, reflecting Thai travelers' preference for short-haul, easily accessible beach destinations during peak holiday periods. Pattaya's continued popularity can be attributed to its extended Songkran celebrations, including the famous Wan Lai festival which continue the celebrations until April 20. Renowned for its lively beachfront atmosphere, large-scale water fights, and rich cultural traditions, Wan Lai draws crowds long after the official Songkran period ends. This also highlights a tendency among Thai travelers to extend their holidays beyond official dates, helping them avoid peak travel congestion. Songkran, celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, marks the Thai New Year and remains one of the country's most cherished festivals. Blending playful water celebrations with meaningful traditions, it is a time when families reunite, people return to their hometowns, and communities mark the new year with both celebration and reflection. Regional Markets Drive International Travel for Songkran Songkran's appeal extends far beyond Thailand, drawing travelers from around the world to join the celebrations each year. Agoda's latest data shows that Malaysian travelers top the list of international visitors searching for stays in Thailand during the festive period, followed by India, South Korea, China, and Singapore, underscoring both Songkran and Thailand's strong regional appeal. Thailand's Major Cities Dominate International Songkran Travel Searches Among international travelers, Bangkok ranks as the top destination for Songkran, thanks to its wide array of celebrations that blend tradition with modern festivity. From large-scale events such as Siam Songkran Music Festival to cultural activities across the city, the capital offers something for every kind of traveler during the holiday period. Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai follow in the rankings, rounding out the top five destinations most searched by international visitors on Agoda. Akaporn Rodkong, Country Director, Thailand and Indochina at Agoda, said "Songkran is a time when travel feels a little more meaningful, whether it's reconnecting with loved ones or discovering somewhere new. Pattaya's position at the top spot reflects how travelers are drawn to destinations that offer both energy and familiarity. At the same time, the growing interest from international visitors shows that Thailand's most joyful festival continues to capture attention well beyond its borders. Agoda is proud to support travelers in discovering these experiences with great value and ease." As travelers prepare for the Songkran holiday, Agoda's insights highlight how the festival continues to shape travel preferences, from familiar domestic favorites like Pattaya to culturally rich destinations across Thailand. With strong interest from both Thai and international travelers, Songkran remains a key regional and global moment for shared experiences and memorable journeys. Travelers planning their trips are encouraged to explore Agoda's great value across more than six million holiday properties, over 130,000 flight routes, and more than 300,000 activities and experiences available on the platform. Running from 1 to 18 April, Agoda's Songkran campaign will offer an exclusive 10% discount on bookings made for stays between 1 April to 28 June. The latest offers can be found on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals.