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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road construction to resume in March
The halted construction of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road, following a catastrophic collapse five months ago, is set to recommence in March. The plan is currently being revised by the Public Works Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The elevated road, located on Luang Phaeng Road in Lat Krabang district, experienced a tragic collapse of a 600-metre section…
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Majority of Thailand’s national parks to close for periodical hiatus
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the seasonal closure of 134 out of 156 national parks, giving tourists and local visitors a heads-up. The annual shutdown, managed by the National Park Office under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), is a strategic move aimed at steering Thailand towards sustainable environmental management. With closures differing across parks…
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Thailand aims for 40 million tourists and 3.5 trillion baht revenue
The goal of 40 million international tourists and an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht (US$ 98,348,390,000), as set by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, remains a tall order for this year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Still, the ministry plans to attract longer stays and increase spending through a range of measures, including soft power products, safety…
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Nakhon Si Thammarat emerges as tranquil tourism haven amidst chaos in hotspots like Phuket
As Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin battle with over-tourism, Nakhon Si Thammarat emerges as a tranquil one of Thailand’s favourite getaways. In the throes of over-tourism, Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin are becoming synonymous with congestion, noise, and chaos. The serenity seekers are abandoning the ship, flocking towards the promise of silent travel, as revealed by Condé Nast Traveler. Amidst…
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Thai TV star reveals three sets of lucky numbers from lottery purchase on Instagram
Lottery enthusiasts are urged to enhance good fortune for themselves and their families to welcome the new year by paying respect at the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. Good-humoured TV star Thongchai Thongkanthom, better known as Ping Pong, shared a photo of the three sets of lucky numbers that he got at the shrine with fans on his Instagram account @sindy_pwoong.…
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Tourist bus crash in Phuket injures 17 Chinese tourists
A bus journey to the picturesque Similan Islands took a horrific turn today when a vehicle ferrying 17 Chinese tourists careened off the road in Tha Chatchai, located in the northernmost part of Phuket. The incident occurred early today, January 16. Authorities were alerted to the disaster at 8.10am. Responding to the call were Tha Chatchai police officials, including Police…
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Thai hotel sector sees pre-pandemic level investment surge
Thailand’s hotel sector is undergoing a resurgence in investment mirroring pre-pandemic levels, with the boost being propelled by an increase in hotel conversions and an uptick in bank lending, because of a hopeful tourism market. The information is according to C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultancy firm. The firm’s managing director, Bill Barnett, reported an upbeat market and investment sentiment, thanking…
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Royal Project Gastronomy Festival 2024 to tantalise taste buds at Siam Paragon
The Royal Project Gastronomy Festival 2024 is set to dazzle food enthusiasts at Siam Paragon. As it marks the 55th anniversary of the Royal Project Foundation and celebrates the auspicious sixth cycle birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, this culinary spectacle promises an indulgent journey into the realm of superfoods and regal delicacies. The festival, titled Vitality Life of…
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Koh Samui set for tourism boost with influx of cruise liner visits
Surat Thani province’s popular resort island Koh Samui is expecting a significant boost in tourism this year, with 47 cruise liners set to dock and unload around 25,000 international travellers, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). As stated by Kanokkittika Kritwuthikorn, TAT’s director for Koh Samui, the majority of these tourists will be hailing from the United States, Europe,…
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Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. From January to November of last year, Chiang Mai saw around 9.4 million tourists grace its attractions,…
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Easy e-receipt scheme may not boost Thai tourism says hotel association
The recently introduced Easy E-Receipt scheme, aimed at boosting tourism spending by offering tax rebates, may fall short of its goal, according to hotel operators. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Thai Hotels Association (THA) president, argues that the scheme might instead push eligible individuals towards purchasing consumer products. She highlighted that a significant number of hotels and airlines are yet to adopt…
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Pattaya lands seventh spot on TripAdvisor’s top emerging destinations
The coastal city of Pattaya made a remarkable stride in the global travel sector by securing the seventh position in TripAdvisor’s esteemed list of the Top Emerging Destinations. The ranking was revealed yesterday and it is determined based on a multitude of reviews and ratings that have been submitted by the TripAdvisor community over the past year. The platform lists…
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Thailand to boost tourism to drive economic growth
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is on a mission to stimulate tourism, focusing on boosting revenue in 55 secondary provinces by a staggering 20%, aiming for a grand total of 91 million trips this year. This ambitious goal, however, falls short of the mark for key provinces. For the first nine months of the previous year, the 55 secondary tourism…
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Mixed reactions to Thailand’s new cannabis law from tourism industry
The recent draft law on cannabis and hemp, targeting to limit recreational use, is garnering mixed reactions from Thailand’s tourism industry. While it could potentially lead to the closure of several dispensaries, industry insiders feel it wouldn’t have a significant impact on the overall tourism landscape as cannabis and hemp aren’t primary attractions for international visitors. The bill, endorsed by…
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Em District sees retail growth amid economic uncertainty in Thailand
Despite the economic uncertainty, Em District, the retail operator, witnessed growth from high-spending customers at its three malls in the final quarter of 2023. The chief executive, Kriengsak Tantiphipop, confirmed that Thailand continues to attract foreign tourists, leading to increased footfall from both local and international visitors, particularly high-spending independent tourists. Kriengsak observed that while the influx of Chinese tourists…
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CPN predicts 20% retail sales surge due to Chinese New Year and tax scheme
Central Pattana (CPN), a SET-listed firm, is forecasting a 20% surge in retail sales for the first quarter, attributing the anticipated boost to the Chinese New Year festival and the Thai government’s Easy E-Receipt scheme. The company predicts a cash flow of 15 billion baht across all Central shopping mall branches. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, the chief marketing officer of CPN, expressed…
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Pattaya City courts elderly Chinese tourists with square dance champions
Pattaya City officials extended a warm welcome to the Chinese square dance champions on Tuesday, January 9, marking a strategic move to boost tourism and instil assurance for elderly Chinese tourists. It was Siwat Boongerd, Pattaya’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, who greeted the Chinese victors of the square dance contest during a ceremony at Pattaya Beach. This welcoming event was not…
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Royal Phuket Marina makes waves as Asia’s pioneering carbon-neutral paradise
Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) announced its historic achievement as Asia‘s first-ever carbon-neutral marina. A beacon of eco-innovation, RPM goes beyond merely housing boats, transforming into a luxurious haven where sustainability meets opulence. Situated at the gateway to Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea, RPM offers an unparalleled lifestyle immersed in tranquillity. From plush apartments to lavish villas, complete with…
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PM Srettha seeks extension to visa-free countries list for Thai passport
Currently boasting entry to 34 nations without a visa, the Thai government is seeking to extend this list for Thai passport holders. In a recent Cabinet meeting, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin announced his pursuit of a much more powerful Thai passport that will extend the list of visa-free countries. Applauding recent expansions, including visa-free access to China, Russia, and…
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Chinese tourists search for new experiences in Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reveals that travel trends of Chinese tourists have shifted, no longer visiting Thailand in large tour groups. Data from the TAT and ATTA roadshow to China 2023 revealed a seismic shift towards independent and small-group travel, with groups of six to eight stealing the show. Nonglux Yooyendee, the director of TAT’s Shanghai office disclosed that…
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The White Lotus blooms with new A-listers for season 3 set in Thailand (video)
HBO‘s The White Lotus announced yet another stunning A-list cast for its highly anticipated third season set in Thailand. Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, Dom Hetrakul, and Tayme Thapthimthong are set to join the gripping comedy-drama, promising an explosive mix of talent and intrigue. Season one’s Natasha Rothwell is making a comeback, reprising her Emmy-nominated role as…
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High travel costs and weak flight capacity challenge Thailand’s domestic tourism targets
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed that the government’s target of accruing 1.08 trillion baht (US$30.9 trillion) in revenue from domestic tourism this year may be challenging to achieve due to high travel costs and weak flight capacity. The target set by the TAT for the domestic market is 200 million trips this year, matching the 2019 levels. However,…
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Hong Kong Kowloon City to host Songkran festivities and more to boost tourism
Hong Kong’s District Councils are on a mission to rejuvenate the city’s allure, unveiling a host of creative proposals to entice locals and tourists alike. Kowloon City District Council is taking the lead with an electrifying idea – the Kowloon City Thai Vibes with food and water-splashing carnival. Aimed at celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran, the festivities promise an…
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Thailand-China visa-free deal to boost Chinese tourist influx by 57%
The visa-free arrangement between Thailand and China, effective from March 1, is predicted to cause a 57% surge in Chinese visitors this year, boosting the total foreign arrivals to 33 million. Analysts suggest this development offers an opportunity for investors to gradually accumulate travel stocks. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the reciprocal visa-free scheme on Tuesday, January 2, following…
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Thailand’s tourism operators question 40 million visitors target
The government’s ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors is viewed as daunting by Thailand tourism operators, considering factors such as high travel costs, diminished demand in big markets such as China and Russia, and competition from surrounding nations. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, who heads the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation, pinpointed the stagnant Chinese market as a significant issue,…
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British tourist’s lost wallet returned by Thai hotel worker
A British holidaymaker on Koh Samui Island in Thailand is set to return home with a pleasant memory following a hotel worker’s return of his lost wallet during the new year celebrations. The wallet was found on Bophut Beach by Pakdee Trirat, an employee at the Holiday Inn Samui, amidst the festivities on the night of December 31. Surat Thani…
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LA orthodontist’s narrow escape from electrocution in Thailand
When a Los Angeles-based orthodontist‘s dream Thai vacation took a horrifying turn, it shocked social media with her Instagram and TikTok followers expressing their concern and support. Dr Cara Hodgson, boasting a considerable online following of 25,500 on Instagram and 97,000 on TikTok, usually shares glimpses of her jet-setting lifestyle and dental tips. However, her recent revelation about a life-threatening…
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Japan Airlines cancel 130 flights amid Haneda Airport runway repair
Approximately 130 flights were cancelled today by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) as the fallout from Tuesday’s accident at Haneda Airport continues to impact operations. The cancellation was necessitated after a collision between a JAL passenger plane and a Japanese coast guard plane at the airport. Reports indicate that one of Haneda Airport’s four runways remains…
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Phuket continues promotion as timeless destination to boost tourism
Championed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s (TAT) local office, Phuket is set to continue its promotion as a timeless destination, void of an official low season. Director Lertchai Wangtrakuldee confirms this strategy following the significant triumph of last year when the resort province achieved its arrival and revenue targets ahead of schedule. By the end of November, the visitor…
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Quake, planes, and prices: Thai tourists undeterred in the face of Japan’s travel turmoil
Thai tourists seem undeterred by Japan‘s recent bout of earthquakes, airplane fireballs, and escalating travel costs. The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) predicts that Japan will maintain its allure as the ultimate outbound destination for Thai visitors this year. Phumiphiphat Meesamran, TTAA’s Vice-President, revealed that the earthquake on New Year’s Day predominantly impacted Ishikawa prefecture, a lesser-known destination for Thai…
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