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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Nurse on track: Off-duty hero saves passenger on Bangkok BTS (video)
A nurse garnered praise for assisting a passenger who fainted on the BTS train in Bangkok, even though she was on her way to work. Yesterday, March 11, TikTok user @sittiaew shared a video capturing the commendable act, highlighting the nurse’s dedication to her profession. The video depicts the nurse and a BTS security officer helping a passenger who had…
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Speedboat leakage leaves Phuket holidaymakers in deep water
Nearly 30 foreign holidaymakers found themselves in deep trouble when their speedboat began taking on water en route from Koh Lipe to Phuket. The drama unfolded near Koh Poda Nok, just off the Krabi coast, as powerful waves battered the vessel, causing a leak. Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park sprang into action, sending out a park patrol…
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Thailand revs up: MotoGP talks on track, F1 dream in the fast lane
Thailand is set to enter negotiations with Dorna Sports in the coming months to extend its MotoGP contract for another five years, while also exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula One (F1) race. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the government’s commitment to securing the deal, emphasising Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s support for continuing MotoGP in Thailand. Speaking…
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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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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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Phuket generates most revenue for Thailand, but locals question budget use
Phuket ranks at the top among the 77 provinces that generated the most revenue for Thailand’s tourism industry in 2024 but locals are questioning where the money went. The spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Sasikarn Wattanachan, revealed the Thai tourism revenue generated by each province during a press conference, today, March 10. She shared the rankings of the top 10…
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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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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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Splish splash splendour: Pattaya preps for a Wan Lai soaking (video)
Pattaya City is gearing up for a splash-tastic 2025 with its iconic Wan Lai Naklua and Wan Lai Pattaya festivals. Known for their thrilling water-pouring ceremonies, dazzling cultural performances, and energetic parades, these events promise a spectacle like no other. The vibrant preparations were discussed in a meeting led by Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn at Pattaya City Hall. The festivals…
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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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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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Cheers! Thai health minister pushes for designated booze zones
The Minister of Public Health highlighted the necessity of establishing designated areas for drinking alcohol for certain groups of tourists visiting Thailand. The government aims to support tourism, which is expected to see over 35 million visitors this year and the ministries have been tasked with proposing suitable locations for alcohol sales. The National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee convened to…
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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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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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Thai plane shame: Pakistanis stranded in Bangkok bust-up (video)
Chaos erupted for Pakistani travellers after they found themselves marooned in Bangkok for two long days after technical issue with a Thai Airways flight. In a maddening turn of events, passengers were left in suspense for six gruelling hours at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, clinging to the hope of an alternative flight. Those hopes were dashed, however, when Thai…
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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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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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British family races to save loved one after Thailand crash
A British family finds themselves in a race against time as they strive to bring their comatose loved one back home after a horrific bike crash in Thailand. Desperate to raise £100,000, the famly has turned to kind-hearted Brits for help. In a heart-wrenching saga, the family of Okemena Sule, a 30 year old British man, is locked in a…
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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 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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Thailand still top choice for Chinese tourists despite decline
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) addressed claims that Chinese tourist numbers have plunged by 94%, with many supposedly opting to travel to Japan instead. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool confirmed that Thailand remains the top destination for Chinese tourists. She suggested that the recent decline might be linked to the government’s crackdown on call centre scams. Thapanee highlighted that despite…
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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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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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