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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Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amidst global economy concerns
The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism. The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Chamnan Srisawat, announced that the second quarter’s score was two points lower than the prior quarter…
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Passenger’s botched domestic flight sparks questions about airline accountability
A heated online discussion was sparked when a disgruntled passenger shared his exasperating domestic flight experience. His intended short journey from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang, taking off at 7.35am yesterday and originally slated to land in Trang by 9am, turned out to be a distressing mid-air marathon caused by an unexpected chain of issues springing up. As the…
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Ancient Obnoi ravine: Chiang Mai’s hidden beauty set to become major tourist attraction
Recently, a local government council led by Phansak Kaewsudjai, along with a group of administrative staff and media representatives, explored a narrow ravine in the Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai. The ravine is known to the locals as ‘Obnoi.’ With impressive rock formations and ancient inscriptions suspected to be thousands of years old, this is an enchanting spectacle reminiscent…
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Thai tourism federation FETTA plans transformative change for streamlined operations
Faced with a long-standing need for agile operations and goal-directed development, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) is set to drive transformative change in Thailand’s tourism landscape. This follows the recent realignment of seven local tourism associations that have transitioned from the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to become part of FETTA. According to Adith Chairattananon, a FETTA representative…
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Phuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill
Phuket International Airport on Friday became a hive of activity as it underwent a security drill in case of a gunman attack. A full-scale exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023) was enacted, simulating an ‘active gunman’ scenario. The drill took place following the departure of the last domestic flight for the day and was conducted from 11pm…
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Koh Tao beach resort faces hefty fines and restoration orders on illegal structures and breaches
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and related agencies investigated a Koh Tao beach resort following viral social media images, consequently presenting four charges and ordering a restoration to its former state. The establishment in question, located on the popular Koh Tao island in Surat Thani province, a touristic gem often referred to as Turtle Island, came under scrutiny…
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Brit in the buff brings chaos to Pattaya hotel: Unhinged nudist lands behind bars
An unhinged naked British man was taken into custody after causing chaos in a hotel in Pattaya. Police officers are investigating the unusual incident in an attempt to identify the source of the man’s unhinged behaviour. Pattaya Police Station’s Pol. Capt. Kittisuk Suthinitaswong was alerted about the embarrassing incident at exactly 4.30am today at the Centara Nova Hotel & Spa,…
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World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism
As a first, Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant city, is set to play host to the World Hindu Congress (WHC), set to take place from November 24 to 26. Around 3,000 Hindus hailing from 60 different countries are anticipated to grace the event chaired by Susheel Kumar Saraff. Themed “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah” or “Dharma,” the Abode of Victory,” the congress aims to celebrate…
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Divine destinations: Thailand’s tourism authority paves way for spiritual sojourns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is gearing up to host an event that aims to promote 12 religious tourism routes across the country. This initiative seeks to stimulate tourism and boost revenue by catering to tourists who seek religious activities or follow a spiritual path. Yuthasak Supasorn, the Governor of TAT, shared data from the Ministry of Commerce revealing…
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Pattaya garden hosts 1,400 Chinese tourists for elephant show
Pattaya‘s Nongnooch Tropical Garden recently welcomed a group of 1,400 Chinese tourists to its renowned elephant show, along with a number of other dazzling performances. This marked a significant milestone in promoting tourism in the region, Pattaya Mail reported today. The garden’s director, Kampol Tansajja, along with representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), warmly greeted the foreign visitors,…
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Muay Thai travel experience campaign launched by TAT
The ‘Amazing Muay Thai Travel Experience’ campaign has been launched in an attempt to expand Thailand’s tourism industry. This unique initiative aims to showcase the diverse ancient Thai martial arts across the four regions of the country. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held an opening ceremony for the programme at Thanarat Hall in its Bangkok headquarters. Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT’s…
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Election uncertainty affects Thai tourism, domestic spending slows down
As the Election Commission validates candidates for MP-elect roles this week, tourism operators express concern about a slowdown in domestic spending. Travellers appear to be delaying their plans, whilst local businesses hesitate to reinvest until a government is established. “There will still be a vacuum period until the government is formed,” said Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road…
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Tile pattern ice cream: Must-try ice cream at Wat Arun in Bangkok
A Bangkok café and restaurant has created a delicious, arty ice cream to help support the education of monks and novices and pay for the upkeep of a well-known temple in the capital. The Arun-Cafe Coffee & Restaurant has conjured a 3D ice cream which has been crafted to mirror the ceramic tiles adorning the central prang (which means tall…
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Thailand’s tourism rebounds with 11.4 million visitors
Thailand has experienced a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with 11.4 million visitors recorded from January to June 11, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This figure has already surpassed the total number of tourists in 2022, which reached 11.15 million. The statement also revealed that tourist spending during this period amounted to 472…
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Thai economy set for boost as tourism and domestic consumption surge
The Thai economy is predicted to experience a boost in the second half of the year, driven by a surge in tourism and domestic consumption, according to the Economic Intelligence Service (EIS) of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). However, ongoing political instability remains a factor to watch. The EIS forecasts that Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand will increase by…
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New Na Klang-Ao Jik road links Phuket and Phang Nga, boosting tourism
The newly completed Na Klang-Ao Jik road, which connects Phuket and Phang Nga, is set to provide a boost to local tourism and cross-provincial transport. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has invested approximately 282.8 million baht (US$8.5 million) in the 4.2-kilometre road, which is part of a city expansion project in Phang Nga’s Thai Muang district. The concrete road…
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Miraculous twist: Kazakhstan tourist presumed drowned in Phuket found alive, in coma
A tourist from Kazakhstan, initially reported to have drowned at Kata Beach in Phuket, is alive but in a coma. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan provided the updated information, clarifying that earlier reports of the tourist’s death were incorrect. The tourist, Artur Iskakov, was rushed to the hospital following a drowning incident in tambon Karon on Thursday, June…
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Thai tourism risks missing Indian visitor target due to visa delays, taxes
Tourism operators catering to Thailand‘s Indian market have expressed concerns over the potential impact of slow visa application processing, high airfares, and an increase in outbound tax rates from India on visitor numbers to Thailand. These factors could contribute to the Thai government failing to achieve its target of attracting 2 million Indian tourists this year. Enchantive Asia’s chief executive…
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Minor Hotels to reach 600 properties amid optimistic tourism outlook
Minor Hotels is set to expand its portfolio to 600 properties across 59 countries, with over 91,000 rooms this year, as the global tourism industry shows signs of recovery following the easing of Covid-19 infections. Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive of Minor International Plc and Chief Executive of Minor Hotels, believes that pent-up demand will drive the industry for years,…
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Surat Thani sees 155% increase in international visitors, boosting revenue
Surat Thani sees a significant increase in international tourists, with over 1.5 million visitors arriving in the province so far this year, a 155% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial governor. Governor Witchawut Jinto announced that since January, the province has welcomed a total of 2.05 million visitors, with 1.5 million being international tourists.…
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Cruise liner with 1,800 tourists makes its way to Koh Samui
A cruise liner embarked from Chon Buri with 1,800 tourists on board and made its way to Cambodia and Vietnam, before finally arriving on the picturesque shores of Koh Samui. Witchawut Jintoe, the governor of Surat Thani, informed The Phuket Express that this week the COSTA SERENA cruise liner docked at the Na Thon Pier, bringing Thai and Asian tourists…
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New Thai PM urged to become ambassador for tourism boost
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) urged the new Prime Minister (PM) to become a tourism ambassador to boost the Thai tourism industry. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identified the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limcharoenrat, as an ideal candidate for this role, given his potential to significantly boost the tourism sector. TCT President Chamnarn Sisawat…
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First flight from Russia’s Red Wings Airlines makes its way to Phuket
Russian tourists are continuing to flock to Thailand’s holiday paradise of Phuket. Yesterday morning, officials and staff at Phuket International Airport welcomed the first Red Wings Airlines flight from Zhukovsky, Russia, to Phuket. The flight carried 400 passengers. Earlier this month, it was reported that Russians were Thailand’s fourth largest tourist group this year, with a total of 115,743 tourists so…
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Only a week left to experience Grand Canyon of Thailand before rain
Travellers are advised to seize the opportunity to witness the extraordinary beauty of a natural site known as Thailand‘s “Grand Canyon,” locally known as Sam Phan Bok, before the end of May, when it will start to rain more. This leaves only a week left for exploration. Located in the Ban Pho Sai district of Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand’s…
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Thailand flight sales soar, searches for outbound trips up 200% in Q1
The first quarter of this year saw international flight sales to Thailand surpass 2019 figures, while searches for outbound Thai flights and overseas accommodation rose by 200%, according to online travel agency Traveloka. Iko Putera, the company’s chief executive of transport, anticipates a positive travel trend for Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia this year. This is driven by…
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‘Blue Lagoon’ promoted as tourist attraction in Khon Kaen, Thailand
An abandoned limestone quarry-turned-reservoir dubbed the “Blue Lagoon” is being promoted as a tourist attraction in Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand. Locals said that water seeped into the abandoned old quarry site until it turned into a beautiful reservoir, attracting tourists wanting to catch a glimpse of the emerald water glistening under the sun. INN News describes the Blue Lagoon as…
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Thailand boosts safety measures to attract 5 million Chinese tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Tourist Police Bureau are focusing on enhancing safety measures for travellers as the number of Chinese tourists to the country reaches 1 million. TAT aims to attract five million Chinese tourists this year, with around 70% expected to be independent travellers with high purchasing power. However, there are challenges, such as a…
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Longtail boat capsizes in Thailand, 5 foreign tourists rescued from sea
A longtail boat capsized near Panyi Island in Phang Nga province in southern Thailand yesterday. Seven people, including five foreign tourists, were rescued from the sea. Two Irish nationals, one Swiss national, two Filipino nationals, one Thai guide, and one Thai boat driver were left floating yesterday afternoon when their longtail boat sank inside Phang Nga Bay National Park, reports…
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Phuket som tam restaurant returns 200,000 baht to European tourist
A European tourist was reunited with his bag containing money and assets worth 200,000 baht yesterday thanks to the honest owner of a som tam restaurant in Phuket, southern Thailand. The restaurant, Som Tam Yam 3 Aow, posted photos of the smiling tourist with a big stash of cash on Facebook with the caption… “From the incident where a customer had…
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More than 500 people stranded in Chon Buri by luxury cruise company
More than 500 Thai tourists found themselves stranded at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, despite shelling out over 100,000 baht each for a supposedly luxurious cruise trip. The chaotic incident unfolded on Friday, May 19, leaving disgruntled passengers fuming and demanding answers from the cruise company, reportedly identified as Cost Serena, as they were denied boarding despite their hefty…
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