Tourism News
Get your daily dose of Tourism News in Thailand with the latest updates on exciting destinations, events, and travel industry developments. We provide relevant and insightful information about Thailand’s diverse travel scene, which includes innovative hospitality trends, cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism practices. Stay informed on various tourism-related matters, including visa policies and major infrastructure projects, to ensure you’re always one step ahead in the vibrant world of travel.
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Sponsored 5 best wine bars in Bangkok offering rich and quality wine
It’s wine o’clock! Whether you’re all about fruity reds, sweet whites, or funky naturals, Bangkok has many great spots to sip your favourite varieties. But with an array of options to choose from, and the constant rise and fall of...
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Thai hotel industry resists proposed minimum wage hike
The tourism industry has voiced its concerns over the recent approval by the tripartite wage committee to increase the minimum wage to 400 baht for four-star hotels in 10 key tourism cities, beginning with the Songkran holiday. Hoteliers argue that the implementation of the wage hike is unjust as the recovery from the pandemic has been uneven across the targeted…
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Chiang Mai tourism expects rebound despite hotel booking slump
Chiang Mai, once bustling with tourists, has been grappling with a slump in hotel bookings as recorded on Wednesday. The Northern Thai Hotels Association advisor, La-iad Bungsrithong, disclosed that the reservations were only 30% full compared to the beginning of April last year. However, she projected a silver lining in the looming clouds of despair. The occupancy would bounce back…
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Koh Samui sees tourism surge as summer heats up
Foreign tourists have been descending in droves on Koh Samui, Surat Thani, with local media reporting that the island’s tranquil environment and idyllic beaches are proving irresistible to visitors. Wednesday saw Bangkok Airways completely booked for 43 flights throughout the month, suggesting a daily influx of over 4,500 individuals to the popular island. Koh Samui, known for its relaxing atmosphere,…
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Malaysian tourists inquire Thai immigration arrival card exemption
Inquiries from Malaysian tourists have flooded hotel operators, eager for the inside scoop on Thailand’s immigration policy regarding the exemption of arrival cards for travellers from Malaysia. Songchai Mungprasitthichai, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, revealed that Malaysians are particularly curious about potential extensions beyond the current expiry date of April 30. Travellers from all corners of the globe…
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Bangkok travel: Airbnb’s ultimate creative guide revealed
Airbnb has rolled out its inaugural city guide, Airbnb Creative Guide to Bangkok, shedding light on the capital’s creative hubs, diverse neighbourhoods, and local influencers. Aligned with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) mission to foster creative tourism and amplify Thailand’s soft power on the global stage, this guide is a collaborative effort, drawing insights from prominent Thai tastemakers and revered…
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Thai tourism federation calls for urgent supply development
The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) has revealed its intention to present an urgent demand for supply development to the government. The appeal is due to a rising demand that is overburdening the existing infrastructure. This was disclosed by FETTA Secretary-General Adith Chairattananon. Adith explained that while the government has been keen on stimulating demand by granting visa exemptions…
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Chiang Mai ranked among top budget-friendly retirement locations
The lively and diverse city of Chiang Mai in Thailand has been listed among 13 budget-friendly global locations where couples can retire and live comfortably on a modest sum of US$1,500 per month, according to a new survey from International Living. The city, an eclectic mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and foreign residents, is celebrated for its rich history, culture,…
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Visa-free travel sparks surge in Thai-Chinese tourism expectations
A recent measure granting visa-free travel between Thailand and China has sparked a surge in tourism expectations. As per the reports collected by five Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices located in Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, it’s predicted that tourism between the two nations could dramatically rise by the end of 2024. The visa-exemption agreement, which has…
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Surfs up as Patong Beach launches safety sandbox for tourists
Phuket’s esteemed Patong Beach hosted a riveting safety demonstration for the Minister of Health, yesterday. The demonstration, which included surf life-saving techniques and appropriate medical responses to common injuries, was part of the grand launch of the Phuket Island Safety Sandbox scheme. This initiative is designed to reaffirm the island’s commitment to safety, thus reassuring tourists of a secure vacation…
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Thai-China high-speed rail set to boost ASEAN connectivity
Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang projected a significant enhancement in the collaboration between Thailand and China upon the conclusion of the anticipated high-speed rail project. The statement came during a seminar addressing the economic ties between the two nations and the Thai-China visa-free agreement, held by the Thai-Chinese Journalists Association recently. The ambassador emphasised that the completion of the Thai-China high-speed…
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Songkran festival in Chiang Mai to draw in millions of tourists
Anticipation builds as the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai, set to span 10 days, is projected to pull in millions of tourists, raking in an estimated 20 billion baht in revenue. This year’s observance of the festival, scheduled from April 7 to 17, is particularly special as it not only seeks to uphold the local Lanna culture but also marks…
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Chao Phraya Princess enhances cruise services to boost tourism
Thailand’s tourism industry is witnessing a revival, with operators enhancing their services to attract the global inflow of tourists. A sought-after experience for many first-time visitors in Bangkok is a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the country’s main thoroughfare. Chao Phraya Princess, among the largest river cruise operators, has weathered several crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic. To survive…
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Rouble trouble: Russian woman fined for assaulting pregnant Thai
The violent Russian woman who blamed her period for assaulting a pregnant Thai woman in Koh Pha Ngan has been fined 500 baht and handed a suspended 15-day jail sentence. Immigration authorities in Surat Thani are deliberating whether to revoke her visa due to the criminal offence. Alena Kupriyanova, the Russian woman in question, confessed to kicking the shop owner,…
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Hong Kong man arrested in Phuket for illegal tour operations
A 31 year old man from Hong Kong has been apprehended in the tourist hotspot of Phuket. The arrest occurred in a car park close to the iconic Phuket Big Buddha, officially known as Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri, on Nakkerd Hill in the Mueang district’s Karon Subdistrict, yesterday around 5pm. The local tourist police disclosed that Wong Tsz Kin has…
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Thailand and India sign MoU for more flights
India and Thailand penned a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on air services. The bilateral MoU will further enhance the capacities of airlines operating between the two countries, aiming at strengthening people-to-people and economic ties. Currently, the aerial bridge between India and Thailand is bustling, with Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara ensuring a seamless flow of travellers and tales…
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Phayao to become Thailand’s next eco-tourism hotspot
In a move set to transform Phayao into Thailand’s next eco-tourism hotspot, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, unleashed a whopping 300 million baht across 13 projects. This ambitious blueprint not only aims to catapult Phayao onto the global sustainable travel map but also promises a future where rubber farmers rejoice over record-breaking profits. PM Srettha, who also…
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Thailand targets diverse travel groups to boost tourism revenue
Thailand‘s aim of generating 3.5 trillion baht (US$97 billion) in tourism revenue this year requires a broader appeal beyond just leisure travellers to be competitive with other destinations, as per Dusit International. Suphajee Suthumpun, the CEO of Dusit Group, pointed out that while the new visa-free scheme is likely to ease travel, it alone would not suffice to boost revenue.…
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Thai cops uncover British man’s drug stash in Phuket
A British man is facing a lifetime behind bars after Thai cops swooped on his hotel room and reportedly found a significant stash of illegal drugs. The British man, Stephen Mullady, was arrested on the spot for suspected cocaine dealing. The father of one, who had been socialising with friends, was arrested by Thai police who allegedly uncovered various illegal…
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Thailand anticipates American tourism influx due to Songkran
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is anticipating a robust tourism influx from North and South America this year, with a projection of at least 1.5 million tourists – a figure that mirrors the 2019 statistics. This surge is attributed to the confluence of the Songkran celebrations and the Easter holiday in April. Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle…
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Thai Cabinet grants 300 million baht for northern provinces
A significant financial boost of 300 million baht (US$8.3 million) has been granted by the Thai Cabinet for the development of 13 projects aimed at tourism growth across four northern provinces; Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Nan. The decision was made during a mobile meeting in Phayao, overseen by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his two-day visit to the region.…
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Thai airlines gear up for Songkran splashdown with extra flights
Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet are gearing up for the Songkran festival, a major annual event in Thailand. With an expectation of a surge in travel demand, these airlines have announced the addition of extra flights and ticket discounts to accommodate this rise. Thai Airways International yesterday announced that it would supplement…
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Smokin’ setback: Forest fires force Bangkok Airways flight cancellations
Bangkok Airways had to cancel six flights at Mae Hong Son Airport this month due to smoke arising from widespread forest fires in the province. Bangkok Airways yesterday, March 18, cancelled flight PG 205, which runs from Bangkok to Lampang and then Mae Hong Son because the thick smoke affected the pilots’ visibility. Chiang Mai News reported that the flight…
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Plans for new airport in northern Thailand set to take off
Plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, yesterday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si…
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Mid-air drama: Man’s attempted suicide on Thailand to UK flight
Breaking news has emerged regarding a man’s attempted suicide on a flight from Thailand to the United Kingdom on Friday. The aircraft was forced to undergo an emergency landing at a London airport after a passenger reportedly tried to take his own life in a cabin toilet. The EVA Air BR67 flight from Bangkok to London had started its descent…
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Jetstar flight fiasco: Passengers grounded as 24 hour delays soar
Jetstar Airways faced criticism from passengers when a flight from Bangkok to Singapore was delayed by more than 24 hours. The low-budget airline came under fire after 161 passengers found themselves stranded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Wednesday, March 13. Passengers were scheduled to board Jetstar Asia flight 3K516 for a 1.35pm departure, Singapore time, with an arrival at Changi…
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Tasty travels: Thai SELECT campaign spices up tourism
The Travel, Taste, Eat Thai SELECT campaign, a collaboration between the Commerce Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has been unveiled. This initiative is part of a soft power strategy aimed at promoting and bolstering Thai businesses, particularly certified Thai SELECT restaurants. The Deputy Commerce Minister, Napintorn Srisunpang, emphasised that the campaign is designed to ensure these establishments meet…
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Thailand Tourism Festival held in Bangkok from March 28
The 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival will be held from March 28 to April 1 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this year’s festival promises a spectacle of unparalleled experiences, blending tradition with innovation and sustainability. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that the Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 will incorporate…
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Centara sets on becoming Top 100 global hotel operator by 2027
2024 is set to be a momentous year for Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator. The company is rolling out an ambitious plan to open new properties, refresh its brands, and introduce exciting experiences for guests, aiming to become a top destination for travellers and one of the world’s leading hotel operators by 2027. Centara laid solid foundations…
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Phuket ramps up tourist security measures ahead of visa-free travel
The national commander of the Tourist Police, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, and Police Major General Manat Sriwongsa, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, arrived in Phuket yesterday in a bid to enhance the safety and convenience for tourists visiting the popular holiday destination. The visit saw them accompanied by Police Major General Phopphon Chakkaphak, Commander of Tourist Police Division…
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Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. The Thai prime minister’s announcement…
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