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 tightens screening for visa-free arrivals
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has tightened screening measures at airports this month after border clashes raised concerns that foreign mercenaries could enter under visa-free schemes. The move follows growing concerns on social media from academics who warned that foreign mercenaries could pose a threat to national security. The analysts’ warnings came after new clashes that erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border, prompting…
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Tourism operators calls for clarity on new Thai immigration rules
Tourism operators want Thai authorities to clearly publicise new immigration rules after a rise in the number of tourists being denied entry. The concerns follow new measures introduced by the Immigration Bureau to crack down on multiple visa runs and prevent the misuse of visa-free entry. The updated rules aim to stop foreigners from entering the country while engaging in…
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Thai government studies Disneyland project instead of casino complex
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed a new plan to bring Disneyland to Thailand, replacing the previously proposed entertainment complex. The earlier proposal introduced by the Pheu Thai Party aimed to create a large entertainment complex to boost tourism and the national economy. The project was expected to include theme parks, water parks, sports stadiums, concert…
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‘Gigachad’ Thai taxi driver saves tourist from missing flight
A foreign traveller has shared his appreciation for a Bangkok taxi driver who went above and beyond to help him reach the correct airport in time for his international flight. The traveller, @QuintenFrancois on X, explained that he mistakenly went to Don Mueang Airport instead of Suvarnabhumi Airport, where his flight to Tokyo was scheduled to depart. With just over…
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Patong roads close for Phuket Carnival parade on December 19
Patong Municipality has advised residents and visitors to steer clear of the main roads at the southern end of Patong and Thaweewong Road, also known as Patong Beach Road, on the evening of December 19. This request is due to the annual parade of the ‘Phuket Carnival‘ marking the official start of the tourism high season. The parade is scheduled…
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Packed Pattaya December 2025 events calendar unveiled
Pattaya plans to end 2025 with a festive bang by launching a calendar full of events throughout December as the city aims to cement its reputation as one of Thailand’s top event destinations. From December 5 to 9, the Sanctuary of Truth will host a five-religion ceremony to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. This spiritual tribute marks one of…
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Crackdown on illegal alcohol sales at Pattaya Fireworks Festival
Banglamung District officials conducted a late-night operation on Pattaya Beach, targeting vendors illegally selling alcoholic beverages in a restricted area during the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025. The focus was to curb the distribution of illegal alcohol at the event. Yesterday, on November 29, at approximately 10.16pm, Patcharapat Sritanyanon, the Chief District Officer of Banglamung, instructed Tharit Chanchareun, a senior…
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Thailand unveils proposed F1 circuit layout for Chatuchak, Bangkok
Thailand has officially revealed the proposed track layout for a Formula One (F1) street race in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, reigniting talks of bringing the world’s most prestigious motorsport event to the capital. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) released a draft layout of the circuit, which would wind through several iconic locations in central Bangkok. The 5.732 kilometre clockwise track…
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Tourists urged to stop rock stacking at natural attractions in Thailand
Rangers at Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park in the eastern province of Rayong urged tourists to stop stacking rocks while visiting natural attractions, warning that the seemingly harmless activity can seriously affect local ecosystems. The park’s official Facebook page shared information about the negative impacts of rock stacking yesterday, November 24, to raise awareness among visitors and request…
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Brit tourist stunned by 7-Eleven bargains in Thailand (video)
A British tourist in Thailand has gone viral on TikTok after sharing the surprisingly cheap haul he picked up from a local 7-Eleven convenience store. The TikTok user @middlenamemason, who boasts nearly 800,000 followers, recently posted a video showcasing a bargain haul from a 7-Eleven store in Thailand, and it’s got Brits doing double takes. His video has since racked…
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Discover Thailand’s rich heritage at Ancient City: a journey through time
Thailand holds centuries of stories, traditions, and eye-catching buildings. For those wanting to see it all at once, the Ancient City—also called Muang Boran—is a solid pick. Much like how playing Pusoy feels thrilling, walking around this huge outdoor spot near Bangkok stirs curiosity and wonder. Found in Samut Prakan Province, it packs temples, palaces, and old-world charm into one…
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British groom denied flight to Thailand over smudged stamp
A British groom was barred from boarding a flight to Thailand for his honeymoon after airline staff flagged damage on his passport during check-in. The Brit, 31 year old Josh Reekie, was all set to jet off with his wife Eden for their dream £2,400 (around 105,600 baht) honeymoon when Etihad Airways staff at Manchester Airport denied him boarding. The…
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Thailand opens doors to inclusive tourism with Taiwan visit
Thailand welcomed a group of Taiwanese travellers with mobility disabilities for a five-day pilot tour, aiming to promote the country as an inclusive destination. The initiative is part of a pilot programme led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with the Association of Thai Travel Agents. The group, hailing from FLOW, Inc., a Taiwanese social enterprise that…
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Three Thai double-track railway projects set for Cabinet review
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to submit three major double-track railway projects in the southern region for Cabinet consideration in December, aiming to begin the bidding process in 2026. Anan Pho-nimdaeng, SRT deputy governor and acting governor, announced today, November 17, that three southern routes under the second phase of the double-track rail development programme are progressing the…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s tourist rebound with Russian boom
Phuket’s tourism sector has surged ahead of other Thai regions as international arrivals, led by Russian travellers, boosted hotel occupancy and revenue. From January to October this year, more than 4.16 million international travellers arrived directly in Phuket, bringing the island’s tourism recovery to 97.5% of pre-pandemic levels. That’s up from 4.09 million during the same period last year, according…
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Chiang Rai’s White Temple to double tourist fee in 2026
Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai will double its entry fee for foreign tourists to support maintenance and upgrades at the popular temple attraction. Starting January 1, 2026, Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, will increase its entry fee for foreign tourists from 100 baht to 200 baht. The new ticket price includes access to the popular…
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Phuket airport expansion delay threatens tourism growth
Phuket’s tourism sector is facing concerns as Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, criticises the delay in the Phuket International Airport Phase 2 expansion. He warned that waiting nearly another decade could leave the island struggling to meet increasing passenger demands. During a meeting at Splash Beach Resort in Mai Khao on Thursday, November 6, Thaneth highlighted the…
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Thailand’s tourism tax stalled again despite 11 billion baht potential
Thailand’s plan to introduce a tourist tax for foreign visitors remains stalled due to political delays, despite full readiness and strong industry backing. Initially backed by the National Tourism Policy Committee in February 2023, the fee would charge inbound travellers 300 baht by air or 150 baht by land or sea, applying only to overnight visitors. Despite its potential to…
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UK lifts travel warning as Trat tourism gears up for rebound
The United Kingdom has officially lifted its travel advisory against non-essential travel to Trat, a move welcomed by local tourism operators hoping to revive bookings ahead of peak season. Wichit Sukrasuyanon, president of the Trat Tourism Association, confirmed that the change has already led to a noticeable boost in bookings, especially from European markets. He said average hotel occupancy rates…
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Bang Saen Beach turns black, vendors fear tourist drop
Seawater at a popular beach in eastern Thailand turned black, raising concerns among visitors and vendors about health risks and a drop in tourism. Seawater along Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri has taken on a strange black hue, believed to be caused by a plankton bloom triggered by recent storms and rainfall. While there’s no unpleasant odour or danger…
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UK mum’s Thailand trip ruined over son’s passport sticker mark
A British mum claims her family was barred from flying to Thailand after airline staff said a faint sticker mark had damaged her son’s passport. Meghan Law, a 33 year old NHS nurse from Aberdeen, was due to fly from Edinburgh to Phuket with her two children on October 8 for a two-week, £3,000 (approximately 133,000 Thai baht) family getaway…
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Thai tourism chiefs urge bold fixes to win back visitors
Tourism experts gathered in Bangkok to discuss how Thailand can regain traveller confidence, adapt to new demands, and boost its global tourism standing. Thailand must move quickly to restore tourist confidence, enhance safety, and offer modern, meaningful experiences if it wants to remain a top global destination, experts said during The Nation Visionary Club’s latest roundtable, Rebuilding Thai Tourism Trend:…
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Thai tourism shines in London with wellness-themed showcase
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) led 50 Thai businesses to the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London, aiming to court high-spending long-haul travellers with a strong focus on health and wellness tourism. Held from November 4 to November 6 (today) at ExCeL London, WTM is one of the world’s premier travel trade shows. Thailand’s pavilion this year was…
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Waterfall romp lands foreign couple in hot water on Koh Pha Ngan
An Israeli couple was caught having sex at a waterfall on Koh Pha Ngan, drawing backlash from tourists and prompting legal action by Thai police. The incident unfolded yesterday, November 4, at Wang Sai Waterfall on Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, where the couple were seen engaging in sexual activity in broad daylight, seemingly unfazed by the presence of other…
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Thailand splashes 4 billion baht to keep MotoGP roaring till 2031
Thailand has approved a multi-billion baht budget to extend its MotoGP hosting rights, securing the international racing event for another five years. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ayrin Phanrit announced yesterday, November 4, that the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ proposal to extend Thailand’s MotoGP hosting rights from 2027 to 2031. The budget set aside for the high-octane…
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Malaysian tourist goes viral for taking over Thai motorcycle taxi
A Malaysian tourist went viral for his unexpected motorcycle taxi adventure in Thailand after he had to become an impromptu rider because his elderly Thai Grab driver repeatedly missed turns, which turned a five-minute journey into a 20-minute city tour. The Malaysian man, Clifford, shared a video of himself riding a motorcycle in Thailand with the elderly Thai rider as…
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Thai MotoGP extension revs up for Cabinet approval
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) plans to extend its MotoGP hosting rights following completed talks, with a five-year deal set for Cabinet approval soon. The proposal, aimed at securing the race’s place on the global calendar until 2031, will be tabled at the upcoming Cabinet meeting on November 4. SAT Governor Dr Kongsak Yodmanee confirmed that negotiations with Dorna…
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Thai police warn rowdy Israeli tourists to clean up act
Thai officials and Israeli officials met in Phuket to address growing concerns over misconduct by Israeli tourists in popular destinations across Thailand. Thailand has called for better behaviour from Israeli tourists following a meeting between Thai law enforcement and Avi Bitton, a senior adviser to Israel’s Security Council. The talks, held in Phuket, were led by Police Major General Suwat…
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Thailand eyes 1.2 million US tourists with new flight boom
Thailand is preparing to welcome a surge in tourists from the US, as new flight routes and increased interest in luxury travel drive up arrival forecasts. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced that the country expects nearly 1.2 million visitors from the United States in 2026, an 8% jump from this year. The forecast follows the return…
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United Airlines resumes Bangkok flights after 11-year hiatus
United Airlines has resumed flights to Thailand after more than a decade, launching a new daily service from Los Angeles to Bangkok via Hong Kong. The inaugural flight landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Saturday, October 25, marking the airline’s first return to the kingdom since 2014. The route aims to enhance connectivity between Thailand and North America, while reaffirming…
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