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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Drumming up excitement: Phuket’s Surin Beach beats to the rhythm of tourism’s future with groundbreaking Glass Terrace project
The sound of ceremonial drums echoed across Surin Beach, Phuket, early this morning marking the start of construction on a project of substantial tourism potential – the Glass Terrace. With an estimated completion time of two years, this 198 million baht project is anticipated to become a significant tourist attraction along the island’s west coast. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony was…
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The Coffee Club expands with 24/7 and pet-friendly services in Bangkok
The Minor Food Group Plc subsidiary, The Coffee Club, is venturing into new market avenues with its innovative 24-hour service and pet-friendly concept at specific locations. This strategy has been adopted to increase sustainable sales and enhance customer experience. Nongchanok Stananonth, the General Manager, highlighted that their inaugural 24/7 Coffee Club at Staybridge Suites Bangkok, Sukhumvit 55, opened its doors…
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Budget travel: Thai travelers choose affordability amid economic instability
In the wake of an unpredictable global economy, travellers are becoming increasingly cost-conscious. A recent survey by online travel agency Booking.com revealed that the majority of Thai citizens are apprehensive about the escalating cost of living and are thus curtailing their expenditure on travel, opting for budget travel instead. Michelle Gao, the regional manager for the Mekong region at Booking.com,…
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Phuket tourism operators push for international convention centre
In a bid to elevate Phuket’s status as an exhibition hub, local tourism operators are urging for the rapid implementation of a long-stalled project for an international convention centre and a freeport city initiative. The urgency has arisen due to the impending enforcement of new environmental laws which may necessitate a redesign of the project. The Health Ministry recently abandoned…
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Phuket Airport’s rain-check: Dampening floors lead to a slip-up
Phuket International Airport, managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), recently experienced a minor slip-up. A leaky roof in the arrivals hall of the domestic terminal led to some disruption, leading the airport to extend a public apology and caution to those visiting the terminal about the possibility of a dampening experience on the floor. The apology from AoT Phuket…
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Government sets up command centre for visa-free Indian and Taiwanese tourists
A command centre has been established by the government in preparation for the influx of tourists from India and Taiwan. The visa-free entry policy, starting tomorrow, is expected to draw a significant number of visitors. The high season is around the corner, and to avoid overcrowding at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, several agencies have been asked to contribute to…
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Economic hurdles hamper Thailand’s tourist market recovery despite visa exemptions
Tourism operators have indicated that economic challenges are hindering the recovery of tourist markets from China, Taiwan, and India, despite Thailand’s recent introduction of visa exemptions. These exemptions, implemented for Chinese visitors since September 25, have had limited effect due to perceptions of Thailand as unsafe and China’s sluggish economic growth, according to Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, ex-president of the Chon Buri…
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Patong: Boosting tourist safety on Bangla Road with new STC project
Major General Saksira Phueakam, Commissioner of Tourist Police, recently embarked on a tour of the bustling Bangla Road in Patong, a hotspot for tourists, as part of a new initiative aimed at enhancing safety and security for visitors in the forthcoming high season. This came on the heels of Maj. Gen. Saksira’s launch of the Strong Tourism Community (STC) project,…
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ICONSIAM’s billion baht renovation: M and first floors set for stunning transformation
ICONSIAM Mall is preparing a substantial investment of 1 billion baht for a significant renovation of the complex, set to start in July 2024. The refurbishment is specifically targeted at the M and first floors of ICONSIAM, with the project expected to run until mid-2025. The company’s managing director, Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, explained that the ICONSIAM billion baht renovation will adjust…
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Thailand’s tourist districts may extend nightlife hours to boost economy
The Interior Ministry announced yesterday that before entertainment venues in key tourist districts can prolong their extended nightlight hours until 4am, public hearings and amendments to some regulations will be necessary. This plan forms part of the government’s attempts to stimulate the economy in the upcoming high tourist season, a measure championed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Interior Minister Anutin…
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Foreign national arrested for overstaying visa launching Crime Free Phuket year two
A foreign national was taken into custody at the weekend at Phuket International Airport for overstaying his visa by 80 days. This event marks the launch of the second year of the Crime Free Phuket initiative run by the local Immigration Bureau. The past year has seen the arrest of 188 individuals, with overstaying visas accounting for 66 of these…
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Thai AirAsia launches fly-thru flight to boost up lesser-visited provinces
Thai AirAsia has launched a new fly-thru service connecting Phuket to Don Mueang Airport and Phitsanulok. The aim is to encourage foreign tourists visiting Phuket to explore and discover lesser-visited provinces like Phitsanulok and other areas in the lower northern region of Thailand. Sasiwan Siphrom, the President of the Tourism Council of the Lower Northern Provinces, highlighted that in collaboration…
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Ayutthaya proposed as new logistics hub amidst Thai-Chinese rail development
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) proposed to the government to establish Ayutthaya as a new logistics hub. This development is in anticipation of the increasing investment stimulated by the construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail system. The suggested logistics hub would integrate with Ayutthaya’s existing rail, road, and river transport network. In addition, there is…
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Four Thailand provinces extend nightlife venue hours to boost economy
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket, four prime Thai provinces, are all set to extend the operational hours of their nightlife venues including bars and pubs until 4am. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the decision, which is set to come into effect from December 15, as part of an initiative to boost domestic tourism and the economy. PM Srettha…
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Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach to host inaugural Lullah festival
The sandy shores of Pattaya‘s Jomtien Beach are poised to host the inaugural Lullah Fest 2023 Street Food & Party On The Beach. This vibrant event, set to take place from November 17 to 19, is already stirring up excitement. The festival will feature an array of tantalising street food, engaging entertainment, and a lively beauty pageant. Earlier this month,…
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Phra Mettha Road in Phuket reopens after four-month closure
Phuket’s Phra Mettha Road, which had been sealed off for approximately four months, once again welcomed the hustle and bustle of traffic on November 1. The artery of Patong, this road spans 1 kilometre behind the Jungceylon shopping mall, stretching from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai. The closure, which began on June 20, was necessary for the construction of…
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Thailand tourism aims for 2.38 trillion baht target with late-year surge
Aiming to achieve its revenue target of 2.38 trillion baht, Thailand’s tourism sector is pushing ahead in the last two months of the year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that the total takings for the first ten months stood at 1.67 trillion. TAT’s governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, outlined plans to stimulate the sector further, with a focus on intensifying…
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Railway development gains speed: Thailand fast-tracks five-country rail link
A plan to accelerate the development of dual railway tracks connecting five countries – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China – was announced at the 4th iTIC FORUM 2023: Power of Connectivity and Smart Mobility. The 4500-kilometre-long Singapore-Kunming rail line, expected to be completed by 2027, aims to boost the capacity of goods and passenger travel, making it more efficient…
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Thai Airways launches direct flights from Bangkok to Istanbul
Thai Airways International (THAI) is set to start direct flights from Bangkok to Istanbul on December 1, marking a significant expansion of its international flight network. The announcement was officially made in a recent launch ceremony, presided over by the Chairperson of THAI Plan Administrators, Piyasvasti Amranand, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Thailand, Serap Ersoy. The…
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Accor predicts surge in hotel conversions in Thailand post-pandemic
A surge in hotel conversions is expected in the post-pandemic hospitality sector, according to Accor, an international hotel chain. This trend is in response to stricter lending rules from financial institutions and a slowdown in the construction of new establishments. Andrew Langdon, Accor’s Chief Development Officer for Asia, detailed how the current supply of new hotels is slow and concentrated…
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Pattaya’s wild wonderland: Zoofari roars into town with lifelike animatronics
Pattaya residents and visitors are braced for an enthralling journey into the wild with Zoofari, an event showcasing realistic animatronic wildlife. Pattaya’s Terminal 21 is hosting Zoofari, a unique event showcasing realistic animatronic wildlife. This immersive extravaganza, filled with vibrant, lifelike creatures, is sure to leave everyone, from the young to the young at heart, in awe. Zoofari is a…
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November brings vibrant Thai cultural events for locals and tourists alike
A vibrant tapestry of cultural events and celebrations has been planned to light up the Thailand event calendar this month. From the enchanting Loi Krathong festival, the fierce Boat Race Festival, the rhythmic Pattaya Music and International Fireworks Festival, to the challenging Laguna Phuket Triathlon- there’s something for everyone. The Loi Krathong Festival this year is one of the most stunning festivities in…
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Phuket: 3 billion baht for pipeline to solve water issues and boost tourism
Phuket officials announced plans to yet again request a budget exceeding 3 billion baht for the construction of a water supply pipeline from Phang Nga to Phuket, aiming to resolve ongoing water issues and bolster tourism in the region. The budget request confirmation emerged during a meeting led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall. The meeting highlighted…
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Phuket Veg Fest food frenzy turns rancid: Sacred shrines face hygiene havoc
A shocking revelation unfolded as revered Phuket Veg Fest food shrines were found in breach of food hygiene standards. This news has undoubtedly rocked the faith of the local Thai community and tourists alike who flock to these places of worship and food consumption, particularly during festivals. The local authorities are yet to comment on the situation and the measures…
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Phuket drivers protest against new baht bus service threatening livelihoods
Around 50 tuk tuk and taxi drivers swarmed the Patong Municipality offices in Phuket yesterday to express their discontent about a proposed baht bus circular service that could potentially disrupt their livelihoods. Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri, along with other officials, received the formal complaint as the officers of the Patong Police maintained order. The complaint predicted a significant impact on the…
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Thai MPI faces contraction amid global conflicts and tourism slump
The Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) anticipates a contraction between 4% to 4.5% in the Thai Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) this year due to less-than-projected tourism growth and geopolitical conflicts impacting the global economy. In contrast, the MPI was projected to shrink by 2.8% to 3.8% in July. The OIE further predicts a contraction of 2.5% to 3% in the…
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Thai economy’s Q3 bounce-back: Warming up after a cool Q2
The Thai economy’s growth rate for the third quarter of this year is anticipated to surpass that of the second, according to the Bank of Thailand. This forecast comes after the nation’s economic expansion fell short of the central bank’s estimations for the preceding quarter. Chayawadee Chai-anant, the assistant governor for the corporate relations group at the central bank, reported…
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Thai tourists’ Korea travel ban outcry impacts agencies amid visa woes
Following a surge in posts under the hashtag #BanTravelToSouthKorea (#แบนเที่ยวเกาหลี) on the Twitter (X) platform, tourism agencies are being urged to pay heed to the concerns of Thai tourists. Over a million posts were generated during the past weekend alone, highlighting the losses suffered by both tourists and tour operators in recent years. The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) reported that…
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Thailand to lift visa requirements for Taiwanese and Indian tourists
Thailand is set to lift visa requirements for tourists from India and Taiwan starting next month, lasting until May 2024. This move aims to attract more tourist influx as the peak season is on the horizon. This move follows in the footsteps of the decision made in September to abolish visa requirements for Chinese tourists, Thailand’s leading tourism market before…
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Hong Kong temple tells Thai tourists to stop sticking gold leaf on prayer wheel
There has been a call for Thai tourists to stop adhering gold leaf to an ancient prayer wheel at a temple in Hong Kong. A Thai tour guide‘s Facebook post drew attention to the unusual practice, suggesting that the temple’s authorities had said it was the work of Thai visitors. The act of sticking gold leaf to the wheel is…
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