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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
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Em District sees retail growth amid economic uncertainty in Thailand
Despite the economic uncertainty, Em District, the retail operator, witnessed growth from high-spending customers at its three malls in the final quarter of 2023. The chief executive, Kriengsak Tantiphipop, confirmed that Thailand continues to attract foreign tourists, leading to increased footfall from both local and international visitors, particularly high-spending independent tourists. Kriengsak observed that while the influx of Chinese tourists…
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CPN predicts 20% retail sales surge due to Chinese New Year and tax scheme
Central Pattana (CPN), a SET-listed firm, is forecasting a 20% surge in retail sales for the first quarter, attributing the anticipated boost to the Chinese New Year festival and the Thai government’s Easy E-Receipt scheme. The company predicts a cash flow of 15 billion baht across all Central shopping mall branches. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, the chief marketing officer of CPN, expressed…
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PM Srettha’s official visit to Chiang Mai aims to boost Thai tourism and tackle PM2.5
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday embarked on an official visit to Chiang Mai with a delegation to inspect key government policy projects such as transportation network systems, measures to tackle PM2.5 dust particles, and tourism promotion initiatives. During the three-day scheduled trip from January 10-12, PM Srettha encountered the renowned Lieutenant Somboon Banchamek, also known as Buakaw, who was training…
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Pattaya City courts elderly Chinese tourists with square dance champions
Pattaya City officials extended a warm welcome to the Chinese square dance champions on Tuesday, January 9, marking a strategic move to boost tourism and instil assurance for elderly Chinese tourists. It was Siwat Boongerd, Pattaya’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, who greeted the Chinese victors of the square dance contest during a ceremony at Pattaya Beach. This welcoming event was not…
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PM Srettha seeks extension to visa-free countries list for Thai passport
Currently boasting entry to 34 nations without a visa, the Thai government is seeking to extend this list for Thai passport holders. In a recent Cabinet meeting, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin announced his pursuit of a much more powerful Thai passport that will extend the list of visa-free countries. Applauding recent expansions, including visa-free access to China, Russia, and…
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Chinese tourists search for new experiences in Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reveals that travel trends of Chinese tourists have shifted, no longer visiting Thailand in large tour groups. Data from the TAT and ATTA roadshow to China 2023 revealed a seismic shift towards independent and small-group travel, with groups of six to eight stealing the show. Nonglux Yooyendee, the director of TAT’s Shanghai office disclosed that…
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Man warns not to touch glass globe under direct sunlight at temple in Phetchabun (video)
A TikTok user posted a video warning others not to touch a glass globe at Wat Pha Son Kaew, Phetchabun province. The user, @supalack_laijaroen,posted: “Unexpected event at Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. Don’t accidentally touch the crystal ball like me, haha. (No drama, anyone who wants to try it out is welcome).” The young man in the video showed his burnt…
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The White Lotus blooms with new A-listers for season 3 set in Thailand (video)
HBO‘s The White Lotus announced yet another stunning A-list cast for its highly anticipated third season set in Thailand. Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, Dom Hetrakul, and Tayme Thapthimthong are set to join the gripping comedy-drama, promising an explosive mix of talent and intrigue. Season one’s Natasha Rothwell is making a comeback, reprising her Emmy-nominated role as…
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Hong Kong Kowloon City to host Songkran festivities and more to boost tourism
Hong Kong’s District Councils are on a mission to rejuvenate the city’s allure, unveiling a host of creative proposals to entice locals and tourists alike. Kowloon City District Council is taking the lead with an electrifying idea – the Kowloon City Thai Vibes with food and water-splashing carnival. Aimed at celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran, the festivities promise an…
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Thailand-China visa-free deal to boost Chinese tourist influx by 57%
The visa-free arrangement between Thailand and China, effective from March 1, is predicted to cause a 57% surge in Chinese visitors this year, boosting the total foreign arrivals to 33 million. Analysts suggest this development offers an opportunity for investors to gradually accumulate travel stocks. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the reciprocal visa-free scheme on Tuesday, January 2, following…
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Pattaya targets 27 million tourists in 2024 with robust strategies
Thai government officials have set their sights on ambitious targets and goals to bounce back from the economic fallout caused by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in 2024. Pattaya, whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism, amounting to about 90%, was majorly impacted as it has not yet fully recovered to the 2019 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand…
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Thailand’s tourism operators question 40 million visitors target
The government’s ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors is viewed as daunting by Thailand tourism operators, considering factors such as high travel costs, diminished demand in big markets such as China and Russia, and competition from surrounding nations. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, who heads the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation, pinpointed the stagnant Chinese market as a significant issue,…
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LA orthodontist’s narrow escape from electrocution in Thailand
When a Los Angeles-based orthodontist‘s dream Thai vacation took a horrifying turn, it shocked social media with her Instagram and TikTok followers expressing their concern and support. Dr Cara Hodgson, boasting a considerable online following of 25,500 on Instagram and 97,000 on TikTok, usually shares glimpses of her jet-setting lifestyle and dental tips. However, her recent revelation about a life-threatening…
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Japan Airlines cancel 130 flights amid Haneda Airport runway repair
Approximately 130 flights were cancelled today by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) as the fallout from Tuesday’s accident at Haneda Airport continues to impact operations. The cancellation was necessitated after a collision between a JAL passenger plane and a Japanese coast guard plane at the airport. Reports indicate that one of Haneda Airport’s four runways remains…
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100% recovery predicted for Thailand’s hospitality sector
In an exclusive interview, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the Thai Hotel Association (THA) President, shared her optimism about Thailand‘s tourism prospects, predicting a remarkable comeback from the pandemic’s impact by the latter half of 2024. “2023 saw Thai hotels at a 60% occupancy rate, down from the pre-Covid glory of 75% in 2019. However, with more flights to Thailand and a…
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Phuket continues promotion as timeless destination to boost tourism
Championed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s (TAT) local office, Phuket is set to continue its promotion as a timeless destination, void of an official low season. Director Lertchai Wangtrakuldee confirms this strategy following the significant triumph of last year when the resort province achieved its arrival and revenue targets ahead of schedule. By the end of November, the visitor…
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Thailand’s tourism authority faces challenge to boost foreign arrivals
With a significantly decreased budget from its 2019 benchmark, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) faces the daunting task of increasing foreign arrivals from 28 million in 2023 to 40 million in just a year. The drastic goal was deliberated on Tuesday when Chai Wacharonke, a government spokesperson, revealed potential plans to boost arrivals to this figure, spurred by new…
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Russian upper class take over Phuket properties
Phuket has become a playground for Russia’s wealthy elite, causing property prices to skyrocket by 15 to 20%. Amidst Thailand’s tourism boom and the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, affluent Russians are making Phuket their long-term home, revealed Maetapong Upatising, president of the Phuket Real Estate Association. “Phuket’s allure lies in its world-class amenities, including an international airport, schools, golf…
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Tourists numbers to return to pre-covid in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the picturesque northern Thai capital, last year witnessed a jaw-dropping 30% plunge in tourism, with a mere 3.9 million visitors gracing its vibrant landscapes last year, in stark contrast to the 5.6 million footfalls pre-Covid in 2019. This startling data, unveiled by social enterprise Visit Chiang Mai, paints a gloomy picture for the once-thriving tourist hotspot. A closer…
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Thai PM gives ultimatum on Mor Chit 2 bus terminal
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a stern warning to a Transport Company chief, threatening dire consequences if the Mor Chit 2 interprovincial bus terminal isn’t swiftly improved. The ultimatum comes on the heels of public outrage and scathing remarks from Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, who exposed the terminal’s grim conditions. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke declared yesterday, January…
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Thai industries foresee slow growth, tourism still below 2019 levels
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) anticipates sluggish growth for the steel and internal combustion engine (ICE) industries this year, whilst the tourism sector remains unlikely to reach 2019 levels. FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul emphasised the need for economic measures to support certain industries due to these projected declines. The steel and iron industry faces a slowdown as state construction…
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Pattaya’s tourism tide: Aims to lure 27 million visitors, making waves under local authority’s watch
The coastal city of Pattaya, under the auspices of the local tourism authority, sets its sights on drawing an impressive 27 million visitors this year. Urai Mukpradapthong, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s Pattaya office, revealed this target, noting that it isn’t ambitious given the predicted number of tourists last year, which is expected to have hit the…
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Bangkok City Pillar Shrine flooded with devotees with new year wishes
Believers swarmed the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine on the occasion of welcoming another new year, seeking celestial blessings for a triumphant start to 2024. The usually tranquil shrine, nestled on Lak Mung Road in the Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang sub-district of Phra Nakhon district, witnessed an unprecedented surge of faithful on New Year’s Eve, extending their spiritual quests well into…
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Thailand and China to implement mutual visa-free travel from March
Beginning in March, Thailand and China will roll out a mutual visa-free agreement. This arrangement means that citizens from both countries will not need to apply for visas when travelling to the other country. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after a Cabinet meeting, and it will take effect from the first day of March. The initiative…
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Thailand mulls tax-free local alcohol to boost economy and tourism
A breaking development unfolded at 10.10am yesterday, January 2, with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin making a significant announcement after a Cabinet meeting centred on boosting international tourism and the national economy. The Thai government is contemplating overhauling the excise taxes and duties structures, with an eye on making Thai local alcoholic beverages tax-free and prompting a review of related…
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Eight new Thai airlines set to launch amid anticipated travel recovery
This year, eight new Thai airlines are set for take off, anticipating a continued recovery in leisure travel and anticipating around 35 million foreign tourists. Among them is Cool Airlines, which intends to provide scheduled services on medium to long-haul international routes. This comes following approval from the Ministry of Transport for operating licenses, as stated by the Civil Aviation…
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Thailand and China agree on permanent visa-free travel from March
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today announced a new permanent visa-free agreement between Thailand and China during a Cabinet meeting. This arrangement, set to start on March 1, will allow citizens from both nations to travel to each other’s countries without prior visa applications. This move marks an enhancement to Thailand’s existing visa-free policy for Chinese visitors, initially slated to run…
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Uncontrolled firework display endangers tourists at Phu Thap Boek
A distressing incident unfolded at Phu Thap Boek, a popular tourist attraction in Thailand, where tourists were endangered by stray fireworks. As the countdown to the new year progressed, a lack of control over the fireworks displays resulted in a chaotic spectacle, putting visitors’ safety at risk. A social media post from an affected tourist shed light on the alarming…
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Phuket welcomes 2024 with soaring tourist numbers and an 8 billion baht boost
Thailand’s famed island paradise of Phuket has just witnessed an impressive upswing in tourist numbers over the new year break. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office has confirmed that the island has welcomed a remarkable 265,000 visitors, contributing more than 8 billion baht to the local economy. The head of the TAT Phuket office, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, provided these…
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Heavy traffic in Phuket forces travellers to allocate extra time
Phuket International Airport is once again reminding those scheduled to fly out of the island to factor in additional travel time to reach the airport. This advice, which was initially issued for the new year period, has been reiterated due to persistent heavy traffic on the island’s main roads. This renewed call for travellers to allocate an extra two to…
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