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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With World Kindness Day just two days away on November 13, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how empathy and care can make a real impact, not just in our relationships but in our health, too. This day is...
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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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Thailand eggs on dino-mite park proposal for roaring revenue
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proposed hatching a dinosaur-themed park in Khon Kaen to give tourism a Jurassic boost and bone-rattling revenue for the northeastern region. Seksan Sripraiwa, director of the Khon Kaen TAT office, urged the government to team up with the private sector to make this dino-mite project a reality, citing the region’s geological significance, including the…
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Thailand sees 60% rise in Indian tourists with new visa-free policy
Thai Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced the success of a visa-free policy for Indian tourists, effective from May 11 to November 11. This initiative aims to boost tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy. Bookings by Indian tourists surged by 60% between 2022 and last year, according to Airbnb. Searches for accommodations in Thailand by Indian tourists increased by over 200% during…
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Pattaya mayor takes action to prevent parasailing accidents
Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has called for urgent action following a worrying increase in accidents related to parasailing and other water activities. In a decisive meeting held on Friday, May 31, the mayor sat down with city and tourist police to discuss tightening regulations for parasailing operators. Currently, these operators offer an array of activities: from thrilling jet ski…
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Pattaya’s persistent peddlers: Foreign flower sellers annoy tourists
Reports have emerged once more on May 26 of a troublesome trend in Pattaya: foreigners with young children in tow, struggling to speak Thai, are pestering tourists by aggressively hawking flowers and candies. Despite polite refusals, these persistent peddlers continue to follow potential customers, even tugging at their arms, creating a significant nuisance for holidaymakers. Witnesses have also reported groups…
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Thailand’s Pride Month to attract 860,000 visitors
The Thai government is preparing to champion gender equality, anticipating that Pride Month activities will provide a significant economic boost. Deputy government spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit highlighted that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration had announced this initiative as he assumed office. “The government aims to foster a society that embraces diversity and equality across age, gender, religion, and social status, positioning…
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Thailand urged to support major theme parks
Thailand should offer robust support, including investment incentives and infrastructure development, to attract major theme park brands like Disney, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). IAAPA Board Chairman Wuthichai Luangamornlert emphasised that investors are inclined to develop attractions in destinations providing substantial support. China’s rail transport system was completed a year before the opening of…
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London couple ‘blown away’ by resort-like Thai airport (video)
A couple from London were utterly blown away by the stunning design of an airport in Thailand. Their video clip on TikTok via the account @dcandkd took viewers around the airport, amassing an impressive 146,900 views since its debut on March 26. Daniel, a 32 year old content creator and songwriter, and Nakita, a 27 year old content creator and…
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British man arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for illegal tour operations
Police arrested a British man in Koh Pha Ngan yesterday for illegally working as a tour guide, charging foreign tourists 70,000 baht each and enjoying free accommodations in Thailand. Reports received today detail that Deputy Superintendent of the Tourist Police Division 5, Sak Sirah Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, in collaboration with the district chief of Koh Phangan, had…
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Pattaya: Outrage as iconic Dolphin Fountain left high and dry
In a fiery city council meeting, Pattaya City Councillor Jidapha Suwathaphon spotlighted a troubling oversight: the Dolphin Roundabout fountain on North Pattaya Road remains an unsightly eyesore. “The dolphins have been motionless and dry since I assumed office.” Jidapha reminded the council that funds had already been approved to replace the fountain’s pumps. Despite this, no action has been taken.…
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Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy
A Pattaya City Council member issued a warning about the urgent need for tourist number controls and construction regulations on Koh Larn, an island now teetering on the brink due to its popularity. Phasakorn Yusoomboon, representing Pattaya District 1, voiced his concerns at the council meeting yesterday. He highlighted the island’s daily influx of over 10,000 tourists, with numbers soaring…
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Pattaya tourism aims for diverse travel experience beyond nightlife
The private tourism sector in Pattaya convened a workshop yesterday to discuss strategies for repositioning the city as a comprehensive travel destination, aiming to shift its reputation beyond just a nightlife and entertainment hub. Representatives from eight tourism associations, four tourism clubs, and major tour operators within Pattaya City and Chon Buri province attended the event. Government officials from the…
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Outrage as Chinese tourists let child urinate near sacred Thai site
A photograph of two Chinese tourists allowing their child to urinate on a path near Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok has ignited a heated online debate. The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, nestled within the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok, is a symbol of national pride and a key venue for state ceremonies. Formerly a royal residence, it…
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