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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Swiss tourist in a high-profile jam! Phuket drug bust goes viral
A Swiss tourist found himself in hot water after an alleged roadside drug scandal in Kamala, Phuket, spread across social media like wildfire. Locals were left stunned as the Swiss man, Sascha, was reportedly spotted brazenly indulging in drug taking in a motorbike parking area along the bustling Kamala-Patong road last Thursday, March 6. Eyewitnesses couldn’t believe their eyes as…
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China crisis or Golden Week wonder? Tourism hopes take flight in May
In the midst of a 12% year-on-year plunge in Chinese tourist numbers during the first two months of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding its breath for a revival come May, perfectly timed with China’s Labour Day holiday. TAT Deputy Governor Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, handling international marketing across Asia and the South Pacific, highlighted that safety…
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Full steam ahead! High-speed rail set for Thailand airports
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board is gearing up to put pedal to the metal with the ambitious high-speed rail link that will seamlessly connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. All eyes are on the Cabinet for a green light come May. SRT Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdang revealed that dedicated subcommittees have already given the revamped contract their…
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Extra 25,000 seats on Thailand flights for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit unveiled plans to launch an aerial bonanza this Songkran, pledging to add a whopping 25,000 seats on domestic flights while slashing airfares on select routes by a tantalising 30%. With the festival fervour set to peak between April 11 to 17, Suriya held an emergency summit yesterday, March 10. Flanked by state agency moguls and industry…
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New Don Mueang Airport shuttle links to Thailand hotspots
A brand-new feeder shuttle bus service, linking Don Mueang International Airport to the dazzling shores of Pattaya, is going to make it a whole lot easier for tourists to experience some of Thailand’ most iconic destinations. Launched on Saturday, March 8, under the watchful eye of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, the service is set to transform transport connectivity, seamlessly…
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Surat Thani to welcome new cruise terminal by 2032
Plans are underway to construct a large cruise terminal in Surat Thani, set for completion by 2032 in a move to boost the tourism economy and accommodate increasing international cruise traffic in the southern province. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced this during a visit to Surat Thani yesterday, March 9, to assess the port development progress, following the Cabinet’s approval…
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Pattaya vendors clash with officials amid festival crackdown
Pattaya City officials have launched a crackdown on beachfront vendors during the Pattaya Music Festival aiming to clear footpaths for pedestrians and maintain order. However, the enforcement has sparked heated debate, with some supporting the move while others accuse officials of inconsistencies and unfair treatment. As festival-goers flock to the area, vendors have been forcibly removed from restricted zones, with…
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Ocean Marina Jomtien ranked 6th among world’s top marinas
Thailand’s Ocean Marina Jomtien has sailed into global recognition, securing the sixth spot in a prestigious ranking of the world’s top marinas by the South China Morning Post. Located near Pattaya, this stunning marina is Southeast Asia’s largest, boasting over 450 berths that can accommodate vessels up to 75 metres long. Its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location have made it…
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Name baby giraffe to win one-year pass to Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo is celebrating the arrival of its newest and cutest resident—a baby giraffe born just one month ago. To mark the occasion, the zoo is inviting the public to help choose the perfect name for the little calf through an online vote. The female giraffe, born on February 7, is the offspring of Ton Khun, a seven year…
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Thailand makes biggest-ever showcase at ITB Berlin 2025
Thailand is making its biggest-ever splash at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s largest travel trade show, with an expanded exhibition space and a record-breaking delegation of 160 Thai tourism operators. The event, running from March 4 to 6 in Berlin, Germany, will mark Thailand’s strongest push yet to capture the European travel market. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced…
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AirAsia and TAT launch budget flights to 16 Thai cities
AirAsia is making domestic travel more affordable than ever, joining forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to encourage travellers to explore hidden gems across the country. The budget airline is rolling out one-way fares starting at just 880 baht, giving tourists the chance to visit 16 destinations spanning all four regions of Thailand. The limited-time promotion is available…
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Hitting the right note: Security amped up for Pattaya Music Festival
Pattaya is gearing up for its biggest music festival of the year, with officials rolling out major security measures and road closures to keep crowds safe and traffic under control. With thousands expected to attend the Pattaya Music Festival 2025, police are leaving nothing to chance. Top officials gathered at Pattaya City Hall on Monday, March 3, to finalise security…
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Google Maps reveals Thailand’s most popular tourist spots
Thailand’s status as a top global travel destination has been reaffirmed by Google Maps, which has unveiled the country’s most reviewed locations as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. From bustling street food hubs to breathtaking temples and lush national parks, Thailand continues to captivate both locals and international visitors. Over the past two decades, Google Maps has revolutionised travel,…
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Thai hotels fear Songkran impact from Uyghur controversy
The Thai Hotels Association expressed concerns over potential impacts on the upcoming Songkran festival due to Thailand’s decision to repatriate Uyghurs to China. The decision by the Government of Thailand action has drawn warnings from Japan and the United States, while Australia has issued a strong disapproval statement. The European Union has also expressed regret, citing violations of the non-refoulement…
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Phuket Heroines Festival to feature epic historical drama
Phuket is gearing up for an unforgettable Heroines Festival 2025, with Thai actresses Anyarin “Tubtim” Terathananpat and Kessarin “Nui” Ektawatkul set to take centre stage in a dramatic re-enactment of the island’s most legendary battle. The two leading ladies were officially announced at a press conference on March 2 at the Chartered Bank intersection in Phuket Town, presided over by…
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Pattaya Squid Fair draws massive crowds to Jomtien Beach
Pattaya’s vibrant charm was on full display as thousands of tourists packed Jomtien Beach for the final day of the Pattaya Squid Fair 2025, themed Pirates’ Treasure Under The Sea. Held on March 1 in front of The Now Hotel, the festival transformed the coastline into a seafood paradise, drawing visitors eager to indulge in the city’s famed beachside dining.…
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Koh Samui hotel rates surge 40% after The White Lotus airs
Luxury hotel room rates on Koh Samui have increased by up to 50% following the airing of season three of The White Lotus two weeks ago. Despite this, rates have not yet matched the peak levels seen in Phuket and Bangkok. Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan, Senior Vice-President of Advisory and Asset Management for Asia at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, noted that…
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Baht-ing the bullet: Thailand to cash in on tourists with fee
Thailand is gearing up to introduce a 300 baht tourism fee for all foreign visitors starting in 2025, just in time for the bustling peak travel season. The news comes courtesy of Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who shared that the levy is designed to ease the financial burden currently shouldered by the government to assist tourists in emergencies…
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Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025, showcasing global art
Phuket is set to become a global art hotspot as the Thailand Biennale 2025 gears up to showcase a fusion of contemporary creativity and natural beauty. The Ministry of Culture officially launched the event’s first group of participating artists during a press conference at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Thursday, February 27. With the theme Eternity, the international…
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Top US Navy official praises Pattaya police for flawless security
In a high-profile visit that highlighted Pattaya’s growing reputation for safety and security, Luu Pham, Assistant Force Protection Attaché from the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) at the US Embassy in Thailand, met with Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyaphong Ensarn, head of Pattaya Tourist Police Station, to commend the city’s exceptional security measures. The meeting, held amidst the bustling backdrop…
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European tourists flock to Pattaya for extended stays
Pattaya continues to charm European tourists even as the High Season winds down, with many choosing to extend their stays thanks to the city’s laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and improved tourism policies. This thriving beach town remains a top destination, proving that its appeal goes beyond seasonal travel trends. A survey conducted on Tuesday, February 25 in the Yinyom and…
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Thailand offers 50% travel subsidy: 1 million vouchers available
Thailand’s Tourism Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, has announced a bold plan to boost domestic tourism with a 3.5 billion baht budget request to fund the new We Travel Together programme. The scheme will offer Thai tourists 50% subsidies on hotel rooms and meals from May to September, with one million vouchers up for grabs. The proposed programme aims to revitalise the…
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Thailand to introduce 300-baht tourism tax
Thailand is set to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign visitors by the end of this year, sparking debate over its potential impact on the travel industry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the fee is expected to take effect during Thailand’s High Season, provided it is approved and published in the Royal Gazette by March. The…
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Thailand to boost tourism with ‘Thai Charm’ and must-visit cities
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced that in 2025, the primary strategy to attract global tourists to Thailand will focus on emphasising Thai pride through Thai Charm or soft power. This will be coupled with promoting Must-Visit Cities to create valuable experiences that stimulate travel demand, expand market bases, and increase travel frequency and distribution…
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Room for concern: Foreign investors in Thai property causes a stir
Tourist industry insiders voiced concerns about the amount of foreign investors snapping up hotels, pool villas, and luxury digs in Thailand’s bustling tourist hotspots like Phuket and Bangkok. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), added his voice to the growing chorus of concern. He’s especially wary of Russian property owners flouting the rules by secretly renting out…
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New horizons: Norse Atlantic soars with Gatwick to Bangkok route
Norse Atlantic Airways announced the launch of a new direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok, promising passengers an enticing journey without breaking the bank. Set to take off on Sunday, October 26 this year, the new service will operate up to four times a week, with return fares starting from just £295 (12,500 baht) taxes included. The announcement comes…
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Israeli embassy urges tourists to follow new behaviour guidelines
The Israeli Embassy in Thailand has introduced guidelines aimed at promoting a positive image of Israeli nationals in Thailand, following criticisms over perceived disruptive behaviour in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. On February 21, the embassy posted on its Facebook page a set of behavioural recommendations for Israelis visiting Thailand. This move was in response to concerns from Thai citizens…
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White Lotus season 3 boosts Koh Samui tourism by 88%
The third season of the HBO series The White Lotus has led to an 88% increase in Internet searches for Koh Samui and a 44% rise in hotel bookings on the island, according to tourism executives. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) predicts that Koh Samui may not experience a low season this year due to the popularity of the…
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British woman’s dream Thailand trip turns surgery nightmare
A British woman thought she was embarking on a holiday of a lifetime to mark hers and husband’s golden wedding anniversary. But their romantic escapade to exotic Thailand has spiralled into a medical horror story that’s left the beloved granny fighting for her life! Their sun-soaked plans were ruined when Pamela Gatehouse, from Carshalton, Surrey, fell victim to a terrifying…
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India offers free 30-day visa for Thai tourists until end of the year
To boost Thai tourist arrivals and balance the growing number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand, India is offering Thai travellers a 30-day visa-free entry until the end of 2025. The Indian government announced that Thai visitors could now apply for an e-tourist visa online without paying any entry fee, encouraging more Thais to explore India. The Indian embassy in Thailand…
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