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 much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?
Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you...
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Welshman on life support after vanishing on Thai booze-up
A Welshman is on life support, clinging to life in a Pattaya hospital, after undergoing emergency brain surgery following a night out in Thailand. Ashton Jones disappeared without a trace while partying with pals in a Bangkok nightclub, only to be discovered hours later in a hospital bed 55 miles away from the Thai capital, hooked up to machines and…
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Pattaya’s future at risk as accommodation bill divides opinion
Pattaya, Thailand’s notorious tourist hotspot, finds itself at the centre of a national debate as the proposed Hotel and Overnight Accommodation Act, better known as the Equal Accommodation Bill, threatens to dramatically reshape the city’s tourism landscape. While the bill aims to modernise outdated laws, critics warn it could undermine safety standards, community trust, and the sustainability of tourism in…
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Thai tourism at a crossroads: Can the industry survive?
Thailand’s tourism industry is facing a critical turning point, according to Yuthasak Supasorn, Chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). While Thai tourism has weathered numerous crises in the past, it is now confronted with a significant structural change and a noticeable decline in tourist numbers. “Thai tourism…
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More Malaysians than Chinese choose Thailand as holiday spot
Malaysia has surpassed China to become the leading source of tourists to Thailand, with over 2 million Malaysian visitors in the first five months of 2025. This news comes as Thailand experiences a booming tourism sector, with a total of over 15 million foreign visitors recorded between January 1 and June 8. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that…
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High-speed: Thailand’s airport bullet train back on track (video)
It’s full steam ahead for Thailand’s long-awaited bullet train blitz, as the kingdom’s high-speed train dreams roar back to life, five years after the pandemic derailed them. Thailand’s ambitious Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway is finally set to hit the fast lane, with officials confirming the project contract will be finalised by July 2025. Dubbed a game-changer for the Eastern Economic…
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Vietjet Thailand slashes fares by 50% with ‘Friend Power Pack’
Vietjet Thailand is offering significant savings on airfares through a Friend Power Pack package, providing discounts of up to 50% on over 50,000 tickets. This promotion covers both domestic and international routes throughout 2025, allowing passengers to plan their trips affordably and conveniently. Bookings are open from today, June 10, to July 10, with travel available from June 15 to…
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Thailand’s spiritual tourism surge: A new journey beyond the usual
As global stress levels soar and wellness becomes the new luxury, travellers are seeking more than sandy beaches and nightlife. They are craving meaning, mindfulness, and a reconnection with themselves. Enter Thailand’s newest tourism trend: spiritual travel. According to a groundbreaking report titled Spiritual Travel Thailand: Exploring the Journey Beyond Destination 2025 recently released by C9 Hotelworks in collaboration with Guestasy,…
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Unveiling the secret wonders – Exploring the enchanting islands of Southern Thailand
Embarking on a journey through Southern Thailand offers a remarkable opportunity to uncover some of Asia’s most captivating hidden gems. While this region is renowned for its popular spots, a collection of less-explored islands remain waiting for the curious traveler. These underrated treasures promise unforgettable experiences, dazzling landscapes, and authentic Thai culture away from the bustling tourist paths. Offering pristine…
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Emirates lands a double delight with new SE Asia flights
Emirates is turning up the heat in Southeast Asia with the launch of two brand-new routes, to Vietnam’s coastal gem Da Nang and Cambodia’s cultural heartland, Siem Reap, both flying via Bangkok. The Dubai-based airline kicked off the Da Nang route on June 2, followed by Siem Reap on June 3, pushing its regional network to 23 destinations. Both flights will…
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British tourist dies in tragic fall in Phuket after night out
A 59 year old British tourist died after falling approximately 7 metres from a steep incline in Patong, Phuket, following a night of dining and drinking. The incident left the victim’s partner, Stewart Raynor, in shock. Today, June 4, Police Lieutenant Chittawan Pengkaew, Deputy Inspector at Patong Police Station, Phuket, received a report from the Patong Radio Centre about the…
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Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia
For decades, Thailand has been the quintessential destination for retirees seeking an affordable, beautiful, and culturally rich new home. With its golden beaches, vibrant cuisine, and famously welcoming population, the Land of Smiles has lured hundreds of thousands of Westerners to spend their golden years soaking up its tropical hospitality. Yet, a quiet transformation is taking place beneath the palm…
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Full Moon tragedy: British tourist found dead on Koh Pha Ngan
A British tourist has been found dead and half-naked on a beach just days before the island’s notorious Full Moon Party, sending shockwaves through the Thai holiday hotspot. The 54 year old was discovered face-down in the sand by a local villager at around 6.30am today, June 4, wearing nothing but an orange bra. Her underwear was later found washed…
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Tourism council urges PM to boost sector’s global competitiveness
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is set to submit a letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra this week, advocating for enhancements in the tourism sector to elevate Thailand’s competitiveness on a global scale. Chai Arunanondchai, President of the TCT, emphasised the need for Thailand to evolve into a sustainable and high-quality tourism destination. According to Chai, the sector, responsible…
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Rawai restaurant owner fumes after tourist poos outside
A Rawai restaurant owner is fed up with cleaning up faeces after catching tourists using his property as an open toilet—now he’s demanding action from local authorities. The owner of a popular floating restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, has called on local authorities to install more public toilets for tourists after a shocking incident involving a foreign visitor defecating outside his…
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Tiger selfie turns savage: Indian tourist mauled in Phuket (video)
A dream holiday snap turned into a nightmare for one tourist in Phuket after a tiger lashed out during a selfie stunt—leaving social media stunned and raising serious questions about animal welfare at popular tourist attractions. An Indian tourist suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. The man, whose identity has not been…
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Paetongtarn rolls out 5 fixes to save Thai tourism
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued a rallying cry to save the country’s ailing tourism sector, issuing five urgent orders that aim to transform the Land of Smiles into a global travel magnet. The 38 year old Pheu Thai leader has ordered five emergency measures to turbocharge Thailand’s tourism industry, making it a national priority under the government’s massive…
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F1 fever hits Bangkok: Street race plans rev up
Thailand is gearing up for a high-octane future as Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong revealed plans to host the F1 World Championship on a street circuit rather than investing in a dedicated racetrack. This bold move aligns with Formula One’s preference and the private sector’s eagerness to back the event, signalling an exciting chapter for Thai motorsport. Minister Surawong…
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Phuket dominates southern Thailand tourism
Phuket continues to crush the competition as Thailand’s top southern tourism hotspot, raking in a staggering 188.9 billion baht in revenue in just the first four months of 2025. Leaving rivals in the dust, this “Andaman Pearl” proves why it remains the go-to destination for beach lovers and luxury seekers alike. The Public Relations Office Region 6 has released the…
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Thailand goes full glam for Pride Month with epic nationwide festival
Get ready to strut — Thailand is rolling out the rainbow carpet! The government has officially launched the Amazing Thailand Love Wins Festival, a dazzling, month-long celebration of Pride taking place across the country throughout June. Billed as a tribute to global Pride Month, the campaign not only celebrates love, equality, and identity, but also cements Thailand’s growing reputation as…
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Chinese ditch Thailand for cheaper, drama-free Cambodia
While Thailand scrambles to revive its struggling tourism sector, neighbouring Cambodia is quietly winning over Chinese holidaymakers — and it’s pulling out all the stops. In a bold push to attract foreign tourists, Cambodian officials declared 2025 the “China-Cambodia Tourism Year,” and it’s already paying off. Just last week, a record-setting group of 1,000 Chinese tourists from Wuxi, near Shanghai,…
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Phuket boosts tourism with 7 new developments
Phuket’s booming tourism industry is set for a fresh injection of new developments as four hotels and three condominiums received approval from the Expert Committee on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) during a recent meeting. The third EIA committee gathering of the year took place at the Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, chaired by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai. The…
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New regulation updates fees for Thai historical sites and museums
Visitors to Thailand’s national museums and registered historical sites should prepare to pay updated entry fees following a new ministerial regulation announced today. Published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette, the regulation immediately revises the charges for entry to these cultural landmarks, aiming to modernise fees that had remained unchanged since 2008. The culture minister enacted the regulation under the…
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Top 5 kid-friendly experiences on Koh Samui
Experiencing Koh Samui with kids may just offer an adventure of a lifetime. The award-winning island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, features many educational activities set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise, Ann Carter writes. The island’s kid-friendly establishments focus on educational opportunities that blend a sense of community, nature-themed activities, and creative outlets. Koh Samui is where…
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Elephants find freedom and healing at Thailand’s Samui sanctuary
In the lush greenery of Koh Samui’s Bo Phut district, two elephants have discovered the ultimate way to beat the sizzling May heat: cooling off in a pool and rolling in mud at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Kaew Ta and Kham Phean, both in their mid-60s, enjoy this peaceful retirement after years of harsh labour in logging and tourism. The…
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Thailand integrates AI to transform tourism sector
Assistant Minister Supachai Jaismut from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation attended a national seminar in Phuket to promote the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Thailand’s tourism sector. The event, AI for Next Gen – Transforming New Era Tourism with AI, took place at the Blockchain Technology Centre in Chalong from May 24 to May 25.…
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Chiang Rai restaurant struggles as tourists flee contamination fears
A riverside restaurant in Chiang Rai is facing financial struggles as tourists have vanished due to contamination concerns in the Kok River. Despite the safety of land-based eateries, customers remain scarce, impacting income and debt repayment. At the riverside eatery in Ban Pang Ngiu, in the Mueang district of Chiang Rai, the once-bustling atmosphere has become eerily quiet. The dining…
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Foreign tourists caught defecating outside restuarant in Phuket
A Thai restaurant owner in Phuket urged the government to consider increasing the number of public bathrooms after foreign tourists defecated outside his business on two separate occasions. The owner of Salaloy Restaurant, Pananut Asawapitakchon, shared details of the unpleasant incidents on his Facebook account yesterday, May 22. He explained that the incidents occurred twice beforehand, last week and this week,…
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TAT and AIS launch travel campaign to boost domestic tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has collaborated with Advanced Info Service (AIS) to introduce the Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere campaign to invigorate domestic tourism this year. The campaign focuses on showcasing both prominent cities and emerging travel destinations, beginning with an event on Banthat Thong Road in Bangkok, offering tourists an array of culinary delights and exclusive…
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No sex on the beach: Cops go nuts for ‘coconut tree’ sex workers
More than 50 alleged sex workers were rounded up along Pattaya Beach last night in a dramatic police sweep, just over a week after furious residents branded previous crackdowns a “PR stunt.” Officers stormed the beachfront at 9.06pm, yesterday, May 21, in a coordinated operation aimed at flushing out the illegal trade tarnishing the city’s tourist image. The move came…
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Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025 boosts rainbow tourism economy
Central Pattana Plc (CPN), part of Central Group and operator of Central shopping centres, is reinforcing its dedication to diversity and equality with the launch of Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025: Pride For All. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, CPN’s chief marketing officer, highlighted that the campaign celebrates Pride Month as a recognition of human rights and a strategic element for economic expansion. Thailand’s…
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