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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Mother’s Day tourism in Thailand to generate 9.39 billion baht
Tourism income from 2.6 million domestic trips during the Mother’s Day holiday this year is expected to reach 9.39 billion baht, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This figure shows a slight decline from the 9.58 billion baht revenue recorded during the back-to-back long holidays in July. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool attributed the weaker projection for the Mother’s…
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Pattaya vendors fined for causing a ‘jam’ on Pattaya-Naklua road
Vendors operating along Pattaya-Naklua Road have come under scrutiny for causing traffic congestion with their sidecars while selling goods and food. This issue prompted numerous complaints from both residents and tourists, urging the city to take action. In response, Pattaya municipal officers inspected the area. During their visit, officials informed the vendors about their violations, highlighting how their roadside stalls…
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Rayong governor assesses delayed U-Tapao Airport progress
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, along with Vice Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister Nahathai Tiwphaingam and Rayong Governor Traipob Wongtrairat, visited the delayed U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project sites yesterday to assess ongoing progress. Tharit Issarayangyun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), provided a comprehensive progress update on the project, which is…
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Phuket launches urgent cleanup to boost tourism on Karon Beach
Phuket officials initiated an urgent cleanup operation at Karon Beach, aiming to address concerns over its impact on tourism. Governor Sophon Suwannarat led a meeting with the local Joint Public and Private Sector Committee on Economic Development, focusing on regulating beach umbrellas at Karon Beach, Kata Beach, and Patong Beach. The cleanup drive targets the removal of beach umbrellas and…
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Thai hotels face 111 million baht loss after FTI Group collapse
The collapse of German tour company FTI Group has resulted in significant financial losses for Thai hotels, totalling over 111 million baht. Hotel operators in Thailand are now seeking assistance from the German Embassy through coordination with the Tourism and Sports Ministry. FTI Group, the third-largest tour operator in Europe, filed for insolvency in June, impacting tourists and operators across…
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Phuket motorists disrupted by Heroines Underpass pole relocation
Motorists in Phuket should prepare for further disruptions at the Heroines Monument as Thalang Traffic Police continue the relocation of power poles along Thepkrasattri Road. This work is part of the preparations for constructing the Heroines Underpass. The initial phase of this relocation project, which started last Wednesday, July 31, has been completed. Yesterday, August 4, Thalang Traffic Police announced…
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Chon Buri launches Nong Phlap festival to boost cultural tourism
Chon Buri province has launched the Scent of the Earth, Local Way of Nong Phlap festival to boost cultural tourism. The festival kicked off today at Wat Velluwanaram in Nong Phlap Village, Takian Tia sub-district, Banglamung district, with the Deputy Governor of Chon Buri, Prachaya Unpechwarakorn, presiding over the opening ceremony. The Chon Buri Provincial Cultural Office is behind this…
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Villagers flock to Pattaya for blessed amulets from revered monk
Excitement filled the air at Sawangboriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya City today as villagers and amulet enthusiasts gathered to secure amulets from Luang Pu Buaket Pathumsiro, a revered monk from the eastern region. The Barami Pathumsiro model, believed to bestow blessings, attracted significant interest. This initiative aims to raise funds for Bang Lamung Hospital. Since early morning, parents, siblings, and…
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Kuwaitis face deportation after Pattaya confrontation with Thais
Pattaya City police have initiated a detailed investigation following a violent confrontation between Thai and Kuwaiti nationals on Soi Yensabai this weekend. The Kuwaiti suspects are facing potential deportation after legal proceedings, according to police sources. The investigation is being led by Deputy Commander of Pattaya Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sirach Nuethes, along with Superintendent of Tourist Police Division…
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Thai tourists favour China and Japan over South Korea
A marked decline in the number of Thai tourists travelling to South Korea has been observed over the past seven months, with many opting instead for trips to China and Japan. The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) reported that 20,150 Thais visited South Korea in June, a significant drop from the 25,023 recorded during the same period last year. This downward…
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Thailand outbound travel takes a dive amid economic woes
Thailand’s outbound travel market is facing a sharp decline, with consumer spending power plummeting and overseas holiday plans on hold. Charoen Wangananont, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), revealed in an exclusive interview with Krungthep Turakij that economic uncertainties have led many Thais to postpone international trips to avoid extra costs during these tough times. “We had initially…
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Officials tee up hunt for wayward crocodile at Phuket golf course
Officials in Phuket are stepping up efforts to capture a crocodile spotted at Mission Hills Golf Course. The sighting on July 31 prompted an urgent response from local authorities and specialist crocodile capture teams. It seems the croc is making a real ‘swing’ at disrupting the course, and officials are keen to ‘par’ the situation before it escalates. Nikhom Suksawat,…
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Thailand targets 8 million Chinese tourists in 2024 amid diverse strategies
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target of 8 million Chinese tourist arrivals for 2024 and is diversifying its focus to niche markets with significant purchasing power, such as young travellers, small meeting groups, and caravan tours. “Demand among Chinese is not enough to entice Chinese airlines to increase flights to Thailand,” said Nonglux Yooyendee, director…
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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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Chinese tourist found dead after swimming at Karon Beach
A Chinese tourist who went missing after swimming at Karon Beach on Thursday night was found dead on the rocks near Freedom Beach in Mueang district. The body was discovered by a fisherman yesterday morning, July 29. Police were alerted about the discovery around 9.30am, according to Khundet Na Nong Khai, chief of Karon police. Emergency responders who arrived at…
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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 welcomes 20 million tourists in seven months
Thailand experienced a significant surge in tourism, welcoming 20 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of the year, marking about half of the pre-Covid-19 levels. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on X, formerly Twitter, that from January 1 to July 25, more than 20 million international visitors arrived in Thailand, reflecting a 34% increase from last year. Acknowledging…
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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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Indian tourist drowns at Surin Beach despite red flag warning
A 27 year old Indian tourist drowned at Surin Beach after getting entangled in a rip current during an early morning swim with friends yesterday, July 24. A red flag, indicating dangerous water conditions, was posted on Surin Beach. Despite this warning, the Indian tourist, Kapoor Manav and his friends ventured into the sea. Thalang Police Station received notification at…
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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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Rev your engines: The ultimate motorcycle tour in Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Royal Enfield have teamed up to put the Land of Smiles on the map as a premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. The Royal Enfield Amazing Thailand Ride, which began its inaugural tour from July 18 to 23, promises an adventure like no other, showcasing the country’s rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes. Nithee…
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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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