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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Royal Thai Navy rescues 143 tourists stranded on island off Phuket
Sailors from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Third Area Command successfully rescued 143 tourists stranded on Racha Yai Island due to severe weather conditions and returned them safely to Phuket. Heavy rain and strong winds had created waves up to 4 metres high, making it impossible for tourist boats to reach the island, according to the Third Area Command based…
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Pattaya Beach set to rock: Chon Buri music fest waves in the tunes
Pattaya Beach is about to be transformed into a musical paradise as the Chon Buri International Music Festival kicks off this weekend and continues the next. From 5pm to 11pm, Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22, music lovers can revel in a beachfront bonanza of sound and spectacle. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Expect a star-studded lineup…
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Capella Bangkok named World’s Best Hotel 2024
Capella Bangkok has taken the hospitality world by storm, claiming the coveted top spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list. Leaping from No.11 in 2023 to No.1 this year, the hotel not only tops the global rankings but also secures the title of Best Hotel in Asia. Since its 2020 opening, the riverside retreat has charmed guests with…
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TAT launches three-city roadshow in Indonesia
Thailand is turning up the heat on its tourism campaign in Indonesia with an exciting new initiative. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is bringing its Amazing Thailand Road Show to Indonesia 2024 to three Indonesian cities (Medan, Jakarta, and Bali) in a bid to solidify its spot as the top holiday destination for Indonesian travellers. Kicking off tomorrow, September…
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Phuket tourists engage in steamy street show on tuk tuk
In a jaw-dropping scene that left locals stunned, two foreign couples were caught engaging in intimate acts aboard a tuk tuk near Phuket’s Patong Beach during a traffic jam caused by heavy rain. Despite the crowd of onlookers, the couples carried on brazenly, seemingly unfazed by the attention. The scandalous incident took place yesterday morning, September 17, when a 40-second…
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Tourists urinate on Pattaya Beach, sparking local outrage
Outrage erupted among Thai social media users after a video emerged showing male tourists urinating on Pattaya Beach. The video, shared by a Facebook user with the caption “Swimmers swim, and urinators urinate,” quickly went viral within a popular Pattaya Facebook group, which boasts over 200,000 members. The incident has sparked widespread anger, particularly among Pattaya locals, who questioned why…
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Thailand’s new visa rules: Game-changer or red-tape?
Thailand’s Interior Ministry just dropped a bombshell with fresh guidelines for the much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), now granting visa-exempt tourists a 60-day stay instead of the previous 30 days. The DTV has been heralded as a game-changer for remote workers, allowing them to work for overseas companies without the hassle of obtaining a local work permit. However, the ministry…
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Jet fuel boom: Thailand’s aviation set for sky-high growth
Thailand’s aviation sector is ready to soar, fuelled by a surge in air travel and jet fuel demand, according to Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS). The refuelling giant, which serves Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, is seeing a bright future as the aviation industry bounces back from the pandemic slump. BAFS President ML Nathasit Diskul revealed the company’s expected…
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Thailand to revive 300-baht tourism tax to boost revenue
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong reignited plans for a 300-baht tourism tax, which was put on ice by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move is set to help rake in a whopping 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. Sorawong, who stepped into his role yesterday, September 16, believes the tax will be a game-changer for the industry. “This…
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Phuket plans sustainable tourism overhaul to boost economy
Phuket’s sustainable tourism took centre stage yesterday, September 15, as the House of Representatives Tourism Committee held a seminar to explore new directions for the island’s tourism sector and delve into the creative economy. The event, Transforming Phuket’s Future, was held at Dara Hotel and saw participation from significant figures in government, the private sector, and civil society. Phuket Vice…
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Accor flies high: Premium brand expansion takes off in Thailand
Global hospitality titan Accor is firing on all cylinders as it accelerates the rollout of its premium brands in Thailand and across the globe. The move is fuelled by bullish forecasts for booming travel over the next decade, with the company setting its sights on high-potential markets such as India’s growing middle class and China’s robust outbound travel scene. Karelle…
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Thailand’s ‘Wellness on a Plate’ campaign serves up health benefits
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cooking up something special! In a bold move, the TAT has launched a dazzling new campaign titled Wellness on a Plate, spotlighting the health perks of Thailand’s eclectic culinary delights. Aiming to marry the nation’s rich food culture with wellness tourism, this initiative promises a feast for both the senses and the soul.…
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Central Pattana invests 4.5 billion baht in Krabi development project
Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN) is gearing up to shake up Krabi with a dazzling new mixed-use development, part of a massive 15 billion baht investment to turbocharge Thailand’s economy and tourism sector. The Central Krabi project, valued at a staggering 4.5 billion baht, will cover a sprawling 114 rai of land and promises to be a game changer.…
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Thailand plans post-flood tourism campaigns for northern provinces
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing tourism campaigns and promotions to aid affected provinces flooded in Thailand once the situation improves. Severe floods have ravaged 27 provinces, including key northern and central regions like Chiang Rai. These floods led to the cancellation of domestic flights to Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport yesterday afternoon. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool…
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Phuket gears up for international tourism event
Phuket is readying itself for a monumental moment in global tourism. The Joint Public and Private Sector Committee for Economic Development of Phuket Province met yesterday, September 12, to fine-tune plans for the upcoming International Tourism Island City Conference (ITICC). The Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort will host this prestigious event from September 24 to 27, drawing industry heavyweights, experts,…
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Thailand’s new tourism campaign to generate 800 million baht
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled a new initiative to invigorate the country’s tourism sector with the Charming Thailand: 5 Regions event series. Announced by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, this campaign aims to highlight Thailand’s cultural heritage and modern attractions through a series of large-scale events, expected to draw over 147,000 visitors and generate more than 800 million baht…
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World’s best hotel: Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental steals the show
Bangkok’s iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel has officially snagged the prestigious title of the Best Hotel in Asia and the World, according to The Telegraph’s Hotel Awards. The British media giant, known for its high standards, placed the luxurious Thai retreat at the top of its 2024 list, beating fierce global competition. This award comes after The Telegraph’s hotel and destination…
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Chiang Rai hotel offers free rooms to flood victims
Silamanee Resort & Spa Hotel in Chiang Rai is offering free accommodation to flood victims. The ongoing flood situation in Mae Sai and Mueang districts has worsened, with continuous water inflow causing severe hardship for many residents, who are desperately awaiting assistance. Hotel Silamanee’s Facebook page recently posted an update. “Due to the flood situation in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai,…
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Langham’s latest hotel to transform Bangkok’s Customs House
Langham Hospitality Group is set to turn heads in Bangkok with its latest luxury venture, The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok. Set in the vibrant Bang Rak district, this glamorous new hotel will breathe new life into the city’s iconic Customs House, perched along the Chao Phraya River. At the heart of this project is the magnificent 1888-built Customs House, a…
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Mid-priced hotels in Thailand struggle amid price-sensitive tourists
Hotels in the mid-priced and budget segments in Thailand faced significant challenges in maintaining room and occupancy rates in August, as tourists remained sensitive to prices. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that while the average occupancy rate for hotels nationwide improved to 61.8% from 58.4% year-on-year, it still fell short of the pre-pandemic rate of…
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Thai Transport ministry to upgrade 29 piers with billion-baht budget
The Thai Ministry of Transport has initiated a comprehensive plan to upgrade 29 piers across the nation into Smart Piers with a budget of 1.214 billion baht. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and support the efficient transport of goods and passengers. Under the directive of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Ministry of Transport is…
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Thailand carves a spot in Agoda’s top destinations for returning tourists
The popular travel booking platform, Agoda, included Thailand among the world’s destinations that tourists cannot get enough of. Other countries at the top of the ranking were Japan and South Korea. Agoda had just released the Return Visitor Ranking on September 5 after surveying travellers who had recently booked their next trip on the platform. The survey suggested that more…
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Agoda: Pattaya tops list for quick weekend getaways from Bangkok
Agoda identified Pattaya as the most-searched destination near Bangkok for quick weekend getaways in August. The travel platform’s recent list highlights top locations ideal for day trips, allowing visitors to leave in the morning and return to Bangkok by evening. Pattaya, situated in Chon Buri province, stands out not just for its beach parties but also for its diverse range…
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Patong boosts public safety in Soi Bangla and Soi Lao crackdown
Patong officials are stepping up efforts to improve public safety and cleanliness in the bustling tourist area, particularly focusing on Soi Bangla and the notorious Soi Lao. This initiative aims to tackle ongoing issues in the area, including drug-related activities, illegal street vending, and misuse of public spaces. A team of officials, led by Kathu District Chief Thammarong Chuay-akson and…
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New travel rules: Thailand’s ETA to shake up visa-free visitors
Thailand is tightening its borders with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to launch between December this year and June 2025. This system will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreigners entering the country by air, land, or sea. Though not technically a visa, the ETA will act as a computerised security check, similar to the ETIAS programme for…
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Thai woman denied entry to South Korea over bizarre questions
A Thai woman’s trip to South Korea took an unexpected turn when she was shockingly denied entry due to failing to answer bizarre questions about her hotel. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, September 3, has since sparked heated discussions online. Posting in the Facebook group Travelling to Korea by Yourself, the woman revealed her peculiar encounter with immigration…
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Aussies now need an ETA to enter Thailand
Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel. This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country. “The…
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Bangkok taxi driver returns tourist’s lost bag with 75,100 baht
A taxi driver in Bangkok made headlines yesterday after returning a significant amount of foreign currency to an Israeli tourist. The taxi driver, 54 year old Wirat Soi-udom from Roi Et province, discovered a black handbag in his taxi, containing foreign currencies and documents. The bag belonged to Nathanel Avinoam, an Israeli national. Wirat had picked up Avinoam from Thanon…
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Rising tourism in Thailand to boost sluggish motorcycle market
Increased tourism activity later this year is anticipated to boost Thailand’s domestic motorcycle market, which has experienced sluggish sales in the first seven months of 2024, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Surapong Paisitpatanapong, Vice-Chairman of the FTI and spokesperson for its Automotive Industry Club, stated that the number of foreign tourist arrivals is on the rise and…
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Malaysian tourists boost Thailand’s economy by 100 million baht
The recent influx of tourists to Thailand’s southern region during Malaysia’s National Day, known as Merdeka Day, is poised to inject approximately 100 million baht into the local economy. Over 13,000 Malaysian tourists crossed into Songkhla through the Sadao checkpoint yesterday, August 31, with an additional 5,000 arriving via the Betong checkpoint in Yala, according to local officials. The substantial…
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