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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    12Go introduces Japan Rail Passes to enhance travel accessibility for international travellers

    For those who have travelled throughout Thailand, 12Go is a well-known provider of various trips, though the platform itself has a much wider reach. Ranging from buses to planes, 12Go is undoubtedly a leading booking platform for travel throughout the...

  • Foreign vendors in Pattaya exploit kids to tug at tourist heartstrings

    Foreign vendors in Pattaya exploit kids to tug at tourist heartstrings

    Pattaya’s bustling tourist spots have taken a darker turn as foreign vendors, believed to be predominantly Vietnamese, are using children to drive aggressive street sales. Concerned reporters documented these vendors in action along Walking Street and Petchtrakool Road, North Pattaya, at around 4am yesterday, November 12, showcasing a worrying new trend that has locals and tourists alike on edge. These…

  • Israeli tourists face terror threat at Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon party

    Israeli tourists face terror threat at Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon party

    Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a spine-tingling warning, revealing that terrorists are targeting Israeli holidaymakers at the infamous Full Moon party on Thailand’s tourist haven, Koh Pha Ngan. In a bombshell announcement, the RTP disclosed that they’ve received info indicating a sinister plot to attack Israeli tourists at the island celebration. The party, a hot favourite among Israeli adventurers, coincides…

  • Lost Chinese tourists veer off course, end up at Myanmar border

    Lost Chinese tourists veer off course, end up at Myanmar border

    In a bizarre turn of events, five Chinese tourists were intercepted by Thai immigration officers in Tak after they were mistakenly driven to the Thai-Myanmar border instead of their intended destination of Pattaya. The startling incident unfolded yesterday, November 12, at the Mae Sot checkpoint, located on the Mae Sot-Tak road, when Thai immigration officers stopped the tourists’ vehicle and…

  • Thai Cabinet approves 3 new holidays for 2025 and 2026

    Thai Cabinet approves 3 new holidays for 2025 and 2026

    The Thai Cabinet has approved an addition of three special public holidays for the years 2025 and 2026, resulting in a total of 21 official holidays next year. These additional days aim to extend existing holiday periods into longer breaks. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting at Government House earlier…

  • Hippo hooray: Moo Deng ‘charges’ up Chon Buri’s tourism boom

    Hippo hooray: Moo Deng ‘charges’ up Chon Buri’s tourism boom

    Chon Buri province is experiencing a significant boost in tourism revenue, largely due to the popularity of a baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng. This charming young hippo, only four months old, has become a major attraction at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Governor Thawatchai Srithong announced that Chon Buri’s tourism-related revenue reached 27 billion baht (US$777 million) from July…

  • Pattaya lights up: Giant 3D screen draws crowds

    Pattaya lights up: Giant 3D screen draws crowds

    Walking Street in South Pattaya just turned up the heat on its nightlife scene, and tourists are lapping it up. On Saturday night, November 9, the city’s iconic strip of bars, clubs, and neon lights added a high-tech twist—a gigantic 3D LED screen that has quickly become the area’s newest magnet for visitors. Crowds of both local and international tourists…

  • Phuket Airport sees surge with over 30,000 passengers daily

    Phuket Airport sees surge with over 30,000 passengers daily

    Phuket International Airport is experiencing a significant upswing in passenger traffic this High Season, with daily figures surpassing 30,000 travellers and over 300 flights. This uptick in activity has prompted plans for an expansion of the international terminal to accommodate up to 18 million passengers annually. Monchai Tanod, the director of Phuket Airport, shared insights on the anticipated passenger numbers…

  • Thailand eyes F1 event to boost economy and tourism

    Thailand eyes F1 event to boost economy and tourism

    Thailand is gearing up for an economic boost as the government commits to bringing a Formula 1 (F1) racing event to the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the ambitious plan yesterday, November 9, emphasising its potential to invigorate tourism and stimulate urban development. The government is actively pursuing discussions to secure an F1 event, which is part of a…

  • Thailand crowned 2025 Destination of the Year by Travel + Leisure

    Thailand crowned 2025 Destination of the Year by Travel + Leisure

    New York City-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure has recognised Thailand as the 2025 Destination of the Year. The editor-in-chief shared her love for Thailand and highlighted the charm that drew her to this enchanting country. This marks the tenth consecutive year that Travel + Leisure announced its Destination of the Year, recognising a country that travellers simply must visit…

  • Halal Food Festival in Pattaya showcases culinary delights

    Halal Food Festival in Pattaya showcases culinary delights

    A feast for the senses awaits at the upcoming Halal Food Festival in Pattaya. Set to take place over the weekend, starting tomorrow, November 9 until Sunday, November 10 at the Nurul Yakin Mosque in Ban Nern Plub Wan, this event promises a delightful culinary journey. Organised by the Tourism Promotion Club of the Nern Plub Wan Club, the festival…

  • EF Ultimate Break partners with Thailand for eco-friendly holidays

    EF Ultimate Break partners with Thailand for eco-friendly holidays

    EF Ultimate Break, the experiential travel leader for the 18 to 35 crowd, is taking travel to a whole new level of responsibility with its latest initiative, launched in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Aimed at delivering sustainable, ethically crafted adventures, this new line-up of Thailand tours promises eco-conscious itineraries that will make every traveller feel like…

  • Phuket set to ‘take off’ with new seaplane plans

    Phuket set to ‘take off’ with new seaplane plans

    In a bid to transform Phuket’s tourism offerings, the CEO of Siam Seaplane Co Ltd, Worakan Siripidech, attended a high-stakes meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday, November 6 to explore the potential of launching seaplane services on the island. Bringing in a mix of excitement and scepticism, officials discussed the concept of creating temporary water-based zones for take-offs and…

  • Thailand targets 8 million European tourists to boost long-haul numbers

    Thailand targets 8 million European tourists to boost long-haul numbers

    Thailand aims to attract eight million European tourists next year as part of a strategy to boost the number of long-haul visitors to a record 11 million, the Tourism and Sports Ministry announced. This move follows plans to collaborate with airlines and foreign ambassadors to ensure a full resumption of international flights. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasised the…

  • Thai airlines told to go full throttle for new year travel surge

    Thai airlines told to go full throttle for new year travel surge

    With new year travel set to soar, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is calling on Thai airlines to go full throttle to meet skyrocketing demand. The CAAT urged airlines to increase flights, expand routes, add more seats, and extend operating hours to prevent travel chaos during the holiday peak. In a strategic meeting held yesterday, November 6, the…

  • Phimai Festival to boost tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Phimai Festival to boost tourism in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Nakhon Ratchasima this week launched the spectacular Phimai Festival, featuring a dazzling light and sound show titled Vimayapura Niramit Sri Wirentrasrom. The event aims to boost the local economy and promote tourism in Korat. The Phimai Historical Park in Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima, served as the venue for the festival’s opening ceremony. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, presided…

  • Thai Drinks launches 100m baht campaign to boost local tourism

    Thai Drinks launches 100m baht campaign to boost local tourism

    Thai Drinks Co Ltd, the producer of Crystal Drinking Water, announced a partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch a significant marketing initiative aimed at boosting domestic tourism. With an investment of 100 million baht, the campaign seeks to engage consumers by linking the consumption of Crystal water to the exploration of Thailand’s natural beauty. From October…

  • International fireworks festival to light up Pattaya later this month

    International fireworks festival to light up Pattaya later this month

    The International Fireworks Festival 2024 in Pattaya is set to dazzle spectators with a vibrant display from five countries on November 29 and 30. Following a meeting chaired by Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet at Pattaya City Hall, the event promises to be both exciting and well-organised, ensuring safety and success as seen in previous years. Held along Pattaya Beach Road,…

  • Chon Buri Coffee on the Beach 2024 to perk up Pattaya tourism

    Chon Buri Coffee on the Beach 2024 to perk up Pattaya tourism

    Pattaya is bustling with anticipation for the upcoming Chon Buri Coffee on the Beach 2024 event. Scheduled to take place from November 22 to 24 at Pattaya Beach, this event promises a unique blend of coffee culture and scenic beachfront experiences. Pattaya’s leadership, spearheaded by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, took centre stage on Monday, November 4, to formally announce this event.…

  • BDMS Wellness Clinic boosts health tourism with Longevity Card

    BDMS Wellness Clinic boosts health tourism with Longevity Card

    BDMS Wellness Clinic launched a new health initiative amid the rising global interest in wellness, particularly as societies worldwide face ageing populations and an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and stress. This trend has significantly boosted the popularity of the wellness industry. Global wellness market data indicates an expected annual growth of approximately 8.6%, potentially…

  • Pattaya enhances water safety with ‘Better Pattaya Bay’ initiative

    Pattaya enhances water safety with ‘Better Pattaya Bay’ initiative

    Pattaya City, in collaboration with the Marine Department, has introduced the Better Pattaya Bay initiative to enhance the organisation of speedboat, jet ski, and banana boat services along Pattaya Beach. This move aims to prioritise the safety of tourists by keeping marine motorsports 200 metres away from the shore, as highlighted by Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet yesterday, November 5. With…

  • Indian tourists get visa-free entry with extended stays in Thailand

    Indian tourists get visa-free entry with extended stays in Thailand

    In a major move sure to excite Indian travellers, Thailand has indefinitely extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days. Previously set to expire on November 11, the visa-free policy will now remain a permanent feature, making Thailand’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural attractions more accessible than ever, reported India Today,…

  • Crimson crisis: Phuket’s urgent Rh-negative blood donation plea

    Crimson crisis: Phuket’s urgent Rh-negative blood donation plea

    Phuket is in the grips of a crimson crisis as the bustling tourist High Season unleashes a surge of road accidents, putting the squeeze on blood supplies for life-saving emergencies. In response, the Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital are ramping up their efforts to boost blood reserves, particularly with a call for the desperately…

  • Phuket steps up: Old town charm and cultural delights awaits

    Phuket steps up: Old town charm and cultural delights awaits

    Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Phuket as the island gears up for the Travel Old Town, Telling Phuket tourism festival. From November 27 to December 1, Queen Sirikit Park on bustling Thalang Road will transform into a cultural hotspot, with the iconic dragon statue standing guard over festivities. Organised by…

  • Jumbo joyride: Tourists swarm Khao Yai for elephant encounters

    Jumbo joyride: Tourists swarm Khao Yai for elephant encounters

    Khao Yai National Park turned into a hotspot of excitement yesterday as throngs of tourists descended to savour the cooler climes and marvel at the elephants and their natural splendours over the weekend. The bustling gates at Nern Hom and Khao Yai Shrine, nestled in the enchanting provinces of Prachinburi and Nakhon Ratchasima, welcomed eager visitors in droves. The real…

  • Phatthalung plans airport to become Thailand’s logistics hub

    Phatthalung plans airport to become Thailand’s logistics hub

    Officials in Phatthalung are gearing up to transform the province into a bustling logistics hub in southern Thailand with plans to construct a new airport. This ambitious initiative, aimed at elevating the province’s economic profile, is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet soon. A major step forward was taken when the Phatthalung governor submitted a formal request to the…

  • Loy Krathong festival set to light up Wat Arun on November 15

    Loy Krathong festival set to light up Wat Arun on November 15

    Bangkok’s Wat Arun is set to illuminate the night on November 15 with its Loy Krathong festival. The festival promises a multicultural experience, underscored by a theme song performed in an array of languages, including Thai, English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish, to foster a deeper understanding of the event’s cultural importance. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Suntharaporn…

  • 15,000 Malaysian tourists flock to Thailand for Diwali, Halloween

    15,000 Malaysian tourists flock to Thailand for Diwali, Halloween

    Thailand’s southern border districts are experiencing a significant surge in visitors from Malaysia as tourists flock across the border to celebrate Halloween and Diwali. Yesterday, October 31, marked a notable influx, with over 15,000 Malaysian tourists crossing the Sadao immigration checkpoint in Songkhla‘s Sadao district. The day coincided with Malaysia’s public holiday for the Diwali festival, prompting many to take advantage…

  • Trang Airport terminal’s delay spikes airfares, tourism at risk

    Trang Airport terminal’s delay spikes airfares, tourism at risk

    Rath Pooklang, head of the Trang People’s Voice Network, met with Deputy Minister of Transport, Manop Charoensri, urging immediate action on the stalled construction of the new passenger terminal at Trang International Airport, alongside addressing exorbitant airfares affecting tourism. Rath and his civic team travelled to Bangkok to present a letter to the deputy minister, highlighting the need for an…

  • Thailand cash splash: Foreign tourists send Visa spending soaring

    Thailand cash splash: Foreign tourists send Visa spending soaring

    Thailand is basking in a financial boom, with foreign tourists spending a staggering 90% more on Visa credit cards this year compared to the pre-pandemic high of 2019. While Thai travellers are tightening their purse strings amid a sluggish economy, foreigners can’t seem to get enough of the Land of Smiles. Visa Thailand’s country manager, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, revealed that Thailand…

  • British Airways spreads its wings: Gatwick-Bangkok flights back on

    British Airways spreads its wings: Gatwick-Bangkok flights back on

    In a move that’s set to soar to new heights, British Airways relaunched its direct flights from London Gatwick to the bustling city of Bangkok. The inaugural flight, BA 2231, took to the skies from Gatwick, yesterday, October 29, making a graceful touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Internationa Airport this afternoon, marking a triumphant return to the Land of Smiles. Tourism Authority…