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 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...
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Detour de force: Drivers dodge Rama II death trap to reach Hua Hin
A weekend getaway to Hua Hin should be a breeze but, thanks to the notorious Rama II Road, it’s more of a gamble than a getaway. The highway, which links Bangkok to southern destinations, has earned itself a grim reputation as one of Thailand’s deadliest routes. Endless construction, heavy traffic, and a staggering accident rate have made it a route…
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Earthquake swarm rattles Andaman amid tsunami rumblings
A flurry of undersea earthquakes off Thailand’s southern coast has put experts on high alert and locals are being urged to brush up on their evacuation plans, just in case. A popular Thai science page has warned that over 15 moderate tremors have rocked the Andaman Sea in the past few days, sparking fears of an underwater volcanic eruption —…
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Thailand’s overhyped hotspots: Why you should skip the crowds
Once considered the must-visit hotspots of Thailand, cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, are now losing their appeal among seasoned travellers. Overcrowding, rising prices, and the overwhelming shift toward mass tourism have tainted these once-iconic destinations, leaving many visitors feeling disconnected from the authentic cultural experiences that first attracted them. As a result, more and more travellers are…
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Jurassic World: Rebirth to boost Thai tourism (video)
Thailand prepares to see a significant tourism boost thanks to the global release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, a major Hollywood blockbuster that chose the kingdom’s stunning landscapes as its backdrop. The film, which had its world premiere in London and New York, was primarily shot in Thailand, featuring breathtaking locations in Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang. Not only will Jurassic World:…
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Tourism slump in Thailand as political instability sparks concerns
Thailand’s foreign tourism numbers have taken a hit, with arrivals from January 1 to June 22 falling by 4.24% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Some 16.04 million foreign visitors came to the country during this period, but the dip in numbers has raised concerns among tourism operators…
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Israel’s attack on Iran threatens Thailand’s tourism recovery
Thailand’s tourism sector, already struggling from global uncertainties, is facing another blow as Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran threatens key international markets. The United States, Europe, and the Middle East, which were once seen as “hope markets” for Thai tourism in 2023, may see a significant dip in tourist arrivals. According to Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association…
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Cambodian tourist numbers to Thailand drop 48% due to closures
Cambodian tourist numbers visiting Thailand have significantly decreased by 48% this month due to border closures, impacting a market already experiencing a slowdown since the previous year. Despite this, Thai AirAsia has reported a strong load factor on flights from Bangkok to Cambodia. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that Cambodian arrivals in the first…
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Thai woman calls out after paying 9,500 baht for boat trip at floating market
A Thai woman accused a boat operator at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in the central province of Ratchaburi of overcharging her and her foreign friends after they paid 9,500 baht for a short boat trip. The woman, Yamolpon Kaeosakun, posted her story today, 20 June, in the popular Facebook group We Are Consumers (พวกเราคือผู้บริโภค). She shared a photograph of the…
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Great wall of shame! Chinese tourists nabbed in Pattaya jobs
Pattaya police smashed two major illegal foreign worker rackets, busting 23 Chinese posing as tourists on building sites and another 50 foreigners running a sleazy gambling and sex empire out of a swanky Pattaya block. Under orders from National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet to crack down on dodgy foreign labour, Thailand’s Tourist Police swooped on two sites yesterday, June…
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Tourism in Thailand drops amid Israel’s attack on Iran
Israel’s recent military attack on Iran is significantly impacting tourism, with a potential 30-50% drop in visitors from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. This decline affects travel to major Thai destinations including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, chief of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted these concerns, noting a drop from approximately…
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Phuket to become Asia’s wellness capital with 2025 Health Expo
Phuket is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Phuket Health Expo 2025 next month, as the island sets its sights on becoming Asia’s premier wellness hub. With over 40 stunning beaches and world-renowned resorts, Phuket is positioning itself as a World Class Wellness Hub of Asia, and the upcoming expo will play a key role in this ambitious plan.…
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Fast track to Formula fun: Thailand revs up for F1 bid
Thailand has hit the gas on its high-octane dream of becoming a Formula One (F1) host nation, with a turbocharged 40 billion baht plan to bring the world’s most elite racing series to the Land of Smiles by 2028. Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong revealed on today, June 17, that the Cabinet has officially approved the country’s bold bid…
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Airline service charges set to rise at 6 Thai airports this October
In a move that will impact passengers at six key airports, the Department of Airports (DoA) has announced an increase in passenger service charges (PSC) for both domestic and international departures. Starting October 1, the domestic charge will rise from 50 baht to 75 baht per person, while the international charge will jump from 400 baht to 425 baht per…
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US State Department: Thailand safe for most, caution in south
Thailand’s travel advisory has been updated, and the verdict is in: the country is generally safe for tourists. However, there are some areas where extra caution is recommended, particularly in the southern provinces due to ongoing civil unrest. The US State Department has placed Thailand on its “Level 1” advisory for most of the country, meaning “Exercise Normal Precautions.” This…
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Koh Samui shines as Thailand challenged: Positive tourism performance drives island growth
The Koh Samui hotel and tourism market is demonstrating solid growth through the first four months of 2025, supported by strong air and cruise arrivals, stable hotel performance metrics, and impressive European market engagement. From January to April of this year, Koh Samui International Airport recorded 1,127,832 passenger arrivals, representing a 9% increase over the same period in 2024. This…
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Hotel boss eyes Thai tourism slump as golden opportunity
Thailand’s tourism sector may be cooling off, but one hotel boss is turning up the heat — and he’s betting big on local travellers. Despite a slowdown in international arrivals, Koko Global Hospitality (Thailand) Co Ltd (KGH), the operator behind the Kokotel hotel chain, is expanding its footprint across the region. The company’s chief executive, Rei Matsuda, believes the current…
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Pattaya’s future at risk as accommodation bill divides opinion
Pattaya, Thailand’s notorious tourist hotspot, finds itself at the centre of a national debate as the proposed Hotel and Overnight Accommodation Act, better known as the Equal Accommodation Bill, threatens to dramatically reshape the city’s tourism landscape. While the bill aims to modernise outdated laws, critics warn it could undermine safety standards, community trust, and the sustainability of tourism in…
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Thai tourism at a crossroads: Can the industry survive?
Thailand’s tourism industry is facing a critical turning point, according to Yuthasak Supasorn, Chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). While Thai tourism has weathered numerous crises in the past, it is now confronted with a significant structural change and a noticeable decline in tourist numbers. “Thai tourism…
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More Malaysians than Chinese choose Thailand as holiday spot
Malaysia has surpassed China to become the leading source of tourists to Thailand, with over 2 million Malaysian visitors in the first five months of 2025. This news comes as Thailand experiences a booming tourism sector, with a total of over 15 million foreign visitors recorded between January 1 and June 8. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that…
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Why budget travellers to Thailand still need travel insurance
Thailand has always been a favourite destination for international travel amongst Indian tourists for a budget yet exotic escapade. From its picturesque beaches, vibrant street life to a solid cultural heritage, Thailand is a heaven for any Indian who is looking for a budget holiday. While planning for the trip, many lay stress on economic matters and often forget to…
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Vietjet Thailand slashes fares by 50% with ‘Friend Power Pack’
Vietjet Thailand is offering significant savings on airfares through a Friend Power Pack package, providing discounts of up to 50% on over 50,000 tickets. This promotion covers both domestic and international routes throughout 2025, allowing passengers to plan their trips affordably and conveniently. Bookings are open from today, June 10, to July 10, with travel available from June 15 to…
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Thailand’s spiritual tourism surge: A new journey beyond the usual
As global stress levels soar and wellness becomes the new luxury, travellers are seeking more than sandy beaches and nightlife. They are craving meaning, mindfulness, and a reconnection with themselves. Enter Thailand’s newest tourism trend: spiritual travel. According to a groundbreaking report titled Spiritual Travel Thailand: Exploring the Journey Beyond Destination 2025 recently released by C9 Hotelworks in collaboration with Guestasy,…
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Unveiling the secret wonders – Exploring the enchanting islands of Southern Thailand
Embarking on a journey through Southern Thailand offers a remarkable opportunity to uncover some of Asia’s most captivating hidden gems. While this region is renowned for its popular spots, a collection of less-explored islands remain waiting for the curious traveler. These underrated treasures promise unforgettable experiences, dazzling landscapes, and authentic Thai culture away from the bustling tourist paths. Offering pristine…
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Bangkok and Koh Samui lead Europe’s summer getaways
Thailand has once again emerged as the number one summer destination for European tourists, with Bangkok topping the charts as the most popular spot. The country has held this coveted title for the past two years, according to a survey by the online booking platform Agoda. The survey revealed that a significant number of European visitors to Thailand hail from…
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British tourist dies in tragic fall in Phuket after night out
A 59 year old British tourist died after falling approximately 7 metres from a steep incline in Patong, Phuket, following a night of dining and drinking. The incident left the victim’s partner, Stewart Raynor, in shock. Today, June 4, Police Lieutenant Chittawan Pengkaew, Deputy Inspector at Patong Police Station, Phuket, received a report from the Patong Radio Centre about the…
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Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia
For decades, Thailand has been the quintessential destination for retirees seeking an affordable, beautiful, and culturally rich new home. With its golden beaches, vibrant cuisine, and famously welcoming population, the Land of Smiles has lured hundreds of thousands of Westerners to spend their golden years soaking up its tropical hospitality. Yet, a quiet transformation is taking place beneath the palm…
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Full Moon tragedy: British tourist found dead on Koh Pha Ngan
A British tourist has been found dead and half-naked on a beach just days before the island’s notorious Full Moon Party, sending shockwaves through the Thai holiday hotspot. The 54 year old was discovered face-down in the sand by a local villager at around 6.30am today, June 4, wearing nothing but an orange bra. Her underwear was later found washed…
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Burglar nicks bling and cash in Pattaya pool villa theft
A relaxing getaway turned into a nightmare for a holidaymaker after a crook broke into her private pool villa in Pattaya and swiped gold and cash, all caught on CCTV. Thanyarat, from Prachinburi province, had checked into the Yoo Dee Pool Villa in Huai Yai on June 2 for a peaceful overnight stay. But the peace didn’t last long. The…
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Rawai restaurant owner fumes after tourist poos outside
A Rawai restaurant owner is fed up with cleaning up faeces after catching tourists using his property as an open toilet—now he’s demanding action from local authorities. The owner of a popular floating restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, has called on local authorities to install more public toilets for tourists after a shocking incident involving a foreign visitor defecating outside his…
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Tiger selfie turns savage: Indian tourist mauled in Phuket (video)
A dream holiday snap turned into a nightmare for one tourist in Phuket after a tiger lashed out during a selfie stunt—leaving social media stunned and raising serious questions about animal welfare at popular tourist attractions. An Indian tourist suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. The man, whose identity has not been…
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