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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Baht-ing the bullet: Thailand to cash in on tourists with fee
Thailand is gearing up to introduce a 300 baht tourism fee for all foreign visitors starting in 2025, just in time for the bustling peak travel season. The news comes courtesy of Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who shared that the levy is designed to ease the financial burden currently shouldered by the government to assist tourists in emergencies…
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Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025, showcasing global art
Phuket is set to become a global art hotspot as the Thailand Biennale 2025 gears up to showcase a fusion of contemporary creativity and natural beauty. The Ministry of Culture officially launched the event’s first group of participating artists during a press conference at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Thursday, February 27. With the theme Eternity, the international…
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Top US Navy official praises Pattaya police for flawless security
In a high-profile visit that highlighted Pattaya’s growing reputation for safety and security, Luu Pham, Assistant Force Protection Attaché from the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) at the US Embassy in Thailand, met with Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyaphong Ensarn, head of Pattaya Tourist Police Station, to commend the city’s exceptional security measures. The meeting, held amidst the bustling backdrop…
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British family races to save loved one after Thailand crash
A British family finds themselves in a race against time as they strive to bring their comatose loved one back home after a horrific bike crash in Thailand. Desperate to raise £100,000, the famly has turned to kind-hearted Brits for help. In a heart-wrenching saga, the family of Okemena Sule, a 30 year old British man, is locked in a…
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Thailand offers 50% travel subsidy: 1 million vouchers available
Thailand’s Tourism Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, has announced a bold plan to boost domestic tourism with a 3.5 billion baht budget request to fund the new We Travel Together programme. The scheme will offer Thai tourists 50% subsidies on hotel rooms and meals from May to September, with one million vouchers up for grabs. The proposed programme aims to revitalise the…
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Thailand to introduce 300-baht tourism tax
Thailand is set to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign visitors by the end of this year, sparking debate over its potential impact on the travel industry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the fee is expected to take effect during Thailand’s High Season, provided it is approved and published in the Royal Gazette by March. The…
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Thailand to boost tourism with ‘Thai Charm’ and must-visit cities
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced that in 2025, the primary strategy to attract global tourists to Thailand will focus on emphasising Thai pride through Thai Charm or soft power. This will be coupled with promoting Must-Visit Cities to create valuable experiences that stimulate travel demand, expand market bases, and increase travel frequency and distribution…
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Thailand still top choice for Chinese tourists despite decline
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) addressed claims that Chinese tourist numbers have plunged by 94%, with many supposedly opting to travel to Japan instead. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool confirmed that Thailand remains the top destination for Chinese tourists. She suggested that the recent decline might be linked to the government’s crackdown on call centre scams. Thapanee highlighted that despite…
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New horizons: Norse Atlantic soars with Gatwick to Bangkok route
Norse Atlantic Airways announced the launch of a new direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok, promising passengers an enticing journey without breaking the bank. Set to take off on Sunday, October 26 this year, the new service will operate up to four times a week, with return fares starting from just £295 (12,500 baht) taxes included. The announcement comes…
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Israeli embassy urges tourists to follow new behaviour guidelines
The Israeli Embassy in Thailand has introduced guidelines aimed at promoting a positive image of Israeli nationals in Thailand, following criticisms over perceived disruptive behaviour in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. On February 21, the embassy posted on its Facebook page a set of behavioural recommendations for Israelis visiting Thailand. This move was in response to concerns from Thai citizens…
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White Lotus season 3 boosts Koh Samui tourism by 88%
The third season of the HBO series The White Lotus has led to an 88% increase in Internet searches for Koh Samui and a 44% rise in hotel bookings on the island, according to tourism executives. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) predicts that Koh Samui may not experience a low season this year due to the popularity of the…
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Cheers: Thailand’s booze rules shake-up promises economic tonic
In a move that could pop the cork on a 100-billion-baht economic boom, Thailand is considering scrapping its afternoon booze sales ban: a measure that could turn holidaymakers’ frowns upside down and get tills ringing right across the Land of Smiles. Industry leaders are raising a glass to the potential windfall, with the promise that lifting these restrictions could lure…
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India offers free 30-day visa for Thai tourists until end of the year
To boost Thai tourist arrivals and balance the growing number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand, India is offering Thai travellers a 30-day visa-free entry until the end of 2025. The Indian government announced that Thai visitors could now apply for an e-tourist visa online without paying any entry fee, encouraging more Thais to explore India. The Indian embassy in Thailand…
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Thailand’s biometric system overloaded with 50 million records
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has hit a critical roadblock, with its biometric system reaching its maximum capacity of 50 million records, preventing new foreign arrivals from being automatically recorded. The bureau is now forced to manually document arrivals and rely on an online database for security checks until a new system is developed. Police Colonel Neti Khanboon, commander of the database…
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Thailand’s tourist influx generates over 270 billion baht revenue
Thailand has experienced a significant influx of over 5.5 million international tourists between January 1 and February 16, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports under the leadership of Sorawong Thienthong. This surge in visitors has resulted in the generation of more than 270 billion baht (US$8 billion) in revenue, playing a crucial role in the country’s ongoing…
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US searches for Koh Samui soar after The White Lotus premiere
Thailand is basking in the international spotlight following the season premiere of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus, which showcases the stunning island of Koh Samui as its primary filming location. Since the premiere, Agoda has reported a remarkable 12% surge in accommodation searches for Koh Samui, with interest from the United States skyrocketing by 65% compared to last month’s…
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Thailand launches new luxury bus service to Pattaya and Hua Hin
Thailand is about to rescue those arriving in the Land of Smiles lost in a sea of taxis with a new first-class bus service that’s set to redefine airport transfers from Bangkok, to Pattaya and Hua Hin. Thailand’s state-run Transport Co., is ready to roll out a swanky first-class bus service starting on March 8, promising to make the dreary…
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Le Méridien Chiang Rai partners with AirAsia MOVE
Travellers looking for the perfect winter escape now have even more reasons to visit Chiang Rai as Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort joins forces with AirAsia MOVE, the travel booking platform of Capital A, to offer seamless access to the enchanting northern Thai city. With direct international flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai operated by AirAsia, plus connections from…
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Boatload of change: Phuket makes waves with water transport plan
Phuket is set to make a splash with an innovative plan to tackle its notorious traffic woes—by taking to the water. In a bid to ease the island’s increasing congestion, local officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall’s Smart Operations Center yesterday, February 17, to explore the integration of water transport systems, with a focus on a pioneering ‘Boat Taxi’ project.…
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Thailand considers lifting train alcohol ban to boost tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) intends to propose lifting the current ban on alcohol sales on trains at the upcoming meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee scheduled for Friday, February 21. Previously, the committee, under the Public Health Ministry, had rejected a similar proposal due to concerns it could prove more detrimental than beneficial. Public Health Minister Somsak…
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Thailand urged to target older tourists to boost tourism revenue
A scholar from Thammasat University is advocating for Thailand’s government to target older tourists, who are known for longer stays and higher spending, as part of its tourism strategy. The government has designated 2025 as the year of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports, with the objective of drawing 40 million international tourists and generating a minimum of 3 trillion…
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Tourism surge in Pai threatens cultural identity and local harmony
Mae Hong Son‘s northern region of Thailand, known for its natural beauty and vibrant backpacking scene, faces challenges due to a surge in tourism. The district of Pai, once a serene market village surrounded by rice fields, hot springs, and rivers, has transformed into a bustling tourist destination. Its bohemian spirit, affordable lifestyle, and lively nightlife draw backpackers who often…
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Pattaya’s Oman roadshow draws huge tourism interest
Pattaya is making waves in the Middle East. City officials and business leaders landed in Muscat, Oman, to showcase Pattaya’s tourism charm, drawing overwhelming interest from local tour operators. Pattaya City, in partnership with the Chon Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya Office, hosted the Pattaya Roadshow to Muscat at the Sheraton Oman Hotel on…
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Pattaya’s iconic sign gets a dazzling upgrade
Pattaya City’s famous hillside sign is getting a stunning new look, with a high-tech lighting upgrade set to be completed by February 27. Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai recently inspected the site on Pratumnak Hill, where contractors demonstrated the state-of-the-art lighting system. “The Pattaya City sign has been a landmark for over 20 years, but time has taken its toll. This…
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Thailand’s MMA boom in 2025: How the Land of Muay Thai is embracing mixed martial arts
Thailand, long celebrated as the birthplace of Muay Thai, is experiencing a dynamic shift in its combat sports landscape. In 2025, the nation is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), signalling a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in the fighting arts. Historically, Muay Thai has been the cornerstone of Thailand’s martial arts identity.…
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DASTA backs Phu Kradueng cable car feasibility study
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has expressed support for the government’s proposal to conduct a feasibility study on a cable car project within Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province. DASTA director Thitipong Khiawpaisan stated that Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong instructed the agency to undertake the study of this contentious project. The study will encompass…
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French tourist’s trip to Koh Tao turns into cabbage truck chaos
A French tourist’s dream trip to Koh Tao in Surat Thani took an unexpected turn when he ended up stranded in Doi Tao, Chiang Mai, due to a miscommunication. His misadventure didn’t end there, while hitchhiking south he lost his wallet in Suphan Buri. But thanks to kind locals and police, he was able to recover it and continue his…
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Thailand hotel room rates soar by 15% amid travel demand surge
Hotel room rates in Thailand increased by an average of 15% from 2023, as reported by SiteMinder, an e-commerce platform assisting hotels with direct and third-party bookings. This growth distinguishes Thailand as the only country with double-digit expansion. The Hotel Booking Trends report from SiteMinder, which analysed over 125 million reservations, indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) in Thailand…
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Iran seeks to boost tourism ties with Thailand
Iran aims to enhance tourism exchanges with Thailand, as stated by its ambassador during an event celebrating Iran’s National Day in Bangkok on Tuesday, February 11. Nassereddin Heidari, the Iranian envoy in Bangkok, highlighted that over 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand as tourists last year, establishing it as a favoured destination. Iran hopes to see this figure rise. Tehran is eager…
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More planes to take off as Thailand summer travel surges
Thailand’s skies are set to get busier as flights increase across major airports under the new northern summer schedule, which kicks off next month. With international travel rebounding, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed a significant rise in flight slots at the nation’s busiest airports. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has secured 1,202 daily flight…
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