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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Thailand tourism takes a tumble: WEF report
Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered a dramatic setback, plummeting 11 spots in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index, leaving experts calling for urgent investment and innovation. In a devastating blow to the Thai government, which reported a modest 1.5% growth in the first quarter of 2024, the WEF index revealed Thailand’s fall from 36th to…
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Pattaya mayor’s big bet on Irish tourism
In a significant push to boost international tourism, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet welcomed H.E. Patrick Bourne, Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Thailand, and his delegation. The high-profile visit centred on strengthening tourism ties and introducing measures to support Irish tourists in Pattaya. During the meeting, Mayor Poramet expressed his delight and honour in hosting Irish ambassador Bourne. Poramet emphasised…
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World Tourism Council: Innovative strategies to combat overtourism
Tourism is in crisis as overtourism sparks protests and unrest across the globe. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has a plan to turn the tide, urging cooperation between businesses and local communities to manage the influx of visitors. As travel demand skyrockets post-pandemic, locals in several countries are pushing back, calling for measures to control the surge of…
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Koh Samui steals spotlight: Readers rave over four island getaways
Readers of the popular American travel magazine Travel+Leisure voted four accommodations in Koh Samui as winners in the Beach+Island Resort category. Travel+Leisure released its 2024 Luxury Awards Asia Pacific ranking, allowing readers to nominate and vote for outstanding accommodations in various categories, including five-star urban escapes, private-island beach resorts, innovative spas, Instagram-worthy swimming pools, awesome airlines and airports, cruises, and…
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New SRT Royal Blossom train to boost Kanchanaburi tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch the new SRT Royal Blossom tourist train, refurbished by Thai craftsmen, on the Kanchanaburi route by mid-August. The announcement came from Akranun Kannakitinan, a Kanchanaburi MP from the Pheu Thai Party. Akranun revealed that the refurbished train, featuring air-conditioned Hamanasu carriages from Japan, will soon commence operations. The train has…
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Budget airlines push jet fuel tax cut to reduce airfare prices
Budget airlines have issued an appeal to the Finance Ministry to reduce the excise tax on jet fuel, to help mitigate their operational costs with the fragile state of the industry. Following a meeting with representatives from low-cost airlines, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat reported that the carriers discussed economic challenges and reiterated their commitment to supporting government measures aimed…
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White Lotus effect: Thai resorts brace for tourist tsunami
As the fictional guests of Season 3 of The White Lotus bid farewell to their lavish Thai resort, tourists are gearing up for their tropical escape. The series recently concluded filming at multiple luxurious locations in Thailand. Although the show won’t air until next year, hotels and tour operators are already anticipating a White Lotus boom. The previous seasons of…
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Thailand tourism: A sustainable future for long-haul travel
Thailand’s tourism sector is turning its attention to long-haul travellers, leveraging enhanced flight connectivity and a commitment to sustainability. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled an ambitious strategy to attract visitors from far-flung destinations, with a focus on boosting airline routes and promoting eco-friendly tourism. At the recent Thailand Travel Mart+ (TTM+ 2024) in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province,…
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PM Srettha plans to transform Lamphun into a museum hub
To revitalise Thailand’s tourism sector, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is championing the transformation of Lamphun into a City of Museums and accelerating efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Nan. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, PM Srettha highlighted these ambitious proposals following his recent visits to several provinces. He was particularly impressed by the innovative vision of Lamphun’s…
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Thailand to unveil five-year digital nomad visa
Thailand is on the verge of launching a much-anticipated digital nomad visa, granting remote workers the golden opportunity to reside and work in the country hassle-free for up to five years. In the past, Thailand unveiled the Thailand Elite Visa to attract foreign expatriates and tourists, offering unlimited entry and exit privileges alongside membership in the esteemed Thailand Privilege programme.…
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Skill workshop to transform Thailand’s tourism industry
To revolutionise Thailand’s tourism sector, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the Ignite Tourism Thailand: TAT Skill Factory workshop. This ambitious initiative is part of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vision to establish Thailand as a top global tourism destination. The workshop will be held from June 15 to 16 at the Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, drawing an expected 300…
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Traffic police crack down on dangerous tourist habits on Koh Larn
To ramp up safety and spread awareness, Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn, targeting risky tourist behaviours. Pattaya police have launched a rapid response team on Koh Larn to boost safety and raise public awareness. This initiative focuses on the hazards posed by motorcycle rentals and golf cart use among tourists, aiming to prevent accidents…
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Government pushes for UNESCO status for Nan to boost tourism
The Government of Thailand announced plans to promote cultural tourism between Nan in northern Thailand and Luang Prabang, the historic capital of Laos, with the ultimate aim of nominating Nan as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage site. Government spokesperson Chai Watcharonke revealed that the Cabinet had approved the Culture Ministry’s proposal in March, highlighting…
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Thailand is fast becoming a global LGBTQIA+ hub
Thailand is on the brink of becoming the ultimate destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, thanks to its welcoming environment, progressive policies, and the recent launch of the Pink Plus Economy initiative. This revolutionary move, announced on Sunday by Borderless.lgbt, aims to create a supportive ecosystem for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand, encompassing living, family planning, and retirement. The initiative is backed…
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Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy
Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government’s performance over the past eight months…
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Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme
In a dramatic U-turn, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the highly debated tourist tax. Initially proposed as a post-pandemic measure, the 300 baht tax at airports and 150 baht tax by land or sea, caused a storm of opposition from the travel industry due to its ambiguity and potential for confusion. The National Tourism Policy Committee…
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Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is soaring to new heights, actively courting partnerships with a sky-high count of 11 international airlines to elevate both burgeoning and established markets in the latter part of this year. With the long-haul market expected to fly in at least 770 billion baht from a soaring flock of 10.8 million foreign visitors in 2024,…
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Thailand frights: TAT’s haunting new tour beckons Spanish tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting foreign tourists, especially from Spain, as plans get underway to launch a tour of haunted attractions. The Deputy Governor of the European, African, Middle Eastern, and American Markets of TAT, Siripakorn Chiaosamut, reported on Saturday, June 8, that he discussed the project with the Spanish ambassador in Thailand and found that Spanish people would…
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Deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya inspires with dedication and skill
A deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya has captured the admiration of netizens for his perseverance and dedication. Known as Kai, his story surfaced online after a local journalist saw him cleaning a tourist’s shoes on Pattaya Beach. Kai earns his living by offering shoe cleaning services to tourists. Despite being deaf and mute, he communicates with customers using a sign that…
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APEC tourism summit: Thailand to revamp Asia-Pacific tourism
Thailand has unveiled its ambitious plans for the 12th Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM12) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, set to take place in the Republic of Peru from June 5 to 9. Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri announced that this crucial summit will focus on acknowledging and endorsing the progress made under the APEC Tourism Working Group…
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Thailand goes green: Major push for sustainable tourism unveiled
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an ambitious plan to boost sustainable tourism, revealed at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024, held from June 5 to 7 in Phang Nga. A key highlight of these plans is hosting Asia’s second Tourism Cares summit in 2025. Partnering with the US-based NGO, this summit will focus on promoting regenerative…
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Bangkok Airways, SO/ Maldives eye growth in tourism boom
Bangkok Airways and luxury resort SO/ Maldives are optimistic about expanding their business in the Maldives, a popular destination among Thai tourists. The Maldives achieved a significant milestone in tourism last year, welcoming over 1.8 million visitors, the highest number in a year, according to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corp. Bangkok Airways resumed flights to the Maldives in…
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Kanchanaburi police race to rescue British teen’s lost luggage
Kanchanaburi Tourist Police swiftly responded to a report concerning a British teenager who yesterday left his shoulder bag on a taxi’s roof. The 19 year old man, identified as Southgate, had travelled from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and forgotten his bag, containing his passport, a 50 baht banknote, and some foreign currency, on the taxi’s roof upon arrival at his guesthouse.…
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Tourist association unveils 11-point plan to bolster tourism
The Federation of Thai Tourist Associations (FETTA) unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at revitalising Thailand’s tourism sector, proposing an 11-point strategy to bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness. Following extensive consultations with tourism entrepreneurs and private sector stakeholders, the plan aims to position Thailand as a leading global tourist destination. FETTA’s proposal encompasses a range of initiatives designed to enhance…
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Taste bud triumph: Time Out names Bangkok one of best food cities
Bangkok has been named the sixth-best city in the world for food by the renowned lifestyle magazine Time Out. The announcement was made today, June 5, bringing joy to many in Thailand’s capital. Chai Wacharong, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is thrilled with the news. Time Out, known for its focus on lifestyle,…
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New tax deductions approved to boost secondary city tourism
The Cabinet yesterday approved measures aimed at boosting tourism in secondary cities during the low season. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced that the new measures target both companies holding seminars and individuals travelling for leisure. Companies can now deduct expenses from corporate income tax for seminar rooms, accommodation, transport, and other related costs for domestic seminars held for employees,…
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Thai govt unveils tax measures to spark tourism surge
The Thai Cabinet today approved a series of tax measures aimed at boosting domestic tourism during the low season, announced the deputy finance minister. These measures will be in effect from May to November and include tax deductions for companies organising conventions and seminars, according to Paopoom Rojanasakul. Further initiatives target increased domestic travel to secondary cities by allowing income…
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Cathay Pacific delays new routes for full capacity takeoff
Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong’s flag carrier, will refrain from expanding into new routes until it achieves full capacity by early next year. Despite reaching 80% of its pre-pandemic capacity, Chairman Patrick Healy stated that speeding up the timeline “is not the right thing to do.” Healy revealed to the South China Morning Post that the airline has no immediate…
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UK warns British tourists to behave in Thailand or face jail time
The United Kingdom Foreign Office issued a travel warning to British tourists heading to Thailand ahead of the summer holidays: “Behave, or end up in jail!” The Foreign Office advised British holidaymakers flying to the Land of Smiles to be cautious of the new visa rules. “From 1 June 2024, British passport holders arriving by air or land can enter…
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Prehistoric tourism boost for Thailand as Jurassic World 4 rolls
Thailand will host the filming of Jurassic World 4, the latest instalment in the iconic Jurassic Park series providing an enormous boost to the nation’s tourism industry. The Department of Tourism’s Director General, Jaturon Phakdeewanit, announced that the production will span from today until mid-July, covering several locations such as Bangkok, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. This…
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