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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European travellers send southern Thailand’s hotel rates soaring
Southern Thailand’s tourism industry is experiencing a seismic shift as European travellers drive hotel performance to unprecedented heights. A recent report by the Bangkok Post reveals that tourists hailing from Russia, Scandinavia, and Germany are flocking to the region, enticed by its breathtaking natural landscapes, and significantly boosting occupancy rates to a staggering 90% or higher. Pongsakorn Ketprapakorn, former president…
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Thailand’s visa exemption sparks rise in travel bookings to China
The visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China has sparked a significant rise in bookings from Thai travellers. During the Songkran holiday through May, airlines and tour operators noted an uptick in Thai passengers on some routes outnumbering their Chinese counterparts. Chotechuang Soorangura, Vice President of the Thai Travel Agents Association, highlighted the robust sales of tour packages to China…
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Thailand’s digital wellness revolution boosts revenue
Thailand’s Industry Ministry is spearheading a digital revolution aimed at boosting revenue for the nation’s wellness and medical business entrepreneurs. With the ambitious target of surpassing 30 million baht in revenue, this initiative promises to reshape the landscape of Thailand’s tourism and economy. Under this visionary scheme, the ministry is equipping businesses with cutting-edge digital equipment and technologies, propelling them…
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Bali’s new tourist tax: Will it save paradise or sow chaos?
In the latest move to combat over-tourism and preserve its landscapes, Bali introduced a controversial levy for international visitors. Since Valentine’s Day this year, tourists entering Bali have been greeted not only by the island’s breathtaking scenery but also by a new fee of 150,000 rupiah (approximately 340 baht) per person. This move aims to safeguard Bali’s rich cultural heritage…
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Illegal migrant labour and sex work challenge Thailand’s tourism
Migrant workers, who have illegally entered Thailand by taking advantage of visa-free privileges, continue to pose a challenge in the country’s tourism sector, particularly within the sex industry. This issue has led to calls from operators for the government to legalise sex work. A recent confrontation between Filipino transgender women and their Thai counterparts in Soi Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok, has…
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Over 400 Thai firms suspected of foreign nominee operations
An inspection by the Business Development Department has revealed that over 400 firms across Thailand’s major tourist hotspots may be operating under foreign nominees. The firms under scrutiny are located in bustling provinces including Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and Chon Buri. The businesses investigated span various sectors, such as tour guides, restaurants, car rentals, hotels, and real estate.…
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Tourists banned from Kyoto’s Geisha District
In a bold move to protect Kyoto’s iconic geisha from relentless harassment by tourists, the local council in Gion has decided to ban sightseers from the district’s narrow backstreets. The decision comes after a surge in appalling incidents where traditional entertainers found themselves accosted and disrespected by unruly visitors. This move marks the latest effort to safeguard the revered geisha…
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Survey reveals Thailand tourists spending habits and preferences
Teerasil Tapen, the deputy governor for digital R&D at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), unveiled startling statistics from an agency survey of 30,054 tourists last year. The findings revealed a surge in individual travellers’ spending, with an average expenditure of 50,900 baht per trip, marking an increase from pre-pandemic figures, said Teerasil. “Accommodation expenses surged to 23,518 baht per…
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Thailand’s tourism trunkated: Captive elephant breeding exposed
Thailand stands accused of a sinister practice: the captive breeding of elephants for its lucrative tourism industry. But the horrors extend far beyond just elephants. Researchers have uncovered alarming findings, exposing the grim reality lurking behind the scenes of the wildlife entertainment industry. In a study conducted by World Animal Protection (WAP), the scope of the issue is laid bare.…
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Post-pandemic shift in tourist spending habits reveals TikTok’s role in Thai travel
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) divulged insightful data revealing a shift in foreign tourists’ spending habits post-pandemic and the surge in popularity of TikTok as a source of travel information and inspiration. A survey conducted by TAT’s digital R&D Deputy Governor Teerasil Tapen, encompassing 30,054 tourists in 2023, unveiled an increased average expenditure on individual trips, rising from 48,209…
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Thailand considers scrapping arrival cards for Malaysian tourists
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today the potential removal of the necessity for Malaysian tourists to complete arrival and departure cards at primary border crossings, aimed at promoting tourism and business growth. Currently, all visitors arriving via the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla, regardless of nationality, are waived from the requirement to fill out the Tor Mor 6 (TM 6) cards.…
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Belarusian tourist lost in Phuket jungle found unharmed
A Belarusian tourist, who had got lost while on a jungle trek in the Layan area of Phuket, was found safe and sound. Phuket Tourist Police confirmed the news this morning, stating that the man emerged from the ordeal unharmed. The individual, whose name was not disclosed in the police report, arrived in Thailand on February 18. He initially spent…
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OAG rules in favor of DNP in Nang Rong waterfall tourism dispute
A recent ruling by a committee from the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) has settled a long-standing dispute between the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Nakhon Nayok Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO). The contention revolved around the 12-rai Nang Rong waterfall tourism compound located within the Khao Yai National Park. The OAG’s verdict favours the DNP,…
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New airport planned for Kalasin to boost tourism and exports
Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has endorsed the proposition of constructing a new airport in the northeastern province of Kalasin. While touring the region recently, PM Srettha indicated that the government has reserved funds for a feasibility study concerning the airport. The results of this study will guide the government’s next steps. The district of Yang Talat…
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Pattaya introduces safe swimming zones at popular Tawaen beach
The thriving beachfront city of Pattaya, known for its bustling tourism scene, has recently taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety of beachgoers. The authorities of Pattaya City have put measures in place to establish dedicated swimming zones at Tawaen Beach, an immensely popular spot located on the island of Koh Larn. These zones are expected to cater to…
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Thailand’s aviation hub plans receive airline approval
The Thai government’s initiative to transform the country into an aviation and logistics hub has been met with approval from airlines. However, concerns regarding congestion at major airports and the significant investment required to accommodate increasing demand persist. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently unveiled plans to capitalise on Thailand’s strategic location in Southeast Asia to attract more international airlines to…
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AirAsia launches Takeover Thailand campaign with celeb partner
AirAsia is doubling down on its commitment to boost regional tourism, unveiling the Takeover Thailand campaign, aimed at thrusting Thailand into the spotlight as the go-to destination for travellers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Strategically aligning forces with Tay Tawan, a distinguished Thai personality appointed as AirAsia’s Route Presenter for Malaysia, the airline is geared up to elevate the travel…
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PM Srettha’s billion-baht plan to transform Suvarnabhumi Airport
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to boost the annual capacity of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan. “We’re gearing up to more than double our capacity to a staggering 150 million passengers annually.” Currently handling a substantial 60 million passengers, Suvarnabhumi Airport is set for a dramatic makeover, including the addition of a third runway. This makeover will catapult…
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Surging Pattaya hotel occupancy shows post-pandemic recovery
Pattaya is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with hotels bursting at the seams, boasting over 90% room occupancy. Sanphet Supabawornsathien, Eastern Thai Hotel Association President, reveals that Pattaya’s hotel industry is booming, with room occupancy rates soaring above 90% as tourists from China, Russia, and India flood the city alongside a surge in domestic travel. This remarkable trend is fuelled by…
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AWC plans 36 billion baht investment in high-end tourism
Asset World Corp (AWC), a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed company, maintains a positive outlook on high-spending tourists and outlined plans to invest in projects estimated at 36 billion baht (US$1 billion) this year. Wallapa Traisorat, AWC’s chief executive and president, highlighted Thailand’s potential to attract high-spending tourists from regional competitors through quality property development, specifically hotels in partnership with…
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Tuk tuks and taxis: Bangkok’s solution to overcharging crisis
In a move to safeguard tourists’ wallets, Bangkok unveils an arsenal of measures to tackle the notorious tuk tuk and taxi overcharging crisis. Amidst a flurry of concerns raised over the fleecing of foreign tourists by tuk tuk and taxi drivers, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has taken a decisive stand. Permanent Secretary Wanthanee Wattana spearheaded this pivotal moment following…
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Transport minister slashes prices with 38 more domestic flights
Amid escalating complaints over skyrocketing airfare prices, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced an additional 38 domestic flights and an estimated 13,000 seats for the upcoming Songkran holiday season in April. Suriya asserted that this measure is just one of the short-term solutions being devised to combat the escalating airfare predicament. “We’re taking decisive action to address the concerns raised by…
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PM Srettha’s surprise visit to Yala province sparks tourist frenzy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, flanked by a cadre of ministers, paid a surprise visit to Yala Province yesterday, igniting a blaze of excitement aimed at boosting the region’s tourism. This high-stakes visit, part of an expansive tour spanning Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, aims to catapult Yala’s tourism sector into the stratosphere, setting a bold target of 2 million visitors, both…
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Thailand’s tusker turnaround: TAT teams up with WWF for elephant-friendly travels
In a bid to promote responsible tourism and protect Thai elephants, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to pledge unwavering support to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Thailand and its Travel Ivory Free initiative. This collaborative effort aims to combat the illegal ivory market by encouraging travellers to refrain from purchasing ivory items during their visits. Recently,…
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Thailand’s tourism industry calls for eased travel restrictions
Faced with intense competition from fellow Southeast Asian countries, Thailand’s tourism industry called on the government to ease travel restrictions and promote cross-border travel. The appeal comes as Malaysia is seen to be catching up with Thailand’s tourism numbers. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarked on a tour of three southern provinces to boost both trade and tourism.…
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Pattaya tourism bosses lobby for fixed visa-free policy with India
Pattaya tourism chiefs are lobbying for a permanent visa-free travel agreement with India in a move driven by the Asian giant’s projected ascension to the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The conviction behind this push lies in the promising impacts of a temporary visa exemption for Indian tourists, which is due to conclude on May 10 but is proposed for…
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AOT and immigration unite to tackle Suvarnabhumi Airport queues
Airports of Thailand (AOT) and Immigration Division 2 are joining hands to tackle a pressing issue at Suvarnabhumi Airport: inordinately long passenger queues. The urgency to address this problem was triggered by the concerns raised by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin about the prolonged processing times at the airport. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat and Immigration Division 2’s Police Major General Choengron…
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PM Srettha urges action to ease traffic delays on Rama II highway
In response to mounting social media uproar over the Rama II highway’s perpetual construction nightmares, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to the Transport Ministry to solve traffic congestion before the impending Songkran holiday frenzy. Connecting nearby Hua Hin to the capital, the route is essential for those planning to travel to the seaside resort from Bangkok. The 62…
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Dusit Thani Bangkok set for grand revival in 2024
Dusit Hotels and Resorts unveiled its intention to resurrect Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, with a projected reopening in September 2024. This new establishment will occupy the same prestigious location as its predecessor, a landmark in the Bangkok skyline from 1970 to 2019. Suphajee Suthumpun, the group chief executive of Dusit International, expressed that this new venture is a symbol of…
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Releasing sharks on an island holiday: SAii’s latest sustainable adventure
Whether you’re an avid travel buff or not, chances are you’ve encountered the latest buzzword of ecotourism making rounds on the Internet, your social media feeds, and airport billboards. But what exactly is ecotourism? The popular definition of ecotourism is to travel with sustainability in mind. In other words, eco-tourists are travellers who preserve the integrity of a natural environment…
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