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 Pre-existing conditions? These expat insurance plans still have you covered
Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans...
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Bus-ting with green energy: Phuket’s smart bus takes fresh direction
All aboard the eco-friendly Phuket Smart Bus express. Phuket’s transport scene is getting a high-voltage makeover with the launch of the spanking new Phuket Smart Bus service, and it’s already steering the island’s travel scene in a new direction. Connecting Phuket Town and Patong with ease and style, this service is run by Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) and…
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Phatthalung plans airport to become Thailand’s logistics hub
Officials in Phatthalung are gearing up to transform the province into a bustling logistics hub in southern Thailand with plans to construct a new airport. This ambitious initiative, aimed at elevating the province’s economic profile, is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet soon. A major step forward was taken when the Phatthalung governor submitted a formal request to the…
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Loy Krathong festival set to light up Wat Arun on November 15
Bangkok’s Wat Arun is set to illuminate the night on November 15 with its Loy Krathong festival. The festival promises a multicultural experience, underscored by a theme song performed in an array of languages, including Thai, English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish, to foster a deeper understanding of the event’s cultural importance. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Suntharaporn…
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15,000 Malaysian tourists flock to Thailand for Diwali, Halloween
Thailand’s southern border districts are experiencing a significant surge in visitors from Malaysia as tourists flock across the border to celebrate Halloween and Diwali. Yesterday, October 31, marked a notable influx, with over 15,000 Malaysian tourists crossing the Sadao immigration checkpoint in Songkhla‘s Sadao district. The day coincided with Malaysia’s public holiday for the Diwali festival, prompting many to take advantage…
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Thailand airports see passenger surge with 19% increase
Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing a significant upswing, with the nation’s six principal airports reporting a surge in passenger numbers. In the fiscal year ending yesterday, these airports welcomed 119.2 million passengers, marking a 19% increase from the previous year, as reported by the Airports of Thailand (AoT). The AoT oversees operations at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket,…
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Thailand cash splash: Foreign tourists send Visa spending soaring
Thailand is basking in a financial boom, with foreign tourists spending a staggering 90% more on Visa credit cards this year compared to the pre-pandemic high of 2019. While Thai travellers are tightening their purse strings amid a sluggish economy, foreigners can’t seem to get enough of the Land of Smiles. Visa Thailand’s country manager, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, revealed that Thailand…
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British Airways spreads its wings: Gatwick-Bangkok flights back on
In a move that’s set to soar to new heights, British Airways relaunched its direct flights from London Gatwick to the bustling city of Bangkok. The inaugural flight, BA 2231, took to the skies from Gatwick, yesterday, October 29, making a graceful touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Internationa Airport this afternoon, marking a triumphant return to the Land of Smiles. Tourism Authority…
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Phuket tourism revenue poised to exceed 2019 levels
Tourism revenue in Phuket is on track to surpass the 2019 figures, with visitor numbers approaching pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels, as revealed by Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association. “Phuket has now transformed into a destination for quality tourists, as total spending of tourists has risen above the amount recorded in 2019 despite the overall number of visitors falling…
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Thai-panic: AirAsia flight defies disaster over denied landing in India
A Thai AirAsia flight found itself in a death-defying situation straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster when it was denied permission to land at an airport in India. Passengers were left fearing for their lives as the aircraft was forced to circle for a staggering 45 minutes with only 30 minutes of fuel remaining in the tank. The drama unfolded…
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Thai airports to launch biometric ID system this November
Six major Thai airports will introduce an automated biometric identification system using facial recognition technology later this year, allowing passengers to present their physical ID only once during their journey. This system, set to launch for domestic passengers on November 1 and for international passengers on December 1, will be operated by the Airport Authority of Thailand. Kirati Kitmanawat, the…
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Phuket magic spells its way into Asia’s ‘Top 10’ destinations
Phuket’s tropical charm has once again worked its magic, landing it among Asia’s Top 10 island destinations, as revealed by the esteemed Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. UK tabloid Daily Express also got into the act, gushing over Phuket’s recognition by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. “A stunning island in Asia has been crowned one of the best…
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Phuket beachgoers warned of Portuguese man o’ war sting operation (video)
Phuket holidaymakers at Mai Khao Beach have been warned a trip to the sandy shores could have a sting in its tail. Beachgoers in Phuket have been given a red alert about the arrival of the notorious Portuguese man o’ war – aka bluebottles. The Phuket Lifeguard Service confirmed a sighting of these perilous sea creatures yesterday, October 27, prompting a…
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EXAT digs deep but hits financial roadblock on N1 Expressway
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) seems set to abandon its plans for an underground route in the controversial N1 Expressway development, citing financial concerns. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed that the board has decided to delay the project after a study raised serious doubts about its financial viability. Despite a promising equity internal rate of return (EIRR) projected at…
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Take a trip to Thailand this Christmas
The holidays are fast approaching and Thailand is set to boom once again this festive season. Traditionally, one of the busiest times of the year for tourism in Thailand, recovery from Covid has been quite slow. For many people, especially those in colder climates, that means finding a vacation destination to relax, unwind and stay warm. Why not consider a…
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Pattaya Tourist Police prepares for upcoming high season
Pattaya Tourist Police are increasing safety measures for the upcoming high season, especially for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations heading into 2025. On October 24, Police Colonel Man Rotthong, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 2, led a meeting to discuss preparations for the high season in Pattaya. Key points included reviewing the Strong Tourism Community (S.T.C.) project and…
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Thailand’s 300-baht travel tax takes off with air passengers first
Collection of the 300-baht travel tax could initially target air passengers, with the system needing at least six months to become operational, as stated by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that the ministry is currently revising the details of the programme and plans to submit it for Cabinet approval in January. Despite the…
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Senate urges crackdown on foreign-run tourism businesses
The Senate called on the government to intensify efforts against tourism businesses managed by local proxies for foreign citizens, aiming to shield local enterprises from unfair competition. During a recent session, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas raised concerns about the difficulties Thai businesses face in competing with companies managed by nominees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong responded, revealing that ministry representatives…
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Thailand’s visa vision: Six countries, one ticket to paradise
Cambodia has endorsed Thailand’s initiative to simplify cross-border travel for tourists from six countries via a unified visa policy known as 6 Countries, 1 Destination, aiming to establish Thailand as a hub for regional tourism, according to a Government House source. Following discussions in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, along with Dusit Manapan and Chayika Wongnapachant, advisors…
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TAT outlines creative strategies to boost tourism campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out creative strategies to boost domestic tourism for the final quarter of 2024. Nithee Seeprae, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, acknowledged challenges such as economic constraints, household debt, and localised flooding, but reaffirmed their efforts to encourage travel and increase spending. The focus will be on events like the Winter Festival,…
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Bangkok-Vientiane rail adds carriage to match 13,000+ passengers
More than 13,000 passengers have utilised the cross-border service of the Bangkok-Vientiane rail route since its inauguration on July 19, leading the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to add another passenger carriage to meet the increased demand. Governor of the SRT, Veeris Ammarapala announced yesterday, October 20, that he had recently met with Daochinda Siharat, Lao National Railway State Enterprise…
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Double tax deductions to boost northern Thailand tourism
The Ministry of Finance is planning to introduce measures under the Thai Travel Continues campaign to boost tourism in flood-affected areas in northern Thailand. The initiative will offer double tax deductions for two groups: individuals and companies holding seminars in the disaster-stricken regions. Finance Deputy Minister Julapun Amornwiwat announced that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of…
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Thailand’s Koh Chang is world’s second-best tropical destination
Thailand celebrates as Koh Chang is named second-best tropical holiday destination in the world by Travel + Leisure. The announcement was made by Neramit Songsang, head of the Mu Ko Chang National Park in Trat province. Koh Chang, often referred to as the Gem of the Gulf of Thailand, achieved this prestigious ranking alongside other notable destinations in Southeast Asia,…
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Get ready to sea it all: Trang opens for snorkeling with marine life
Trang province is now ready to welcome tourists to admire the stunning beauty of the sea at Lao Liang Island. Visitors can snorkel to see schools of anchovy swimming around coral reefs and spot dozens of clownfish among vibrant sea anemones, showcasing the richness of natural marine life. Anan Gingkoyao, also known as Bang Daad, a 36 year old local…
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Thailand’s domestic tourism revenue to hit 970 billion baht
Festive events and new stimulus campaigns are set to boost domestic tourism revenue in Thailand to between 950 billion and 970 billion baht (US$28.6 and US$29 billion) this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Despite these efforts, the target of 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) will likely be missed due to a sluggish economy and the impact…
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Record-breaking crowds cause traffic chaos at Khao Yai
Khao Yai National Park was the place to be during the recent long weekend, smashing visitor records and causing traffic nightmares at the gates. Over the three-day holiday from October 12 to 14, the park saw daily entrance fees soar past 1 million baht as hordes of tourists flooded in to enjoy the cooler weather and stunning scenery. Park chief…
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High-end hotels check in higher rates amid rising tourist numbers
High-end hotel operators are poised to increase room rates during the High Season as tourist numbers are anticipated to rise in the coming months, while mid-tier and lower-tier hotels continue to face challenges. The hotel operator sentiment index reveals this trend. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that the average occupancy rate in September was 55%,…
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Phuket Airport ramps up for 18 million passengers by 2025
Phuket International Airport is gearing up for a major overhaul as it plans to handle a whopping 18 million passengers by 2025. Airports of Thailand (AoT) is fast-tracking Phase 2 of its expansion, boosting flight capacity from 20 to 25 flights per hour to keep up with the influx of tourists. Airport director Monchai Tanod revealed that the airport currently…
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Thailand Cabinet hits the right note with concert campaign
In a major bid to turn up the volume on tourism, the Thai Cabinet has launched a sensational music campaign aimed at luring world-famous artists to rock out in Thailand! With the goal of boosting both tourism and investment, it’s time for the Kingdom of Thailand to take centre stage. At a press conference yesterday, October 15, Prime Minister’s Office…
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Phuket police crackdown on illegal Chinese tour guides ahead of High Season
Phuket Tourist Police initiated a crackdown on illegal Chinese tour guides in preparation for the upcoming tourism High Season. Yesterday, October 14, Phuket Tourist Police, in line with orders from Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, began efforts to combat illegal activities threatening the tourism industry. This directive was shared in a report posted by…
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Dancing with danger: Burlesque star’s dengue drama in Thailand
In a terrifying testimony, a US burlesque dancer backpacking with her husband revealed her horrifying brush with death after contracting dengue fever while exploring Thailand. Paisley Peach, a globetrotter from Boulder, Colorado, alongside 31 year old husband Julian De Prince, faced their worst fears when a ferocious swarm of mosquitoes struck during their dream adventure in Southeast Asia. The couple’s…
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