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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Sponsored Living on a budget in Thailand? Here’s how to stay healthy without breaking the bank
Thailand is a popular place for people who want to enjoy a good life at a lower cost or even on a budget. Many expats, retirees, and digital nomads choose to live here because daily expenses are cheaper than in...
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Thailand gears up for Chinese tourist surge amid charter flight push
Thailand is ramping up efforts to boost Chinese tourist arrivals by increasing charter flights from secondary cities in China while launching a major domestic travel subsidy in June. Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional marketing director for East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that Thailand welcomed an average of 22,000 to 24,000 Chinese tourists daily in January. The numbers peaked…
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Elite vs DTV: Is Thailand’s ‘privilege’ visa losing its edge?
Thailand’s Elite visa programme is facing growing competition from cheaper long-term visa alternatives, with the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) emerging as a serious contender. Manatase Annawat, President of Thai Privilege Card (TPC), admitted that rival visa schemes are cutting into their market, particularly DTV, which costs a fraction of the Elite price but lacks its luxury perks. Manatase recently suggested…
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Adorable alert: Khao Kheow Zoo welcomes baby zebra
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has a new star attraction—a cute and cuddly zebra foal that’s already stealing hearts. On Sunday, January 26, Zoo Director Narongwit Chotchoy proudly announced the birth of a female zebra foal, born on November 6 last year. The little striped beauty, whose name is yet to be revealed, was born to a six year old mother and an eight year old father and is reported…
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Thailand’s aviation recovery nears pre-Covid levels: CAAT
Thailand’s aviation sector is anticipated to experience a robust recovery this year, reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, forecasts a rise in passenger numbers to at least 25 million, aligning with figures from 2019. Initially, full recovery expectations were set for last year; however, the slow return of Chinese…
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Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you
The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty. The biggest revelation? It’s far easier to leave the country every 180 days than to fight through…
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Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists
Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…
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Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction (video)
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying…
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Thailand to launch digital TM6 for tourists, delays 300-baht fee
Starting May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand will need to complete a mandatory digital version of the TM6 immigration form, replacing the old paper-based system. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed the move, which aims to streamline immigration procedures and boost safety confidence among tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the online form will help…
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Thailand braces for 770,000 Chinese tourists this Lunar New Year
The Thai government anticipates 770,000 Chinese nationals to visit Thailand during Chinese New Year, from January 24 to February 2, marking a 22.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Sasikarn Watthanachan, deputy spokeswoman for the government, stated that various agencies, including the Department of Airports and Airports of Thailand (AoT), have been instructed to prepare for the influx…
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How to make part-time retirement plans?
You can make money and have more free time if you have a flexible plan. Having a part-time job in retirement will help you save money. You make extra money, which gives your savings more time to grow. But a lot of seniors also keep working because it keeps their minds active and gives them the chance to meet new…
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DoA prepares for 14.3% passenger surge during Chinese New Year
The Department of Airport (DoA) is preparing to accommodate an anticipated surge in passengers during the Chinese New Year, with a projected increase of at least 14.3% in visitors to tier-two cities compared to last year, according to the government yesterday, January 22. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that the ministry has instructed the DoA to carry out a…
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Thailand tops as dream destination for Southeast Asian travellers
Thailand has emerged as the top dream destination for Southeast Asian travellers, as revealed by Grab’s SEA Travel Insights 2024 report. Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, senior director of commercial and marketing at Grab Thailand, highlighted the importance of Southeast Asian tourists to Thailand’s tourism industry. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 10.6 million travellers from Southeast Asia, representing 30% of its international arrivals.…
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Thailand assures China on tourist safety amid rising arrivals
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to personally assure Chinese President Xi Jinping of the safety measures in place for Chinese tourists during her visit to China next month, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Thailand aims to attract 9 million Chinese tourists this year, marking a 35% increase from last year’s figure of 6.7 million. Sorawong stated that…
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Philippines and Thailand forge tourism pact amid casino buzz
In a landmark move to bolster tourism and cross-border collaboration, the Philippines and Thailand inked a five-year deal focusing on mutual growth in the travel and hospitality sectors. The agreement, signed on Sunday, January 19 also hints at Thailand’s potential legalisation of casinos: a game-changing development for its tourism landscape. The Philippines, a regional leader in the casino industry with…
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Thai tea brand launches bird’s nest drink for Chinese tourists
Napit Sasiwimolkul, the marketing director of Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the continued focus on health among consumers. According to Eastern beliefs, particularly in China, bird’s nest is considered to have cooling properties. With Thailand’s tourism sector showing signs of recovery, data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveals that 35,545,714 international tourists visited the country…
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Thailand to rethink visa-free policy for Chinese citizens: Senate
The Senate has urged the Government of Thailand to reconsider its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, expressing concerns that Thailand may become a centre for criminal activities. Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised these issues during a recent Senate meeting led by Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. Wanchai pointed out that the policy, initially designed to boost tourism, has been misused by criminal groups.…
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Thailand tourism surges with 1.3 million visitors in early 2025
Thailand experienced a significant influx of international tourists in the first 12 days of 2025, with over 1.3 million visitors, marking a 19.89% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Government reports attribute this surge to tourism revenue amounting to 66.089 billion baht (US$1.9 billion). Key visitor origins included China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India, with…
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Krabi park e-ticketing system struggles to curb cash handling risks
A special task force from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) conducted an inspection yesterday, January 17, at Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi to evaluate anti-corruption measures. The inspection followed the introduction of an e-ticketing system intended to prevent fraud in park entry fee management. Officials examined the fee collection processes at popular tourist sites such…
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Bangkok crowned second best city globally in 2025 rankings
If you’re dreaming of your next urban escape, look no further than Cape Town, crowned the world’s best city for 2025 by Time Out! From breathtaking nature to buzzing nightlife, this South African gem offers it all. “Where else can you visit a colony of African penguins, sip world-class wines, stroll pristine Blue Flag beaches, and enjoy views from one of the…
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CNY rush: Thai airports brace for over 4 million passengers
Thailand’s airports are gearing up for a passenger surge as the Chinese New Year festival approaches, with an expected 4.03 million foreign arrivals between January 24 and February 2. The Transport Ministry has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure smooth operations and safety during this 10-day travel boom. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed that Bangkok’s airports would bear the brunt…
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Chill factor: Thailand braces for cold, frosty spell as mercury dips
Thailand is braced for a cold, frosty spell as temperatures plunge by an additional 1-2 degrees Celsius across the nation. Frost dusts the peaks of high mountains while strong winds batter the seas, turning up the tumultuous weather conditions. As winter tightens its grip, the South sees relentless rainfall, adding to the weather woes. Forecasts from the Meteorological Department of…
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Plane stupid! Australian man’s flight crash threat lands him in jail
A disgruntled Australian man found himself behind bars after making a chilling threat to kill everyone at 35,000 feet. His off-the-cuff remark about crashing a plane left airport officials with no choice but to take him seriously. Marli Curtis Philip Moncrieff embarked on what he thought would be a dream holiday from Perth to the sunny shores of Phuket with…
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Bangkok steals top spot for Chinese New Year celebrations
Bangkok has emerged as the top destination for Thai and foreign tourists planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand, according to data from the digital travel platform Agoda. The vibrant capital outshone other popular spots, with accommodation searches surging ahead of the festivities starting January 29. Agoda revealed yesterday, January 15, that Bangkok topped the list for Thai tourists,…
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Chaos on Pattaya Beach: Drunk tourists fuel brawls in hotspot
Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fuelled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation. Reports reveal that drunken altercations have become an all-too-common sight, particularly after…
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Northern Irishman fights for life after Thailand holiday accident
Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Ryan Daly, from Portadown, had set off on an ambitious round-the-world trip when tragedy struck, leaving him on life support and his loved ones in turmoil. The 27 year old care attendant, known for…
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Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ (video)
In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations…
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Retail therapy: Tops looks for Lunar New Year discounts, tourists
Central Food Retail Co., (CFR), the powerhouse behind Tops grocery stores, is banking on a flurry of government stimulus and a tourism boom to set tills ringing as the Lunar New Year approaches. Chakkit Chatupanyachotikul, the marketing maestro at CFR, is upbeat about the impact of the government’s Easy E-receipt tax deduction scheme, a nifty initiative running from January 16…
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Thailand slashes barriers for elite visas: LTR programme
Thailand is making bold moves to attract wealthy foreigners and digital nomads by easing visa restrictions to position the country as a global hub for long-term residency. The Cabinet approved sweeping changes to its Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa programme, streamlining the application process and eliminating outdated Smart visa categories, a Government House source revealed. The revised LTR visa rules target…
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Hat Yai gears up for Chinese New Year with parades and contests
Hat Yai is pulling out all the stops for a dazzling Chinese New Year celebration, promising a week of vibrant festivities from January 28 to February 2. This iconic festival, a highlight for Thailand’s Chinese community, will take over Srinakorn Foundation School with parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and breathtaking lantern sculptures. The festival is packed with activities to…
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Thailand bets on man-made marvels for tourism cash boost
According to insiders at Krungthai Compass, man-made hotspots, from sports hubs to spectacular events, are set to propel Thailand to the brink of a tourism revolution thanks to a bold new strategy. Thailand is banking on an artificial allure to supercharge its tourism engine, with Krungthai Compass, a top research centre under Krungthai Bank, revealing that new, man-made tourist attractions…
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