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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Diving boat carrying tourists sinks near Surin Islands, two missing
The Heaven Tour diving boat sank in the sea around 4 miles away from the Surin Islands, following a trip with tourists for diving. The incident led to the disappearance of two individuals, with 14 being rescued. The search operation kicked off at 9am today, December 23. The Third Region Maritime Interests Promotion Center (SRP.3) revealed that they were informed…
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Pattaya floating market: Loss of Chinese tourists amidst safety concerns
In a bid to revive Pattaya‘s reputation, the operator of the iconic Pattaya Floating Market is sounding the alarm, urging authorities to dispel safety concerns that have plagued Thailand. Amidst the ongoing struggle for a tourism comeback, Sumaporn Srimuang, the market’s general manager, reveals shocking statistics and pleads for a shift in perception. “China remains the linchpin of Pattaya’s tourism,…
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Staggering investment of 150 billion baht in AOT airports
In a move set to revolutionise Thailand‘s air travel scene, Airports of Thailand (AOT) has unveiled ambitious plans for the construction of two new airports and a staggering investment of 150 billion baht. Speaking exclusively at the Section II: Next Step seminar on December 20, AOT’s dynamic CEO, Kirati Kitmanawat revealed plans for the Lanna and Andaman airports. These megastructures,…
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Resort creates stunning Christmas tree from recycled plastic
OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort has not only decked the halls but has also adorned its lobby with an extraordinary Christmas tree that’s more than just glitter and baubles. Step into a world where environmental responsibility meets festive flair, as this luxury resort in the heart of paradise unveils a sustainable masterpiece that’s turning heads and sparking conversations. Embracing the…
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Thai health charter chairman advocates for cannabis in wellness tourism
Dr Kampon Sriwatanakul, chairman of the Thailand National Charter of Health, has called for the adoption of a holistic wellness technique to leverage the potential of cannabis in bolstering the nation‘s tourism. He delivered these remarks at the 4th CISW MedCann Investment Summit 2023, which took place yesterday, December 20. The chairman advocated for a wellness tourism model revolving around…
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Phuket paradise beckons: TAT teams up with Saudia Airlines for tourism extravaganza
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined forces with Saudia Airlines, setting their sights on a jaw-dropping target of 300,000 arrivals and a staggering 27.68 billion baht in revenue. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool revealed ambitious plans after a high-stakes meeting in Riyadh with Saudia Airlines bigwigs. Thapanee disclosed discussions that could make this a game-changer for Saudi tourists seeking…
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Thai government ditches 300-baht fee for tourists: Massive insurance plan
In a bold move to restore tourist trust, Thailand‘s Tourism and Sports Ministry has abandoned the long-delayed 300-baht tourism fee and is now looking for another type of insurance for tourists. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading a grand plan to offer a whopping 500,000 baht coverage for injuries and a jaw-dropping 1 million baht in the event of a…
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Magical sunset kiss: Discover the hidden ‘Kissing Mountain Cave’ in Khao Sam Roi Yot
In the heart of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park lies a mesmerising secret: the Kissing Mountain Cave, an enchanting spectacle of rocks that come alive as a romantic silhouette during sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, witness nature’s own love story unfold. The rocks, strategically positioned, cast a shadow that resembles a tender kiss shared between two…
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PM Srettha reveals bold plans for seamless tourism and rice boost in regional summit
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed visionary plans to foster seamless tourism among Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The grand revelation unfolded during a high-profile meeting with the leaders of these nations on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit, celebrating Japan’s half-century collaboration with ASEAN countries. During a tête-à -tête with Vietnam President Võ Văn Thưởng, Srettha enthusiastically announced the revival of…
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Thailand’s growing spa industry (video)
President of the Thai Spa Association, Sunai Wachirawarakarn, or Nai, talks about the secrets behind Thailand‘s spa industry meteoric rise and unveils the trends reshaping the wellness landscape. The Thai Spa Association, a non-profit powerhouse dedicated to propelling Thailand’s spa industry, boasts 200 privileged members relishing perks like exclusive newsletters, seminars, and high-profile networking events. Across the Middle East, spa…
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Honesty prevails: Seafood restaurant staff’s noble act returns lost fortune to tourists
In a heartwarming twist of fate, a group of tourists, seemingly from the Middle East, narrowly escaped a financial catastrophe after leaving behind a bag loaded with 9,275 Dirhams and 105 US Dollars, totalling around 100,000 baht at the renowned Moom Aroi seafood restaurant in the Na Kluea area. On the evening of December 13, two women and two men…
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Thai tourism revolution: Duty-free ditch and booze bonanza
In a bold move set to redefine Thailand‘s tourism landscape, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to propose changes that could reshape the way tourists spend their cash. The Finance Ministry is set to pitch a revolutionary plan to Cabinet today, December 19, aiming to suspend duty-free shops in the arrivals section of all airports. Lavaron Sangsnit, the ministry’s permanent…
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Foreign buyers flock to Thailand’s tropical condos: Chinese and Russians lead
Foreign buyers such as the Chinese and Russian are dominating the condominium scene, turning Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket into international real estate playgrounds. A staggering 10,703 units, raking in a jaw-dropping 52.3 billion baht, exchanged hands in the nine months leading up to September, marking a whopping 38% surge from the previous year, according to the Real Estate Information Center,…
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Indian tourist influx in Thailand surpasses expectations due to visa exemptions
A significant influx of Indian tourists has been recorded in Thailand, reaching an impressive 1.5 million so far this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This figure surpasses the authority’s initial target, thanks to a newly introduced visa exemption scheme for Indian travellers. TAT’s Executive Director of ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Region, Patsee Permvongsenee, disclosed…
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Uzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor
Fakhriddin Sultanov, the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, yesterday, December 14. The visit marked a momentous occasion for Sultanov as it was his 36th trip to the popular Thai island. The delegation was warmly greeted, and the meeting was aimed at discussing potential cooperation between Phuket and…
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Thai tourism boom: 9,000 Chinese flock to Bangkok for game-changing conference
Thailand played host to a jaw-dropping 9,000 Chinese entrepreneurs, propelling the country into the limelight as the ultimate business and leisure destination. Amid the glitz and glamour of Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a conference on agricultural products and technology. Chinese agricultural and technology experts, as well as economic professionals, attended the…
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Thai tourism booms as over a quarter vow to return: Visa insights
A Visa study has uncovered that Thailand is set to witness a tourism surge with a whopping 28% of travellers who explored the country this year, expressing their firm intention to make a return within the next 12 months. The 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study by Visa, the largest and longest-running consumer insights study of its kind, has provided a…
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Bangkok’s Red Cross Fair at Lumpini: Where the fun never ‘cross’-es the deadline
The renowned Red Cross Fair, held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, is still going strong after it kicked off on December 8. Don’t miss out on the fun and frolics before the fair ends on December 18. A golden location within the event sees vendors bidding for the best spots. With a theme of Joyful Happiness at the Place of Giving,…
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Green dreams soar as TAT’s ESG extravaganza takes flight with Air Canada’s Bangkok bonanza
In a display of environmental commitment, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolled out the green carpet for 48 jet-setting delegates at the Air Canada Asia Pacific Sales Summit. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, nestled on the majestic Bangkok riverside, hosted this groundbreaking ESG activity in Thailand, marking the triumphant return of Air Canada’s Bangkok-Vancouver service on December…
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Why Chinese tourists snub Thailand: New favourites revealed
After 26 years of catering to Chinese tourists, a tour guide finds himself amid a revolution as travellers from Taiwan, India, and beyond take centre stage. Thailand, hopeful for a Chinese tourism resurgence post-pandemic, faces an unexpected plot twist as a surge of Taiwanese visitors, in particular, reshapes the narrative. Saichon Chounchou now handles a 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists.…
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Irishman’s life hangs by a thread after mosquito bite in Thailand
A truck driver from Cork, Ireland, is fighting for his life in a Bangkok hospital after an unexpected twist of fate following a rare mosquito bite in Thailand. The Burke family now faces daily bills of 2,700 euros (103,213 baht) for his intensive care, leaving them in a desperate plea for help. Originally planning to return home on November 19,…
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Thai-Saudi economic extravaganza: Mega Fair 2023 takes Riyadh by storm
The Thailand Mega Fair 2023 descended upon the Arena Riyadh, heralding a four-day fiesta of premium Thai products and services that has the Saudi Arabian capital buzzing with excitement until Saturday, December 16. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, doubling as deputy prime minister, kicked off the festivities with an inauguration that not only marked the start of the grand event but…
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Nightly temples extravaganza: Bangkok’s spiritual spectacle lights up the sky
In a dazzling celebration of tradition and spirituality, Bangkokians are set to bask in the mesmerising glow of the city’s temples after dark. The much-anticipated Illuminated 10 Temples and National Museum event promises a spiritual journey like no other, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to bid adieu to the old year and embrace the dawn of the new…
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Thailand’s tourism authority plans strategy revamp to boost visitor spending
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting its sights on revamping its strategies to rejuvenate tourist spending, which has experienced a notable decline since the onset of the pandemic. Foreign tourists’ expenditure has dipped from an average of 50,000 baht to 42,000 baht. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday urged TAT executives and domestic offices to reignite tourism expenditure. He…
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Vietnamese culinary wonderland: Thailand’s first official Vietnam town
Thailand just welcomed its very own Vietnam town, officially recognised and inaugurated on December 9 by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Thailand’s northeast province of Udon Thani, about 550 kilometres from Bangkok, witnessed the grand opening of Vietnam town at Alley No. 2 on Si Suk Street. National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed confidence in the town’s success,…
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Vietnamese jetsetters flock to Thailand and Taiwan as domestic airfares soar
In a year-end revelation, Google’s search engine trends have unveiled a surprising travel trajectory for the Vietnamese populace, with overseas destinations topping the charts amid escalating domestic airfares. The search giant’s findings disclosed a fervent interest in international getaways, presenting a shift in travel preferences for 2023. Taiwan, with its captivating allure, emerged as the undisputed leader, dominating the list…
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Malaysia and Singapore lure Chinese travellers with visa-free policies
The Chinese traveller market could see a significant rise to 7 million arrivals next year as Malaysia and Singapore become increasingly attractive due to reciprocal visa-free policies. Thailand, however, has yet to secure such an agreement with China. Following the introduction of a visa exemption for Malaysians, Beijing is speculated to extend a 30-day visa exemption to Singapore in the…
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Thailand extends visa-free entry for Japanese business visitors
Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to extend the 30-day visa-free entry privilege for Japanese visitors. The update, effective from January 1 next year, now includes Japanese business travellers. The Cabinet, convening today, December 12, waved the magic wand on a proposal brought forth by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang spilt the beans, sharing that…
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PTT’s OR diversifies with budget hotels and community malls at petrol stations
PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) is renewing its focus on diversifying its non-oil business ventures, with plans to construct budget hotels within its petrol stations and incorporate community malls catering to tourists. The company’s President and Chief Executive, Disathat Panyarachun, shared these developments. The next quarter will see OR onboarding a business consultant to oversee the hotel project.…
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Tourists evicted from makeshift camp on Patong Beach, Phuket
An unexpected event unfolded on the sandy shores of Patong Beach when a group of international tourists found themselves in a bit of a pickle with the local authorities. Having set up a makeshift camp, complete with a tent on the beach, they were informed by the Phuket Tourist Police that such arrangements were simply not allowed. The incident came…
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