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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Motorbike taxi driver assaults UAE tourists in Patong
Patong Police are still yet to confirm any action taken against a motorbike taxi driver who assaulted two tourists from the United Arab Emirates in Soi Saen Sabai on July 29. The incident took place in front of the Hallo Massage shop, leaving the two tourists injured. The police were alerted to the situation around 10pm. The victims, identified as…
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Vaping troubles: British tourists warned of costly holiday mistake
British tourists heading abroad this summer are being warned of a costly mistake that could ruin their holiday. E-cigarette smokers need to be aware of strict anti-vaping laws in popular South East Asian destinations. The penalties for breaking these rules range from hefty fines to imprisonment. Countries like Thailand and Singapore have some of the strictest vaping bans in the…
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SCB X delays end of Robinhood food delivery service
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) X PCL has made a significant decision to delay the termination of its Robinhood food delivery service, initially planned for the end of this month. The company yesterday, July 29, submitted a formal request to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to extend the service’s operation. Manop Sangiambut, Chief Financial Officer of SCB X, revealed the…
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Man dies after fainting and falling off bicycle in Phuket
A 60 year old man tragically died early today, falling off his bicycle after fainting en route to Thalang Hospital in Phuket for his regular medication. Police Captain Kraisorn Boonprasop of Thalang Police was alerted to the incident at approximately 6.50am and promptly arrived at the scene with Pol. Lt. Sin Saijit and an EMS Advance Unit from Thalang Hospital.…
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Thailand anticipates record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024
Thailand’s tourism sector is set to witness a surge in Russian travellers, with projections indicating a record 2.2 million arrivals next year, buoyed by a new 60-day visa-free scheme. However, a shortage of aircraft in Russian airlines poses a challenge, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In 2025, TAT aims for a 7.5% increase in revenue, targeting 39…
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Bad Apple: Thailand ad blunder sparks boycott fury (video)
A condescending new advertisement by US giant Apple sparked outrage in Thailand, with locals threatening to ditch Apple and their iPhones for Samsung. Thai resident and English teacher David William, who boasts 1.6 million Facebook followers and 2.9 million TikTok followers, slammed the ad on his TikTok account @davidwilliamdw. His critique of the ad, The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office)…
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Foreign tourists found safe after night search in Doi Nang Mo forest
San Kamphaeng police, forest officers, and other relevant agencies initiated a search at 8.30pm yesterday, July 28, for two missing foreign tourists who had become lost in the Doi Nang Mo forest area near the Mae Pha Nhaen Reservoir in Chiang Mai. The search was prompted by the coordinates sent by the tourists before their signal was lost. The dense…
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Thailand’s walking tourism boosts local culture, sustainability
Walking tourism is increasingly popular as travellers seek to immerse themselves in local cultures and explore neighbourhoods more intimately. The United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) notes that walking tourism fosters a deeper connection with local communities, nature, and culture. This growing trend aligns with the global push for sustainable tourism and satisfies the rising demand for outdoor activities. However, the…
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Phetchaburi unveils arch to celebrate Thai king’s 72nd birthday
Phetchaburi Governor Nattachai Namphoonsuksan presided over the inauguration of a celebratory arch to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua‘s 72nd birthday tomorrow, July 28, enhancing the area’s tourism appeal. Governor Nattachai led the ceremony with local government officials, students, and residents participating. The event took place in front of Ban Tha Takhro Mittraphap 192…
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Maya Bay to close for two months for monsoon season recovery
The renowned Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands will be closed to tourists from August 1 to September 30 to allow nature to recover and ensure visitor safety during the monsoon season. Despite the rough seas, tourists continue to flock to this destination made famous by the Danny Boyle movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Yutthapong Damsrisuk, head of…
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Central Group, Thai banks initiate tourist QR payments
The Central Group of companies, which includes Central Retail Corporation, Central Pattana, and Centara Hotels and Resorts, has joined forces with the Bank of Thailand and six leading commercial banks to launch a cross-border QR payment service for tourists. The banks involved in this collaboration are Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Krungthai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, and CIMB Thai…
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Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors
New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China. Visitors from these countries will receive a 60-day entry stamp, which can be extended for another 30 days…
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Indonesia launches golden visa with 10-year residency for investors
Indonesia has introduced a long-term visa scheme aimed at attracting rich, “good-quality” foreign investors, President Joko Widodo announced. The new Golden Visa offers a 10-year residency permit to those rich enough to invest up to US$10 million in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The scheme includes a five-year visa option, requiring an individual to set up a company worth US$2.5 million,…
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Phuket leads in dengue crisis: Kids worst hit in southern Thailand
Phuket has emerged as the hotspot for dengue fever in upper southern Thailand, with the highest infection rates among seven provinces, according to the Department of Disease Control’s regional office. Dr Darinda Rosa, acting Director of Health Region 11’s Disease Control Office, highlighted a significant surge in dengue cases from January 1 to yesterday, totalling 5,853. Children aged 10-14 are…
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Thailand expects record tourists from Taiwan, India with visa policy
Thailand anticipates a record influx of tourists from Taiwan and India this year, largely due to the recent visa-free policy. The visa exemption for Taiwanese and Indian tourists, initiated in late 2023, has been extended until November 11, with the allowed stay period increased to 60 days. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports that Thailand has already agreed on…
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TAT, TikTok, and Klook Thailand launch incredible travel contest
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with TikTok Thailand and Klook Thailand to launch the Amazing Thailand Passion Ambassador initiative. Tourists and content creators are invited to share their unforgettable Thailand travel videos for a chance to win amazing prizes. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that this initiative supports the policy of the Minister of Tourism and…
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Royal river revelry to celebrate king’s birthday
In a grand tribute to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s birthday, oil giant PTT Pcl, in collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, and the Bang Lamphu and Phra Nakhon district communities, is hosting the Lam Nam Nathi Wari Somphot event from July 26 to 28. The king’s birthday is on Sunday, July 28. This spectacular celebration is set…
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Bangkok in top 30 most dangerous cities for tourists
Bangkok has been named the 30th most dangerous city for tourists, according to a recent Forbes Advisor article. The article, 12 Best Travel Insurance Companies of July 2024, compared 60 international cities across seven key risk metrics. The cities were evaluated on travel safety, crime risk, personal security risk, health security risk, infrastructure security risk, natural disaster risk, and digital…
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Sky-high tourism boom: Thai-Chinese flights to double
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) announced a dramatic increase in flights between Thailand and China. The number of annual flights is expected to double from under 100,000 to a staggering 200,000, thanks to a new mutual permanent visa waiver policy. The policy, which began in March, allows Chinese and Thai passport holders to enjoy visa-free holidays and transits…
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Thailand’s DNP boosts disaster readiness amid heavy rains
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) to prepare for natural disasters, particularly flash floods and landslides. Emphasising the need for constant vigilance in tourist areas, he instructed that personnel and equipment be ready to assist the public 24/7. Patcharawat expressed concern for the public affected by heavy rains…
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Weed way to go! Thailand flip-flops on cannabis laws again
In yet another exercise of political flip-flopping in Thailand’s cannabis saga, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to legislate marijuana for medical use. This unexpected move marks a significant U-turn from recent proposals to re-criminalise the plant, leaving many questioning whether the government knows whether it’s coming or going. Thailand made headlines as one of the first Asian countries…
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Patong tuk tuk driver fined after aggressive road confrontation
Patong tuk tuk drivers are again under scrutiny after an alarming confrontation between a driver and a resident in traffic. The incident, captured in a 51-second video, ignited a wave of criticism and concern among Phuket residents. A resident, who has been living in Phuket for eight years, documented the encounter and posted the video on the Facebook page Driving…
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Ana maintains pre-pandemic load on Thailand-Japan flights
Japanese carrier ANA has successfully maintained the load factor on Thailand-Japan routes at the same robust level as in 2019, despite the challenges posed by a weak yen. Notably, the majority of its passengers are now Thai tourists and long-haul travellers transiting through Japan. Thailand has emerged as one of ANA’s strongest routes in Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia post-pandemic, alongside…
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Expats: New Thai visas make elite status obsolete
Longstay expats are in uproar as Thailand’s new visa policies render their costly long-term options nearly worthless. The introduction of a 60-day visa-exempt policy and the 180-day Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has left many feeling shortchanged. Geoffrey Fisher, a Brit who recently forked out 900,000 baht (approximately £20,000) for a five-year Elite visa, lamented, “I’ve wasted my money as more…
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Phuket enforces 48-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holidays
Patong police announced a 48-hour ban on alcohol sales in bars and restaurants as Thailand observes the Buddhist holidays Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa this weekend. Violating the alcohol sales ban could result in up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, according to the notice issued by Patong Police. Officers informed bar…
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Wichit conducts major tsunami evacuation drill in Phuket
Phuket’s Wichit Municipality conducted a comprehensive tsunami evacuation drill and rescue exercise yesterday, July 18, aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness in Phuket. Wichit Mayor Kreetha Chotiwichpipat and Mueang Phuket District Chief Worasit Putjeeb led the drill, which involved multiple agencies in a Table Top Exercise (TTX). The simulation was designed to test the municipality’s ability to respond to a tsunami…
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Phuket launches road safety campaign to curb tourist accidents
Phuket provincial police have initiated a new road safety campaign targeting the root causes of traffic accidents involving tourists. This effort, in collaboration with local partners, aims to reduce the high number of road incidents in the area. The campaign was officially launched yesterday, July 18, at the Phuket Merlin Hotel by Region 8 Police Police Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomchit…
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Butterbear to boost Thai tourism, targets 10% of Chinese fans
Butterbear, a beloved mascot in Thailand, will soon serve as a new presenter for Thai tourism, targeting to attract at least 10% of its one million Chinese fans to engage in tourism activities within the country. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to draw eight million arrivals from the Chinese outbound market, which is estimated to reach 130 million…
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TAT shines on Sri Racha tourism with magical island light show
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with Sri Racha Municipality, is set to present the Vijitr Chon Buri The Lighting Illumination: The Magical Island. This event will take place from tomorrow, July 20 to July 28 at Koh Loy in Sri Racha. Mayor of Sri Racha District Chatchai Timkrajang and Nat Khrutasutta, the Director of the Activities Department…
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Chon Buri launches Travel Mart 2024 to boost tourism revenue
Chon Buri has taken a major step to boost its tourism industry with the launch of the Chon Buri Travel Mart 2024. Governor Thawatchai Srithong, along with leaders from both the public and private sectors, inaugurated the tourism hotspot showcasing event, aiming to generate over a billion baht in tourism revenue. The event promoted business-to-business (B2B) networking with travel trade…
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