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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Earthquake fears rattle Songkran hotel bookings by 25%
Thailand’s most festive time of year is shaping up to be a major letdown—hotel bookings for Songkran have taken a nosedive, thanks to shaky nerves over last month’s earthquake. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) revealed on Thursday, April 3 that reservations across seven major tourist destinations have dropped by 25% compared to last year’s festival, spelling bad news for the…
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Pattaya hotels surge as Hua Hin struggles for tourists
Last weekend, local travellers flocked to Pattaya in the aftermath of the earthquake, causing hotel occupancy rates to soar to full capacity. However, the impact of the quake had a very different effect on Hua Hin, where concerns over road safety led to a sharp decline in bookings. “Travellers seeking refuge from the tremors in Bangkok drove a spike in…
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Brits told to log on or bog off as Thailand rolls out digital arrival card
British travellers planning a Thailand getaway next month are being told to fire up the laptop before packing their flipflops because from May 1, every foreign visitor must register online before setting foot in the Land of Smiles. The UK government issued a fresh travel warning to Brits heading to Thailand: don’t get caught out by the country’s new Thailand…
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Pattaya gamble: Entertainment complex bets big on tourism boom
Pattaya is on the brink of a major transformation as plans to introduce a sprawling entertainment complex gain traction, promising a bold boost to tourism and the local economy but not without stirring debate among residents. Yesterday, April 2, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet revealed that the proposed law for the entertainment complex has already passed Cabinet review and is now…
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Thailand’s tourism strategy to restore confidence after earthquake
In the wake of the recent earthquake, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has called a crucial meeting with government officials and private sector leaders to tackle the impact on the country’s tourism industry. The primary focus? Restoring both domestic and international tourist confidence while ensuring the continued safety of visitors. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Tourism and Sports…
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Thailand revamps tourism strategy amid Chinese market slowdown
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is revising its strategy for the latter half of the year in response to the subdued Chinese market and diminished confidence due to a recent earthquake. A new crisis management team will be established to address these challenges. The ministry plans discussions with a strategy consulting team to guide the Tourism Authority of Thailand…
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Pattaya’s new Bali Hai Pier to boost access to Koh Larn
Pattaya City is making waves with the announcement of a major development, the construction of a new pier at Bali Hai, South Pattaya. Designed to offer a safer and more efficient boarding point for small boats, this new facility promises to enhance access to popular destinations like Koh Larn and other nearby islands just in time for the busy summer…
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Tourism sector urges Thai government to ensure hotel safety
Private sector organisations are urging the government to issue safety certifications for hotels and lift the disaster area declaration to restore confidence in tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong discussed the impact of recent earthquakes on tourism with various stakeholders, expressing concern over potential declines in tourist numbers. Efforts are underway to communicate that Bangkok is the only truly…
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Thai me down: Bangkok opens new visa expat and investor hub
Thailand is making moves to woo foreign investors and expats, rolling out a brand-new one-stop shop for investment and visa services in the heart of Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cut the ribbon on Monday at the grand opening of the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Centre (TIESC), housed in the sleek One Bangkok building in Pathum Wan. Located on…
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Phuket eyes jackpot as entertainment complex bill hits Parliament
Thailand’s long-debated entertainment complex bill is finally on the table, with Parliament expected to deliberate the high-stakes proposal by April 9, according to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. The bill, greenlit by the Cabinet on March 27, is awaiting a confirmed submission date. If not ready for April 3, it will almost certainly be up for debate on April 9.…
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Quake rumbles Thailand but Phuket stands firm
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat reassured residents and tourists that the island remains untouched by the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar and sent tremors through Bangkok. The quake, which struck Mandalay on Friday, March 28, was felt across northern Thailand, but Governor Sophon confirmed that Phuket, nearly 2,000 kilometres away, has seen no impact on its infrastructure or tourism industry.…
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Thailand seeks UNESCO status for Loy Krathong festival
Thailand is set to propose the inclusion of the Loy Krathong festival in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, as announced by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The Loy Krathong festival was officially declared a national cultural heritage in 2011. Minister Sudawan…
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ATTA boss calls for boost to Chinese tourism market
The newly appointed president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to ramp up support for marketing initiatives and development to revive the lagging Chinese tourism market. Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, elected for a two-year term, welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of the draft entertainment complex bill but emphasised the need for strict casino regulations and meaningful employment…
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Bangkok’s new archways to boost Charoen Krung’s cultural growth
The Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Associations of Thailand (FBPW), under the Royal Patronage, officially handed over the 72nd Birthday Anniversary Archways to Bangkok, anticipating their contribution to the sustainable economic, cultural, social, and tourism growth in the Charoen Krung area. This grand project was initiated to commemorate the auspicious occasion of the 72nd birthday anniversary of His Majesty…
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PM Paetongtarn heads to Phuket to boost sustainable tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is bringing her soft power message to the golden sands of Phuket in a bold bid to reshape the future of Thai tourism. The 38 year old Thai premier is set to jet off to the southern island tomorrow, March 28, as part of her push to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable travel.…
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Phuket rolls out EV buses to boost tourism and reduce pollution
Phuket is set to introduce two new 18-seat open-top electric buses to enhance its tourism appeal. These environmentally friendly vehicles aim to tackle pollution and PM2.5 dust issues while serving as promotional tools for tourism, according to Saroj Angkanapilas, Mayor of Phuket municipality. The buses are adorned with illustrations of the area’s distinctive Sino-European architecture, highlighting the Old Town’s cultural…
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Thai freelancer bottles Indian tourist after payment row
An Indian tourist fell victim to a brutal beer bottle assault in Pattaya by a freelance Thai woman after he allegedly refused to pay for her services. Consequently, the freelancer reportedly hit the Indian man in the head with a beer bottle and robbed him of 10,000 baht, according to the victim. The incident unfolded in the early hours this…
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Koh Samui real estate booms thanks to ‘The White Lotus’
Koh Samui, the popular resort island in Surat Thani province, is set to see a surge in demand for luxury condominiums and villas this year, according to investment management firm Colliers Thailand. The latest season of the hit American TV series The White Lotus was filmed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, with additional scenes shot at Anantara…
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Park life: Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organised groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol. The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public…
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Zero baht, zero excuses: VietJet Thailand unveils sky-high savings
Budget travellers, get ready! VietJet Thailand is rolling out a jaw-dropping promotion with flight tickets starting from 0 baht (excluding taxes and fees), giving passengers the chance to travel across Thailand and beyond for next to nothing. But act fast—the deal is only available for bookings from March 18 to 22, covering travel between April 20 and October 25 (excluding…
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Thai-speed ahead: PM revs up talks for F1 grand prix in Thailand
Could Thailand be the next country to host a glamorous Formula One (F1) Grand Prix? Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has opened the door to this exciting possibility, holding high-level talks with Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, about bringing the iconic motorsport event to the kingdom. Yesterday, March 18, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab confirmed that the…
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Thailand halves visa-free stay to curb illegal business activities
Thailand plans to shorten the visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days to mitigate the misuse of the visa exemption programme by illegal businesses. This decision follows a principle agreement among relevant government officials, as reported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong indicated that the Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the issue, which has…
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Dope busted: British nationals caught in Kho Samui cannabis caper
Four British nationals were collared in Thailand for their alleged role in a colossal cannabis smuggling scheme. The suspects were apprehended at Koh Samui Airport with a staggering 131 kilogrammes of marijuana as they prepared to jet back to the United Kingdom. The bust, yesterday, March 16, was a coordinated effort by the Surat Thani Immigration Investigation Unit, Koh Samui…
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Bugged out! Mosquito bite leaves British dad in Tourette’s grip
A British father’s dream holiday in Thailand took a nightmarish twist after a vicious mosquito bite not only gave him Tourette’s syndrome, but set off a series of bizarre, life-altering health issues. Ross Constable returned from a family holiday to Phuket, never expecting a simple insect bite to transform his life in the most shocking way. The 48 year old…
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Songkran to boost Thailand’s tourism by 26.5 billion baht
The Songkran festival is anticipated to generate 26.5 billion baht, attracting 476,000 international tourists and facilitating 4.4 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that revenue from international markets between April 12 and 16 is projected to rise by 7% year-on-year, reaching 7.3 billion baht. Meanwhile, domestic revenue is expected…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s push for sustainable tourism
Thailand is going green in a big way, with Phuket at the forefront of a bold push to revolutionise sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, a key initiative to raise hotel sustainability standards to global levels. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who chaired the event on Thursday, March 13,…
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Thailand’s tourism target at risk amid competition, safety fears
Thailand’s ambitious goal of attracting 39 million foreign visitors this year is under threat, with industry experts warning that stiff competition and safety concerns could derail the plan. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (TTAA), the country is likely to welcome a maximum of 37 million foreign arrivals in 2025, still an improvement from last year’s 35.54 million.…
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Frenchman’s magic mushroom mishap trip on Koh Pha Ngan
Tourist Police swooped on a 40 year old Frenchman for his dodgy dealings with magic mushrooms on the sun-soaked paradise of Koh Pha Ngan. The Frenchman, William, who had come to indulge in the tropical party scene, was caught red-handed with 159 grammes of these illicit shrooms, classified as Category 5 narcotics, stashed in plastic bags. The bust was part…
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Taxi scam: Grab driver overcharges Phuket tourist
A frustrated tourist in Phuket has once again fallen victim to an overcharging taxi driver: this time through the Grab app. Despite booking a ride at a fixed price of 264 baht, he was hit with an unexpected 100-baht surcharge midway through the trip, leaving him fuming and questioning Grab’s ability to protect customers from exploitation. The incident occurred yesterday,…
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Thai AirAsia offers 30% Songkran discount on direct bookings
Thai AirAsia is offering a 30% discount during the Songkran festival for direct bookings made from March 11 to 20. The airline is supporting the Ministry of Transport’s policy by adding special flights during this peak travel period across five routes from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. The discount applies…
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