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 could gain 11 new international routes after airline talks
Thailand could see more international flight options after 87 airlines held talks on Thailand flight slots during an International Air Transport Association (IATA) conference in Bangkok, held from June 9 to 11. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said the talks took place during the 158th IATA Slot Conference. A total of 87 airlines out of 146 participating carriers…
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Khlong Bang Luang gains popularity among Chinese tourists
Khlong Bang Luang in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok gained attention among Chinese tourists and also appeared in a popular Chinese television series filmed in Thailand, Speed and Love. The canal-side community was featured in the romantic action drama Speed and Love, a 29-episode series adapted from the web novel Shuang Gui by Shi Jiuyuan. The show is available on…
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Honey seizure allegedly leads foreigner’s Bangkok airport complaint
A foreign tourist drew attention online after posting a Bangkok airport complaint on social media, criticising airport facilities and alleging poor service while urging others to reconsider travelling to Thailand. The man shared his experience on Threads, posting an image of a passenger terminal floor that appeared damaged with a caption that read… “Bangkok airport is absolute crap! Singapore’s Changi…
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Thailand to replace paper arrival cards with mobile immigration app
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has launched a trial of a new mobile application designed to streamline entry registration for foreign nationals, with a full rollout scheduled for August 2026. The app, called THIM, or Thailand Immigration Management, is available for download on both iOS and Android. It was announced on Saturday, June 6, with the commissioner of the Immigration Bureau leading…
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CAAT issues rules for tighter Ebola airport screening
Thailand is directing arrivals from DR Congo and Uganda through Suvarnabhumi Airport only under stricter Ebola surveillance measures, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced today, May 28. CAAT said that the Ministry of Public Health raised surveillance and disease prevention measures after Ebola outbreaks were reported in some areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.…
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Booking.com reports Pattaya searches jump nearly 14% ahead of Tomorrowland Thailand 2026
The end of 2026 may feel far away, but not for Pattaya, as many travellers are already searching for accommodation ahead of Tomorrowland, the electronic music festival originating in Belgium that will be held in Thailand for the first time. With the festival scheduled for December 11 to 13 of this year, at Wisdom Valley in Pattaya, Chonburi, Booking.com, one…
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AirAsia CEO warns airport fee hike could be ‘disaster’ for Thai tourism
AirAsia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes has opposed Airports of Thailand’s (AOT) proposed increase to the international passenger service charge (PSC), warning that higher airport fees could damage Thailand’s tourism industry during a difficult period for global aviation. Fernandes, chief executive officer of Capital A, said the timing was inappropriate as airlines worldwide continue to face pressure from rising fuel…
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EU visa change opens path to longer Schengen visas for Thais
Thai nationals residing in Thailand may now qualify for Schengen visas valid for up to five years under new European Union (EU) rules announced yesterday, May 18, aimed at making repeat travel to Europe easier. The change is part of a new “visa cascade” system adopted by the EU, giving eligible repeat travellers progressively longer multiple-entry visas. It applies to…
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Thailand confirms end to 60-day visa-free stays to attract quality tourists
Thailand’s visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries is set to be cut from 60 days to 30 days after government officials confirmed plans to end the policy introduced in July 2024. The proposal, confirmed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Foreign Ministry, is expected to go to Cabinet next week, and an official start date will…
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Donald Duck Bay in Phang Nga ranks among world’s top 10 beaches
Three Thai beaches are included in the 2026 World’s Best Beaches list by Global Travel Experts, with Donald Duck Bay in Phang Nga ranked among the world’s top 10. The annual list is compiled from votes by more than 1,000 travel professionals worldwide. Beaches are assessed based on criteria such as uniqueness, wildlife, unspoiled natural environment, natural soundscape, accessibility, calm…
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TikTok video of 150 baht coconut in Phuket divides Thai internet
A foreign TikToker recently posted about the price of a coconut on Patong Beach in Phuket yesterday, April 22, pointing out the upcharge in tourist areas, which were met with mixed reactions as debates raged on in the comments. The video, which focused on the price of coconuts in Phuket, left many viewers, Thai and foreign, divided. Some are defending…
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Thailand could scrap visa-free entry for 36 countries to target ‘higher-quality visitors’
Thailand is considering limiting its visa-free policy as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports looks to attract more long-stay and higher-quality visitors while introducing measures to support domestic tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakun said yesterday, April 22, that the government is currently reviewing Thailand’s visa-free scheme after criticism over its impact. In July last year, Thailand expanded its…
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Toll fee waived on key expressways and motorways for Songkran
The Transport Ministry will waive toll and expressway fees on several key routes during Songkran as part of a 10-day travel safety plan running from April 10 to 19. It aims to cut crashes, deaths and injuries on the ministry’s road network by at least 5%. The campaign is being run under the slogan “No matter what time you leave,…
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Tourist says they fear dogs, not humans, when walking on Thai streets
A foreign tourist has shared a video comparing walking safety in California and Thailand, saying she felt less concerned about people in Thailand but stayed alert for dogs that might chase her on the street. In the clip, the tourist described what she called the “main differences between California and Thailand” when walking outdoors. She said that in the United…
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Chiang Mai buffet diner refuses 259-baht bill, argues for an hour
A buffet dispute has drawn attention online after a Chiang Mai restaurant owner posted on Facebook yesterday, March 24, about a Chinese customer who allegedly refused to pay after eating, prompting the shop to call the police to mediate. The post was shared by a Facebook user who identified themself as the owner of a Shabu buffet restaurant in Chiang…
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CAAT cuts Songkran air fares by 15% to 30% to ease travel costs
Air fares on selected domestic routes will be cut by 15 to 30% over the Songkran holiday period, Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has said, as it works with six major airlines to ease travel costs during one of the year’s busiest travel peaks. CAAT said it has been closely monitoring aviation conditions after conflict in the Middle East disrupted…
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American stays inside Suvarnabhumi for ten days, cites airfare rise
An American man who posted videos claiming he had been staying inside Suvarnabhumi International Airport for ten days has drawn widespread attention online, after saying higher airfares linked to war left him unable to travel onward. According to the Instagram account @rastagraphy, the man had been staying at the airport for ten days. He documented his routine at the airport…
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Thailand to cut visa-free stay to 30 days, Foreign Ministry says
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry is preparing to ask the government to cut the visa-free stay for eligible foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeo said on March 20. Sihasak said the 60-day visa exemption policy was introduced under the government of Srettha Thavisin to support Thai tourism, which he noted remains important to the country’s economic…
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Thailand tourism overrated claim prompts debate online
A foreign woman criticised Thai tourism, describing Thailand as “overrated” and citing high accommodation costs, food hygiene concerns, poor transport experiences, crowded islands, rubbish and unfriendly locals. The woman shared her experiences of travelling in Thailand in a video that was later reposted by local news outlet TravelNews. In the clip, she said she spent two weeks in the country…
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Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 to unite industry leaders for a forward-looking dialogue on the future of travel
Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sector will gain a new national industry platform with the launch of Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 (ITX 2026), a focused forum bringing together hotel owners, operators, investors, and senior decision-makers from across the archipelago to examine the forces shaping the country’s tourism economy at a time of renewed growth and increasing complexity. Taking place on May…
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Aircraft graveyard clip filmed by foreigner raises entry questions
On March 7, a foreign Instagram user posted footage showing dozens of abandoned aircraft in what was described as a “Thai Air Force aircraft graveyard,” prompting Thai social media users to question how the person accessed the site. The clip was shared by the Instagram account @ruffy_the_travelbuddy, which posted a video walking around an old aircraft hangar area. The post…
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Cambodia temple photo spot compared to Wat Mahathat landmark
Photos shared online yesterday, March 10, showed what appeared to be a newly built photo spot at a temple in Cambodia that resembled Wat Mahathat’s Buddha head in tree roots in Ayutthaya, raising questions about imitating one of Thailand’s best-known landmarks. Many social media users noted that the structure in Cambodia looked newly constructed, with some commenting that the cement…
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Foreign tourists join ‘Thank you, Thailand’ trend with humorous holiday round-ups
A “Thank You, Thailand” video challenge gained popularity among foreign tourists sharing end-of-trip round-ups after holidays in the country, with clips listing everything from meals and massages to upset stomachs and monkey encounters. The video challenge reportedly began late last year. Many of the videos are filmed at Thai airports and posted with captions that summarise the trip using a…
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Foreign woman alleges rude treatment in Thailand, sparking controversy
A foreign woman drew criticism online after posting a TikTok video claiming Thai people were rude to her by ignoring her questions due to language barriers. The foreign tourist, who identified herself as Farah, shared the video on her TikTok account @fdontcare on February 21. In the caption, she wrote, “So bad I love it here but be ready for…
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Japanese tourist shares Thai coconut ice cream as surprise favourite
Thai coconut ice cream with sticky rice topping drew attention online after a Japanese bicycle touring blogger posted about the dessert on X, prompting reactions from both Japanese and Thai users. The cyclist shared a photo of a cone of coconut milk ice cream with sticky rice on Sunday, February 15. In a Japanese-language caption, he said… “I bought some…
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TAT welcomes Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi for Chinese New Year
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a welcome event for Chinese visitors at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday, February 17, as the Chinese New Year 2026 travel period continues. The reception took place at Suvarnabhumi, where TAT organised activities to greet travellers arriving from Shanghai, China. Those taking part in the welcome included TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Patanong Na…
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Thailand to revise visa policies in economy revamp efforts
Thailand’s Cabinet has formally approved a new phase of visa policy changes aimed at attracting more tourists, digital nomads, students, and retirees as part of a broader economic stimulus strategy. Deputy government spokesperson Aiyarin Phanrit confirmed yesterday, February 10, that the Cabinet has endorsed a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering short-, medium-, and long-term visa measures. The…
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Tourist in Koh Samui removes ice from drink, fears its ‘unsafe to consume’
A foreign tourist’s attempt to avoid ice in her drink on Koh Samui has stirred strong reactions online, after she posted a video showing herself removing ice cubes from a glass with her bare hand at a local restaurant. The video, posted on TikTok by user @2brunesenasie, shows a woman reaching into her drink, scooping out the ice and discarding…
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Thailand’s Disneyland bid gains embassy support in US
Thailand’s bid to host the first Disneyland in Southeast Asia has received a boost following support from the Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Today, February 3, Phiphat, who also oversees the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), said the embassy’s recent communication shows the Disneyland Thailand concept is no longer just a…
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AOT to raise passenger service charge for international flights from May
Airports of Thailand (AOT) confirmed plans to increase the passenger service charge (PSC) for international departures in May this year. While the increase will largely affect foreign travellers, AOT insisted that it will not reduce the number of international visitors to Thailand. The chief executive officer of AOT, Paweena Jariyathitipong, told local media that the PSC for passengers departing on international…
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