Tourism News
Get your daily dose of Tourism News in Thailand with the latest updates on exciting destinations, events, and travel industry developments. We provide relevant and insightful information about Thailand’s diverse travel scene, which includes innovative hospitality trends, cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism practices. Stay informed on various tourism-related matters, including visa policies and major infrastructure projects, to ensure you’re always one step ahead in the vibrant world of travel.
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Sponsored Why is Bangkok's air quality so bad?
Imagine waking up early in Bangkok and you see all the beautiful morning fog from your balcony, but as you sip your coffee you realise it's just Bangkok's air pollution that's making the sun rise aesthetic. Ranked as the 36th...
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Nightly temples extravaganza: Bangkok’s spiritual spectacle lights up the sky
In a dazzling celebration of tradition and spirituality, Bangkokians are set to bask in the mesmerising glow of the city’s temples after dark. The much-anticipated Illuminated 10 Temples and National Museum event promises a spiritual journey like no other, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to bid adieu to the old year and embrace the dawn of the new…
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Thailand’s tourism authority plans strategy revamp to boost visitor spending
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting its sights on revamping its strategies to rejuvenate tourist spending, which has experienced a notable decline since the onset of the pandemic. Foreign tourists’ expenditure has dipped from an average of 50,000 baht to 42,000 baht. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday urged TAT executives and domestic offices to reignite tourism expenditure. He…
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2.4 million lights transform Bangkok cityscape into magical wonderland
In a luminous extravaganza set to rival the stars, over 2.4 million enchanting lights are casting their glow upon Bangkok‘s cherished Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Rattanakosin Island. This breathtaking spectacle, unveiled by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, promises to be a visual feast for locals and tourists alike. The dazzling campaign, inaugurated yesterday, December 12, at the Ministry’s headquarters on Atsadang Road,…
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Vietnamese culinary wonderland: Thailand’s first official Vietnam town
Thailand just welcomed its very own Vietnam town, officially recognised and inaugurated on December 9 by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Thailand’s northeast province of Udon Thani, about 550 kilometres from Bangkok, witnessed the grand opening of Vietnam town at Alley No. 2 on Si Suk Street. National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed confidence in the town’s success,…
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Malaysia and Singapore lure Chinese travellers with visa-free policies
The Chinese traveller market could see a significant rise to 7 million arrivals next year as Malaysia and Singapore become increasingly attractive due to reciprocal visa-free policies. Thailand, however, has yet to secure such an agreement with China. Following the introduction of a visa exemption for Malaysians, Beijing is speculated to extend a 30-day visa exemption to Singapore in the…
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Thailand extends visa-free entry for Japanese business visitors
Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to extend the 30-day visa-free entry privilege for Japanese visitors. The update, effective from January 1 next year, now includes Japanese business travellers. The Cabinet, convening today, December 12, waved the magic wand on a proposal brought forth by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang spilt the beans, sharing that…
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Highs and lows in Pattaya as marijuana shop puts its foot on the illegal laughing gas peddle
In Pattaya, a shop selling legal marijuana products was discovered to be selling laughing gas to tourists too. A discreet investigation revealed that the shop, operating under the guise of a legal enterprise, was surreptitiously selling nitrous oxide balloons to an unsuspecting clientele, comprising both Thai locals and curious foreign tourists. The audacity of the operation was epitomised by a…
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PTT’s OR diversifies with budget hotels and community malls at petrol stations
PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) is renewing its focus on diversifying its non-oil business ventures, with plans to construct budget hotels within its petrol stations and incorporate community malls catering to tourists. The company’s President and Chief Executive, Disathat Panyarachun, shared these developments. The next quarter will see OR onboarding a business consultant to oversee the hotel project.…
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Thai outbound tourism recovery slower than expected due to high costs
This year has been bleak for both inbound and outbound tourism in Thailand, with a weaker recovery than anticipated. Only 60-70% of Thais who travelled abroad in 2019 are expected to do so present year. High living costs, household debt, and a slump in the stock market have made most Thais prefer saving over spending on outbound trips, which usually…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport unveils speed passport checks: No more immigration queues
In a move set to transform the travel game, Suvarnabhumi International Airport unveiled an upgrade to its passport control system. In an exclusive revelation, Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, the visionary commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, disclosed that a groundbreaking shift is underway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Effective from December 15, the airport will extend its automatic passport channels to include…
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China’s outbound tourism surges due to strategic visa policies and AI use
The increase in China‘s outbound tourism can be linked to the strategic visa policies and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel assistants, as stated by Trip.com Group, China’s leading online travel platform. The group’s vice president and managing director of international markets, Boon Sian Chai, highlighted the significance of visa waivers introduced in September in the revival of…
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Air Canada flight revival: Bangkok to Vancouver route takes off for a holiday high
Great news for holidaymakers in North America and Thailand, as Air Canada today announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Bangkok and Vancouver. H E Ping Kitnikone, the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, extended invitations to esteemed guests and partners for Air Canada’s Agency Reception at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. Air Canada has officially reinstated direct flights…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport opens automated channels to foreign travellers
The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced that Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s automated channels are now accessible to foreigners to alleviate congestion for outbound travel. This decision, effective from December 15, aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive, enforced by Srettha Thavasin, to enhance the outbound immigration system. The move is aimed at reducing the density of passengers who need to rush to catch…
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Surat Thani’s hidden gems captivate American tourists
Tourism operators within the southern province of Surat Thani are pivoting their attention to the US market, showcasing the distinctive local attractions. Atirat Danpattaraworawat, who heads the Cheow Lan Lake Tourism Promotion Association, disclosed on Sunday that their recent networking expedition to the United States, spearheaded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), garnered considerable interest from the US market.…
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China positions Guangxi as Southeast Asia’s primary gateway
Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, bordering Vietnam, is being positioned by China as the primary gateway for businesses and tourists from the ASEAN region. Its southern China location and connectivity to Vietnam through land, sea, and air routes make it a strategic point for Southeast Asia. The region is equipped with three international airports and three deep-sea ports which collectively host…
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Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a bold plan to transform Muay Thai into Thailand‘s ultimate soft power. The Thai PM declared Muay Thai as Thailand’s top soft power, highlighting its vast economic potential. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke conveyed the PM’s vision, stating that the administration is keen on integrating Muay Thai into school curricula to foster a new generation of…
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China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less
China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…
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Mackerel ice cream becomes star attraction at Maeklong Festival
The Maeklong Mackerel Festival in Samut Songkhram province has taken a delightful turn with a unique signature item – Mackerel Ice Cream. The frozen dessert, designed to resemble the iconic fish, comes in four delicious flavours: Thai tea, chocolate, strawberry, and milk. The news broke out on the festival’s Facebook page, leading to a rapid viral spread. The post received…
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Bangkok’s retail revolution: Emsphere unveils glamorous shopping oasis worth 20 billion baht
Bangkok‘s shopping arena just hit the jackpot with the grand opening of Emsphere, the glittering jewel in the Em District crown. Packed with star-studded events and jaw-dropping features, this 20 billion baht retail haven is set to catapult Bangkok into the global retail spotlight. Emsphere, the latest addition to the Em District in Phrom Phong, Sukhumvit Road, opened its doors…
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Mekong momentum: Nakhon Phanom’s new bike lane sets sail for tourism boost
In Nakhon Phanom, a new initiative has been launched to boost tourism along the scenic Mekong River. The local municipality has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to introduce a Bike Lane Tunnel, an innovative attraction that’s set to captivate tourists throughout December. This project was announced to the public yesterday, December 7. The Bike Lane Tunnel, a…
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Thailand seeks visa exemptions for its tourists travelling to China
Thailand’s government is seeking visa exemptions for Thai tourists travelling to China, with an official delegation planned to negotiate the details by the end of this month. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara revealed this yesterday, December 7, following a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion took place on the fringes of the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’…
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Unlock Thailand’s secret tourist destinations: 5 mind-blowing provinces that will transform your year-end (video)
As the year winds down, explore Thailand‘s secret tourist destinations that promise adventure, tranquillity, and jaw-dropping scenery. Agoda spills the beans on the top five emerging destinations that are making waves in the travel scene. With a whopping 50% surge in searches on Agoda compared to last year, Nakhon Nayok, just a stone’s throw from Bangkok, is a must-visit. Dive…
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Thailand’s tourism tango: TAT’s mixed bag predicts foreign tourist influx but warns of a 400 billion baht revenue remix
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released a mixed bag of updates, hinting at a potential foreign tourist surge but cautioning about a colossal revenue shortfall of 400 billion baht. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool revealed that Thailand hosted 25.8 million foreign tourists from January to November this year, inching close to the 27 million target. However, with the high season…
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Thailand probes incident of Chinese tourist wearing Thai police uniform for fun
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin verified yesterday that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is probing a social media incident involving a Chinese tourist seen donning the Thai police uniform, complete with a nameplate, rank insignia, and decorations. The uniform was worn for amusement, an act which the Thai PM condemned. PM Srettha expressed his disapproval. “That isn’t right, and [the…
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Thailand’s tourism revenue falls short of annual target
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projected a shortfall in its annual tourism revenue target, with this year’s earnings expected to reach 2.07 trillion baht (US$58,773,427,200) instead of the projected 2.38 trillion baht. TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, attributes this shortfall to the sluggish performance of international tourism receipts, which were significantly lower than the state’s target of 1.6 trillion baht.…
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Phuket extends pub and bar hours to boost tourism and employment
Phuket is set to extend the operating hours of its pubs and bars till 4am, with the new timing being tentatively scheduled to start on December 15. This decision was reached following a public hearing conducted by the Phuket Provincial Administration Office. The new operating hours are to be implemented in six zones on Bangla Road in the Patong area…
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Blossoms beyond Earth: Pathum Thani sunflower spectacle transforms into a galactic experience
In a floral frenzy, globetrotters are thronging to a sunflower field in Thailand that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a rendezvous with interstellar blossoms. Travellers are making a beeline for the 5-rai sunflower field in Pathum Thani province, nestled within the colossal CPRAM headquarters—a jewel in the crown of the Thai conglomerate CP Group. This dazzling…
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Pop goes the drama: Wat Arun scoops up Love Destiny flavoured 3D ice cream
Social media has been abuzz lately with the newest delicacy at Wat Arun, the Arun Amarin temple, which is a Bangkok landmark. The Pop Icon 3D Ice Cream, a Thai and foreigner favourite, has now been reinvented into two new flavours, highlighting Thai culture and the historical drama, Love Destiny, or Prom Likit. The latest innovation from Pop Icon is…
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Golden Buddha statues draw crowds to Phayao’s Wat Phra That Chom Sin
The Wat Phra That Chom Sin in Ban Tham, Dok Khamtai district, Phayao province, now stands out with 108 golden meditating Buddha statues. These statues, each measuring 2.5 metres wide and 3.5 metres tall, are majestically arranged around the temple’s mountainous landscape, attracting a stream of tourists and worshippers. These statues, made from concrete, are a unique attraction in the…
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RTP safety play: Thai tourist police launch ‘i lert u’ app for foreign visitors
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has unveiled a new tool to ensure the safety and well-being of foreign visitors in Thailand. The Tourist Police Office has launched a new mobile application, dubbed Tourist Police i lert u. This innovation in public safety caters to tourists who find themselves in need of immediate assistance. Leveraging the power of the Global Positioning…
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