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.
-
Sponsored Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
-
Thai Lion Air eyes new route to boost Nakhon Phanom tourism
Thai Lion Air is contemplating expanding its flight operations to Nakhon Phanom, in line with the Thai government’s strategy to boost tourism in lesser-known cities. This move is part of an initiative to transform secondary tourism cities into bustling hubs. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has tasked the Department of Airports (DoA) with exploring avenues to increase flight frequency to…
-
British lawyer latest to fall in Laos alcohol poisoning tragedy
A British lawyer has become the latest fatality of alcoholic poisoning in Laos taking the death toll to five people. The chilling incident has sent shockwaves across the globe. The British lawyer Simone White is the tragic fifth victim in a series of suspected mass poisonings in Laos, Southeast Asia. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson grieved alongside her family, confirming…
-
Bib Gourmand serves up a feast of flavour and value in Thailand
Michelin’s latest Bib Gourmand list is out, featuring 156 restaurants across Thailand that deliver exceptional quality and value. With 20 new entries in the prestigious Michelin Guide Thailand 2025, food lovers now have even more delectable choices, especially with the exciting addition of Chon Buri as a newly surveyed destination, said Gwendal Poullennec, Director of the Michelin Guides Worldwide. “This…
-
Bangkok Airways employs French jets to support tourist surge
As Thailand’s tourist influx hits an all-time high, Bangkok Airways is scrambling to keep up, turning to France for reinforcements. In a bid to tackle its aircraft shortage, Bangkok Airways (PG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has secured a wet-lease deal with French airline Amelia (8R, Paris Le Bourget), which will provide two Airbus narrowbody aircraft to support the Thai carrier’s operations over…
-
Lampang celebrates revered monk’s 112th birthday
Lampang is set to host a significant annual event entitled, Following the Path of Faith: Paying Homage to Venerable Luang Phor Kasem Khemko, marking the revered monk’s 112th birthday. This unique event will feature rarely seen traditional Lanna ceremonies and offerings. The event, organised by the local government of Lampang, will take place over three days and nights, from November…
-
Phanom district grows kitchen gardens for food security boost
Local cuisine serves as a captivating cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community. A new initiative in Phanom district in the southern province of Surat Thani embodies this spirit by utilising the vacant space in front of the district office to cultivate kitchen gardens, promoting food security. The District Chief of Phanom, Suchau Tumosik, in collaboration with local leaders…
-
Thailand set to rock world stage with plans to boost events scene
Thailand is getting ready to rock the world stage with a grand plan to revitalise its events infrastructure, turning it into a prime destination for global sports and entertainment. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong outlined an ambitious vision to transform Bangkok’s National Stadium into a state-of-the-art multi-function stadium, poised to host everything from international sports competitions to blockbuster concerts.…
-
Thai beauty influencer named first Phuket tourism ambassador
Thai social media influencer, Sasisom Phadungkingtrakul, also known as Mook, has made history as she takes on the role of the first-ever Phuket Tourism Ambassador of Thailand. The accolade, awarded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) under the Amazing Thailand initiative, designates Sasisom as the island’s cultural and promotional representative until the end of 2025. The announcement was made…
-
Tourism boom: Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors
Thailand is basking in a tourism revival as over 30.5 million foreign visitors flooded the country between January and mid-November, generating a staggering 1.43 trillion baht for local businesses. The Tourism and Sports Ministry shared the record-breaking figures yesterday, November 19, marking a major boost for the nation’s post-pandemic recovery. China topped the leaderboard with 5.97 million tourists, followed by…
-
Phuket goes green: Old town steps up for carbon-free tourism
Phuket Old Town took centre stage on Monday, November 18, as the Department of Tourism unveiled its bold initiative to promote low-carbon tourism routes, marking a milestone in sustainable travel for the 2024 fiscal year. Local leaders and media gathered for the showcase event in the historic heart of Phuket, which spotlighted eco-friendly travel practices and the charm of the…
-
Phuket Festival returns to kickstart tourism season this December
Patong City Municipality officially announced the return of the annual Phuket Festival, set to take place from December 8 to 10, marking the kick off of the island’s bustling tourism season. The 38th Phuket Tourism Festival, themed Phuket Memories of a Lifetime, was revealed during a press event held on Patong Beach yesterday, November 19. The event was led by…
-
Cheers to safety: Thailand’s plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled crashes
Thailand is ringing in the new year with a determined focus on safety, as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reveals a no-nonsense plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled road accidents during the festive celebrations. With the Christmas and new year season notorious for its spike in drink-related mishaps, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee has rolled out four game-changing measures to keep partygoers…
-
Thai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism
Thailand just got a little closer to Italy. The inaugural ITA Airways direct flight from Rome to Bangkok touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking the beginning of a new era for tourism and business travel between the two countries. This direct route, running five times a week, offers Italian travellers a smoother journey to Thailand’s famous beaches, cultural sites, and…
-
Thailand airports to rival global top 20 within five years, says AoT
Thailand’s major airports are set for a significant transformation as Airports of Thailand (AoT) aims to elevate them into the top 20 globally within five years, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s renowned Changi Airport. This ambitious plan, spearheaded by the Transport Ministry, targets Suvarnabhumi International Airport as a key player in achieving this goal. Permanent Secretary for Transport, Chayatan Phromsorn, confirmed…
-
Phuket’s tourism set to earn 500 billion baht this year
Phuket’s tourism industry is poised for a financial boom, with anticipated earnings reaching an impressive 500 billion baht this year. The island’s strategic focus on attracting visitors through sports tourism, even during the traditional off-season, is driving this growth, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office. Director of TAT Phuket, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee highlighted that the island effectively…
-
Tourists in Trang thrilled by rare dugong sighting near Koh Libong
Tourists in Trang were thrilled to encounter a fully grown dugong grazing on seagrass, a sight not witnessed for several months. The boat operator quickly launched a drone to capture the memorable moment, creating a buzz among the visitors. At Ban Phrang Pier in the Koh Libong area of Kantang district, Trang province, Anon Kingkoyao, a tour operator on Koh…
-
Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism
Thailand’s historic decision to legalise same-sex marriage, starting January 2025, is set to supercharge its tourism industry, drawing in millions of visitors and billions in revenue. According to a new study by digital travel platform Agoda, this legislative move is projected to bring in 4 million additional international visitors each year, driving up tourism revenues by an impressive US$2 billion…
-
High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s busiest international gateway, is gearing up for a major transformation to become Southeast Asia’s ultimate transit hub. Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise the airport’s transit flights from a mere 4% to a soaring 20% as part of an ambitious master plan to rank among the world’s top 20 airports by 2030. This bold goal is…
-
British expats uncovered in Thailand as UK probes pension fraud
In a fresh twist for British expats soaking up the sun abroad, the cloak of UK banking secrecy is about to be lifted if there’s a whiff of state pension fraud. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, currently being dissected in the House of Lords, is pegged to hit the legal books in early 2025. This new legislation will…
-
Discover Thailand’s dreamiest beaches for your next getaway
Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, lures millions with its sun-kissed sands, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine. If you’re craving a beach holiday with tranquil waters and unbeatable scenery, these Thai beaches, rated by Conde Nast Traveller and Hotels ID, as reported by Tempo, promise an unforgettable escape. Kata Beach, Phuket Golden sands, azure waters, and warm tropical weather…
-
Thailand ensures utmost safety during Loy Krathong travel surge
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced robust preparations for the anticipated large crowds during the Loy Krathong festival. Officials are expecting a significant influx of both domestic and international travellers participating in the festivities across Bangkok and other provinces. Suriya has directed various agencies to improve travel accessibility and ensure safety across all modes of transport, including…
-
Fare play: Pattaya police spark taxi reminder ahead of fireworks fest
Pattaya police have issued a reminder to motorbike taxi drivers regarding fare regulations as the city prepares for the upcoming International Fireworks Festival. The festival is set to take place on November 29 and 30, promising a spectacle that draws large crowds to the coastal city. In a meeting held on Tuesday, November 12, at the Caesar Palace Hotel, the…
-
Foreign vendors in Pattaya exploit kids to tug at tourist heartstrings
Pattaya’s bustling tourist spots have taken a darker turn as foreign vendors, believed to be predominantly Vietnamese, are using children to drive aggressive street sales. Concerned reporters documented these vendors in action along Walking Street and Petchtrakool Road, North Pattaya, at around 4am yesterday, November 12, showcasing a worrying new trend that has locals and tourists alike on edge. These…
-
Israeli tourists face terror threat at Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon party
Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a spine-tingling warning, revealing that terrorists are targeting Israeli holidaymakers at the infamous Full Moon party on Thailand’s tourist haven, Koh Pha Ngan. In a bombshell announcement, the RTP disclosed that they’ve received info indicating a sinister plot to attack Israeli tourists at the island celebration. The party, a hot favourite among Israeli adventurers, coincides…
-
Thai Cabinet approves 3 new holidays for 2025 and 2026
The Thai Cabinet has approved an addition of three special public holidays for the years 2025 and 2026, resulting in a total of 21 official holidays next year. These additional days aim to extend existing holiday periods into longer breaks. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting at Government House earlier…
-
Suvarnabhumi Airport to offer early check-in by February
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is set to introduce an early check-in service, allowing passengers to complete their check-in process up to 24 hours before departure. This initiative, announced on the Transport Ministry’s social media platform, is aimed at enhancing traveller convenience and reducing congestion at Thailand’s primary international gateway. Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat indicated that the service is…
-
Hippo hooray: Moo Deng ‘charges’ up Chon Buri’s tourism boom
Chon Buri province is experiencing a significant boost in tourism revenue, largely due to the popularity of a baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng. This charming young hippo, only four months old, has become a major attraction at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Governor Thawatchai Srithong announced that Chon Buri’s tourism-related revenue reached 27 billion baht (US$777 million) from July…
-
Pattaya lights up: Giant 3D screen draws crowds
Walking Street in South Pattaya just turned up the heat on its nightlife scene, and tourists are lapping it up. On Saturday night, November 9, the city’s iconic strip of bars, clubs, and neon lights added a high-tech twist—a gigantic 3D LED screen that has quickly become the area’s newest magnet for visitors. Crowds of both local and international tourists…
-
Thailand eyes F1 event to boost economy and tourism
Thailand is gearing up for an economic boost as the government commits to bringing a Formula 1 (F1) racing event to the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the ambitious plan yesterday, November 9, emphasising its potential to invigorate tourism and stimulate urban development. The government is actively pursuing discussions to secure an F1 event, which is part of a…
-
Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue
Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival is set to boost the economy, with an expected 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The northern region is forecasted to be the most popular destination, drawing the highest number of tourists. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool projected a 9% increase in tourist…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.