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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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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Scottish tourist in Pattaya paranoid after mixing cannabis and meds
A 55 year old Scottish tourist sparked concern at a Pattaya hotel after exhibiting erratic behaviour, believed to be linked to excessive cannabis and prescription medication use. Around 12.38pm yesterday, October 13, Pattaya police responded to a report from hotel staff regarding a foreign female guest acting irrationally at a hotel on Jomtien Beach Road. Upon arrival, officers encountered Tracy,…
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Krabi Airport gears up for 60% surge in tourist season flights
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed Krabi International Airport and associated agencies to prepare for a substantial rise in flights and passenger traffic during the high tourist season, particularly along the Andaman coast. According to the Department of Airports (DOA), the 2024/2025 winter flight schedule includes over 160 domestic flights, more than 60 international flights, and 90 charter flights…
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Thailand’s new scheme offers 400 baht to boost northern tourism
A new co-payment tourism promotion scheme aimed at revitalising the flood-affected northern region of Thailand will be presented to the Cabinet for approval, said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Dubbed Travelling North Half-Half, the initiative will subsidise trips to the northern region later this year, offering up to 400 baht (US$12) per trip to 10,000 visitors. This scheme, proposed…
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Banyan Tree Samui scoops trio of top awards
In a dazzling display of luxury, Banyan Tree Samui in southern Thailand is basking in the glow of three major international awards—all in just one week. This exclusive beachfront resort has proven it’s not just a tropical paradise, but a world-class destination that knows how to make waves in the luxury travel industry. First up, the prestigious Michelin Guide, which…
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Natural waterslide wonderland: Tourists flock to Sattahip dam
A hidden gem in Chon Buri is making waves as locals and tourists flock to the Huay Tu Lower Reservoir for a thrilling, yet safe, water adventure. Nestled in Bang Saray, under the watchful eye of Klet Kaew subdistrict Municipality, this overflow dam has become the hottest spot for families looking to cool off. Thanks to the dam’s natural slope,…
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Rain check: Hua Hin and Cha-am tourism ready for holiday splash
Heavy rain in Hua Hin and Cha-am are anticipated to impact tourism during the upcoming three-day holiday, potentially worsening domestic sentiment. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identified natural disasters as a critical factor to monitor during the high season. Earlier this week, continuous rainfall led to flooding in Cha-am, Hua Hin, and parts of Phetkasem Highway, with water levels…
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Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
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Thailand’s tourism confidence index drops amid floods, economy
Thailand’s tourism confidence index for the third quarter saw a significant drop year-on-year, remaining below the benchmark due to challenges such as factory closures, rising unemployment, increasing non-performing loans, and severe flooding both domestically and internationally, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). The TCT has scheduled a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s board chairman tomorrow to…
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Floods wreak havoc on Chiang Mai hotels occupancy rates
Severe floods in Chiang Mai from October 4 to 6 have devastated the local hotel industry, plunging occupancy rates by a staggering 30% and impacting 1,500 to 2,000 rooms across the province. La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association (THA), revealed that conditions are gradually improving. “Since Monday, many hotels in the affected areas have begun cleaning…
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All aboard: Bangkok’s scenic train adventures are ready to roll
To boost domestic tourism, the Transport Ministry has revealed a schedule of enchanting train journeys departing from Bangkok, running from October through February. These special services, which include steam locomotives, promise to generate income for local communities while providing unforgettable experiences for travellers. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday, October 7, that three train options would be available over the next…
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Thailand targets 36.7 million tourists in 2024 despite challenges
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a steady growth in international tourists for the fourth quarter of 2024, despite recent flooding in the country. The initial concern was that such natural disasters might deter visitors. However, the influx, particularly from Chinese tourists during China’s National Day holiday, has surpassed expectations. To achieve the target of 36.7 million international tourists…
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Pattaya sweeps streets of homeless to ‘clean’ up its act for tourists
Pattaya City officials took to the streets yesterday, October 7, in a bid to clear homeless hotspots and maintain the city’s pristine image for tourists. The sweep targeted key areas, including the Bali Hai overpass, the Thappraya junction on Pattaya Third Road, and Pattaya Second Road, where they encountered 10 homeless individuals. The initiative, designed to keep Pattaya attractive to…
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Bangkok named fourth friendliest city in the world for 2024
Bangkok has been named the fourth friendliest city in the world in 2024, according to Condé Nast Traveller. The travel magazine, known for its focus on luxury and independent travel, announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the 10 friendliest cities as voted by travellers worldwide. Singapore topped the list with a score of 94.84. Known for its financial hubs,…
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Thailand climbs the global ranks: 28th best country in the world
Thailand secured its spot as one of the world’s best places to live, work, and explore, leaping up one place to 28th in the US News & World Report’s 2024 Best Countries in the World ranking. This comes as the country continues to shine globally for its rich heritage, booming industries, and irresistible tourism appeal. The list, compiled in collaboration…
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Thailand races to attract 10 million more tourists before year-end
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to reclaim its crown as a world-class tourism destination. In a high-profile meeting yesterday, October 3, at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), unveiled their ambitious plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles. With representatives from TAT’s 74 domestic…
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Bangkok races ahead: Minister shifts gears for F1 street spectacle
Bangkok might soon be revving its engines as Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, vows to secure a Formula 1 (F1) street race in the capital. Sorawong is working hard to finalise the deal by the end of this year, after holding talks with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of F1. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is…
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Blazing drama: Phuket boat blaze leaves captain burnt out
A fire erupted aboard a Phuket tourist boat leaving the captain nursing injuries and igniting a full-blown investigation. The Phuket Marine Office got the alarming call at 10.35am today, October 3, about the Flamingo Lady 2 tour catamaran going up in flames, sending shockwaves and panic rippling down the Andaman coast. The vessel, which had just dropped off 22 tourists…
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Phuket’s veggie fest: A taste of tradition that’s un-beet-able
The enchanting atmosphere of Phuket’s iconic Vegetarian Festival has officially started. Yesterday evening, October 2, the ceremonial raising of the Go Teng poles took centre stage at Chinese shrines across the island, heralding a nine-day celebration that promises to captivate both locals and visitors alike. At the heart of the festivities, thousands flocked to the Jui Tui Tao Bokeung Shrine…
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Thailand’s wellness powerhouse: A health revolution in Phuket
BDMS Wellness Clinic has teamed up with Sri Panwa Phuket and Bangkok Hospital Phuket to create an unparalleled fusion of relaxation and medical excellence, as part of the ambitious Phuket Wellness Hub project. With wellness tourism projected to hit a staggering US$1.4 trillion (around 46 trillion baht) by 2027, and Thailand already ranking seventh globally with a market value of…
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Thai’d and tested: Pun-tastic Thai restaurant name breaks Internet (video)
A woman travelling in Sweden was left in stitches after discovering a Thai restaurant with a side-splitting name, sparking curiosity among many who are now desperate to try it out. Ema, a 29 year old traveller who shares her adventures online as @emaonthemove, recently posted a clip of a takeaway in her new hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. The spot? Thai…
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Thai’s the limit: Thailand nabs third spot in Asia’s foodie rankings
Travel booking platform Agoda ranked Thailand third among the most popular destinations in Asia for foodies around the globe. Agoda launched a campaign inviting more than 4,000 users from ten countries worldwide to respond to the platform’s survey about the top destinations for food lovers. Participants were asked to complete the survey after finishing their bookings. The platform released the results…
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Thai and mighty: Airbnb reveals tourism boom in Thailand
Thailand’s tourism industry is making a strong comeback, and Airbnb has just dropped some tantalising data showing just how much travellers are flocking to this Southeast Asian gem. With the high season fast approaching, Thailand is poised for a tourism surge, and it seems everyone – from digital nomads to family groups – wants a slice of the action. In…
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BMA assesses Thon Buri historical sites to boost tourism
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) embarked on a comprehensive assessment of historical sites in Thon Buri to promote tourism and bolster the city development plan. Thaiwut Khankaew, director of the BMA’s City Planning and Development Department, stated that his team, alongside A-Seven Corporation, a consultancy firm, recently visited numerous communities and landmarks. Their objective is to enhance land use potential…
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Boost Songkhla tourism with better rail links to Malaysia, says guide
Promoting Songkhla province’s cultural attractions and enhancing rail connections with Malaysia could significantly boost tourism, according to the founder of the Songkhla Tour Guide Association. Wittaya Saelim addressed these suggestions in a proposal recently submitted to Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul in the Hat Yai district. The proposal focused on addressing the province’s trade and tourism concerns and identifying ways to increase…
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Thailand welcomes 26 million tourists, earns 1.214 trillion baht
Thailand welcomed over 26 million international tourists from January 1 to yesterday, October 1, generating an impressive 1.214 trillion baht in revenue. Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, confirmed these figures, underscoring the nation’s strong recovery as a premier global travel destination. Among the top contributing countries, China led with 5,227,573 tourists, followed by Malaysia with 3,734,847, India…
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Frozen in time: British expats losing out on pensions in Thailand
Three British expats reveal their nightmare experiences of having their UK pension frozen, thanks to a government policy that leaves them with unadjusted savings, sparking widespread outrage. David McConkey believed he was heading for paradise when he retired to Bangkok in May this year. After 40 gruelling years as an electronics buyer, the 72 year old Scot was ready to…
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Thailand bad weather: Chinese tourist influx expected to fall short
The anticipated influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand during the Chinese National Day holiday is expected to fall short due to adverse weather conditions and evolving travel behaviours, as shared by Sanphet Supabornsatien, an advisor to the Eastern Thai Hotels Association (THA). Thai hotel operators had been hopeful for a significant number of Chinese visitors from October 1 to 7.…
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Maya Bay reopens after two-month environmental rehabilitation
Maya Bay, the iconic destination in Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands, will welcome visitors once more after a two-month closure for environmental rehabilitation. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), led by its Director-General Attapon Charoenchansa, confirmed the reopening of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Lor Kor Bay, marking the end of their temporary closure from August…
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Thai Airways partners with Gulf Air, adding six new destinations
Thai Airways International (THAI) anticipates a boost in revenue following the enhancement of its code-sharing agreement with Gulf Air. THAI announced the expansion of its partnership with Gulf Air yesterday, September 29, to include new destinations: Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman, Casablanca, Athens, and Manchester. This agreement took effect immediately. Previously, the collaboration between the two airlines was limited to routes…
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Thailand’s local businesses get a global boost: It’s time to trade up
Strengthening Thailand’s local businesses to compete on the global stage could be a game-changing strategy for revitalising the national economy, according to Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput. Sethaput is advocating for the implementation of “globally competitive localism,” a concept that leverages the strengths of local entrepreneurs, such as cultural assets, to create value-added products and services. This, he believes,…
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