Tourism News
Thailand tourism news, travel updates, visa policies, and destination highlights—stay informed on hospitality trends, cultural experiences, and major infrastructure projects. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand travel news.
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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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Isaan illuminates: Thai govt sparks tourism surge in the northeast for economic radiance
The northeast region of Thailand, known as Isaan, is set to become a new focal point for tourism growth. It is part of the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) initiative geared towards stimulating economic activity in secondary cities. The plan was unveiled last month during the China International Travel Mart 2023 where TAT promoted Isan to Chinese…
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Chinese man in Thai police uniform sparks drama about VIP service
A video of a Chinese man wearing a Thai police uniform sparked debate about VIP service on social media. The police officer in the video insisted that no special service was provided, adding that he is just a service-minded person. The Facebook page Lui Jeen (ลุยจีน) shared the video from Weibo along with its translation yesterday, December 5. The footage…
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Certainties of life: Death, taxes, and ladyboys robbing Indian men of gold in Pattaya
There are several certainties guaranteed in life, death and taxes, US interference in other countries’ foreign policies, and ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men ostentatiously flaunting their gold. In the vibrant streets of Pattaya, where the night unfolds with many unexpected tales, a recent incident involving a pickpocketing ladyboy added another chapter to ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men of…
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Thai road safety groups challenge extended bar hours over drink-driving fears
Alcohol temperance and road safety groups are challenging the new government decision to allow late-night bars and clubs in major Thai cities to extend opening hours until 4am. The critics argue that the authorities failed to make necessary arrangements to avert potential alcohol-related mishaps. This protest follows an announcement made by the Interior Ministry nearly a week ago, permitting bars…
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German documentary reignites sex tourism concerns for Thailand’s Pattaya
Concerns are being raised about the potential damage to Thailand’s overall tourism market due to a documentary by German media organisation Deutsche Welle (DW), which highlights Pattaya as a sex tourism destination. This documentary is currently blocked in Thailand. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), recalls a similar report about sex tourism in Pattaya from…
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Winter wanderlust: Doi Inthanon sees tourism spike as holiday-goers chase the chill in Chiang Mai
The holiday season has brought a surge of tourists to Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, as they flock to experience the chill of the winter months. Tourism numbers have hit a record high for this winter season, nearing 10,000 visitors. Kriangkrai Chaiyaphiset, head of Doi Inthanon National Park, revealed that the upcoming holiday tomorrow, December 5, resulted in a continuous stream…
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Thailand’s embassy in Beijing ramps up efforts to enhance national image
A concerted effort to rejuvenate Thailand‘s image among the Chinese population is being championed by Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, the Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing. Benjamin emphasised that the Thai government should also focus on enhancing the quality of Thai products to amplify the nation’s reputation in China. Sukanjanajtee expressed his conviction that despite recent incidents which have…
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Sky’s the limit for drama: Fire drill steals the show near Phuket International Airport
Onlookers in the vicinity of Phuket International Airport yesterday were treated to an unexpected spectacle of dark smoke rising into the sky. Fear not, Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode clarified that the source of the smoke was a routine fire drill conducted by the airport’s Fire and Rescue Department. Monchai, in his role as the general manager of Phuket…
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Stamp spectacle: World’s priciest stamps unveiled in unprecedented exhibition
Stamp enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an unprecedented clash of philatelic titans at the Thailand 2023 – World Stamp Championship Exhibition! The famed British Guiana One-Cent Magenta, a global record-holder at over US$8 million (280 million baht), and the Japan 1871 500mon Center Inverted, valued at a staggering 4.4 million euros (168 million baht), are sharing the limelight for the first…
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Major tourist alert: National parks drop e-ticketing system
The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) has pulled the plug on e-ticketing for six of Thailand‘s prized national parks, sparking outrage and concerns as the tourist high season kicks off. The decision to suspend e-ticketing for tourists visiting six national parks in Thailand has triggered a storm of criticism, with many deeming it untimely and poorly planned.…
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Thailand boosts traditional medicine to attract wellness tourism
Thailand‘s Public Health Ministry is elevating its endeavours to showcase traditional wellness and medicine as a tourist attraction, in a bid to boost the nation’s revenue. As voiced by Deputy Health Minister Santi Promphat yesterday, the country is renowned for its superior traditional medical knowledge and herbal plant utilisation. Santi was addressing the subject of traditional and alternative Thai medicine…
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Phuket readies marine safety measures for Thai prime minister’s visit
As a visit from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to assess Phuket‘s sea safety measures approaches, the island’s officials confirmed 100 lifeguards will be deployed across all main beaches. One of the highlights of the 61 year old prime minister’s visit will be a demonstration of the Phuket Marine Disaster Response Plan. A full rehearsal of this plan was carried out…
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Holiday nightmare: British citizen stranded in Thai hospital with a 400,000 baht plea to escape
A British citizen‘s tropical holiday in Thailand has turned into a desperate battle for survival, as he faces suspected leukaemia in dire hospital conditions. With blood-soaked beds and a looming 10,000 pounds (446,000 baht) bill, Dean Penson’s ordeal has become a nightmare that his friends are determined to end. Penson, a British citizen from Southend-on-Sea, who looked forward to a…
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knife-edge escapade: Tourist stirs controversy in Kanchanaburi National Park (video)
A video clip shot by a porter at Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi sparked controversy after it showed tourists climbing down the treacherous Knife Ridge without any park officials in sight. The porter, identified only as Daeng, was later forced to apologise for the video, which he said was filmed while park officials were temporarily assisting a tourist…
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Flight cancellations: Chinese airlines slash 40% of slots amid Thai tourism slowdown
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) witnessed a substantial number of flight slot cancellations by Chinese airlines, accounting for over 40% of total cancellations across Thailand’s airports. The CAAT director, Suttipong Kongpool, highlighted that such cancellations are not unusual and are often a result of fluctuating travel demand. Airline companies frequently resort to such measures in order to maintain…
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Thailand’s duty-free dream: Govt’s five-pronged plan to woo tourists and shoppers
In a move to transform Thailand into an irresistible haven for tourists and shoppers alike, the government has unleashed a five-pronged plan that could turn the Land of Smiles into a duty-free paradise. Say farewell to arrival duty-free shops as Thailand aims to redefine its status as the ultimate destination for globetrotters and shopaholics. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed yesterday,…
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Pattaya tourism operators wary of extended nightlife hours proposal
Pattaya’s tourism operators are expressing apprehension about a proposal to extend the operating hours of nighttime venues along Beach Road until 4am. The concerns primarily revolve around potential noise pollution, compromised safety, and possible damage to the city’s reputation. Recently elected president of the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF), Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, has offered a nuanced perspective on the…
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Thailand’s mega New Year’s Eve countdown bash at ICONSIAM promises fun and surprises
Prepare for a dazzling extravaganza as Thailand gears up for an unparalleled New Year’s Eve countdown bash at ICONSIAM‘s River Park. With a star-studded lineup, jaw-dropping eco-friendly fireworks, and mind-blowing drone displays, this year’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 is set to redefine celebrations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and ICONSIAM have joined forces with industry giants…
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Combined tour packages: Thai proposal for Chinese tourists
Chinese tourists are the target of a new strategy suggested by Thai tourism operators, who propose selling combined tour packages to Thailand and Malaysia. This proposal comes in light of China granting visa exemptions to visitors from Malaysia and several European countries, but not Thailand. Songchai Mungprasithichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, believes that since Hat Yai Airport…
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Doubts over Thai target of 8.2 million Chinese visitors in 2024
Analysts have expressed doubts over the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) ambitious target of attracting 8.2 million Chinese visitors next year. This comes as predictions for overall foreign arrivals next year have been downscaled, amidst concerns over a sluggish global economy. Kasem Prunratanamala, who leads research at CGS-CIMB Securities in Thailand, stated that while the firm has kept its estimation…
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Thai Airways takes a smile: Reinstates nine cool-season routes for domestic delight
Thai Airways International reinstated nine domestic routes for the cool season, previously provided by its former affiliate, Thai Smile Airways. The services, which will run until March 30, utilise the Airbus A320 planes from the airline’s former subsidiary, Thai Smile. The re-established routes offer daily flights from Bangkok to nine destinations – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen,…
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Thai nightlife gets a glow-up: Cabinet green-lights 4am extended hours for tourist hotspots
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light to a draft regulation set forth by the Interior Ministry, permitting extended hours until 4am at entertainment venues in prominent tourist hotspots. The affected areas include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Aiming to stimulate the country’s tourism sector, the Interior Ministry is at the helm of this initiative.…
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Unprecedented tourist influx on full moon day at Wan Nakee Island’s shrine
Tourists flocked to Wat Kham Chanot Wang Nakee coinciding with the revered day of the full moon and the traditional Loy Krathong Festival on November 27. The shrine, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, is dedicated to Nakee Island’s spiritual guardians, Grandfather Sri Sutho and Grandmother Ya Sri Pathum. The shrine’s spiritual significance attracted a vast…
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Escape to Thailand’s best-kept secret: Mae Chaem, a hidden paradise of culture, tranquillity, and starlit nights
In the heart of northern Thailand lies a hidden gem, away from the tourist throngs that swarm popular destinations. Mae Chaem, nestled on the flank of Doi Inthanon mountain, beckons discerning travellers seeking respite from the usual hustle and bustle. As you wind through lush greenery and scenic landscapes, Mae Chaem unfolds like a dream. The journey itself, a four-hour…
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