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 Phuket workcation: paradise with a side of productivity (is it worth it?)
Dreaming of working remotely under swaying palm trees with the sound of the ocean waves as your background music? Phuket, the "Pearl of the Andaman," beckons digital nomads with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and surprisingly good infrastructure for remote...
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Visa applications in Thailand surge, overtaking pre-Covid figures
Visa applications from Thailand have surged, surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Visa application volumes from Thailand, after a turbulent spell, are on the brink of eclipsing pre-pandemic levels, signalling a remarkable recovery in global travel confidence. A 35% increase in applications last year compared to 2022 promises a boost to international tourism. Key points: Visa applications rebounded with a 35% surge…
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Thailand’s tourism sector remains stable despite court ruling, says TCT president
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) president, Chamnan Srisawat, has reassured that the Constitutional Court ruling will not destabilise the government or the country’s tourism sector. He confidently stated that international tourism demand would remain unaffected unless there was severe violence. Chamnan credited Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s government with beneficial tourism-driving initiatives, such as visa-free travel for high-potential markets. Despite…
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TAT urges government to extend tourist visas
Thailand is seeking to revolutionise its tourism sector, urging the government to extend visa-free stays for long-haul tourists, including those from the United States and Europe. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to elevate long-haul revenue to a whopping 40% of the country’s total in 2024. Thailand’s Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, Siripakorn…
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Free visa policy to boost Thai tourism stocks amid Chinese arrivals
An agreement for a free visa policy between Thailand and China is set to greatly boost seven Thai tourism-related stocks, as projected by brokerages. This policy, signed earlier this week, is anticipated to cause a significant uptick in Chinese arrivals in Thailand this year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set a target of attracting 8.2 million Chinese tourists in…
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Phuket Airport’s got trunks: Viral sensation as tourists make splash in speedos
A Facebook user sparked viral attention after sharing an image in the Thai Tourism group, Du Lịch Thái Lan, capturing the unusual sight of two foreign tourists clad in tiny speedo trunks at Phuket International Airport. The social media post, by Bui Thi Huong, which rapidly garnered over 500 likes, featured a caption in Vietnamese saying, “Heard that Phuket Airport…
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Thailand and China’s visa-free policy not boosting tourism yet
Despite the recent permanent visa-free policy between Thailand and China, airlines and hotels are not anticipating an immediate rise in demand. This is largely due to the gradual increase in demand and the seating capacity that is yet to fully recover. The agreement was reached during China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s four-day official visit to Thailand, where he met with…
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Thailand prime minister requests another giant panda from China
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently voiced his desire for China to send another giant panda to Thailand. This request follows the death of Lin Hui, a beloved panda who had been a significant attraction in the country. The prime minister’s request received support from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, highlighting the close diplomatic relations between the two nations that span…
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Visa-lah! Thailand and China ink deal to waive visas, turbocharging tourism
After much anticipation and months of talks, Thailand and China yesterday officially sealed the deal on a reciprocal visa-waiver agreement, aimed at ramping up tourism between the two nations when it kicks into gear come March. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, solidified the pact at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. Dubbed the Agreement…
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Thailand tops ASEAN for international tourist arrivals
Thailand emerges as the top destination for international tourists in the ASEAN region, as revealed by Sudawan Wangsuphakitgosol, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, during the 27th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2024) in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The forum’s theme, Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future, reflected a collective intent among ASEAN tourism ministers to restore and…
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French tourist drowns on Similan Islands in snorkelling accident
A 66 year old French tourist drowned while snorkelling near Koh 9 in Mu Koh Similan National Park yesterday afternoon. Officials from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Centre Region 3 were swiftly notified by the Port Security Control Centre in Phang Nga at approximately 3pm. The victim’s identity remains undisclosed, pending notification of relatives. Upon reaching the shore, a team of…
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Bangkok version of Monopoly helps to boost tourism
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with Winning Moves, one of the top board game publishers, to introduce the Bangkok edition of the popular economics-themed game, Monopoly. This Thai twist on the classic Monopoly game boasts 22 dazzling properties, each a stunning showcase of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks and attractions. From the majestic Grand Palace to the serene Wat Pho,…
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Chinese foreign minister begins four-day visit to Thailand
Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will sign a Thailand-China visa exemption agreement during his much-anticipated four-day official visit to Thailand. Wang Yi and his Thai counterpart, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, are prepared to co-sign the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption. This deal will reshape the travel landscape for ordinary passport holders and passport-wielding public figures starting March 1. Starting…
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Thai travel agents expect Chinese tourist surge during Lunar New Year
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) anticipates a surge in Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday, estimating daily arrivals of 20,000 to 25,000. ATTA President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, attributes this boost to enhanced charter and scheduled flights, alongside the visa-free scheme designed to spur Chinese demand. Chinese arrivals have shown a marked increase this year, averaging 15,000 to…
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Cross-border connections revolution: Visa free travel for Chinese and Singaporeans
Starting from February 9, Chinese and Singaporean travellers can jet off visa-free in a new move to waive the requirement. In an exclusive bilateral agreement unveiled today, January 25, the world’s second-largest economy, China, and the vibrant city-state of Singapore have torn down the bureaucratic barriers, allowing their citizens a visa-free stay of up to 30 days on either side. This…
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Jive at Dong Tan: Beach-turned-bazaar sparks excitement in Jomtien
Dong Tan Beach has turned into a night bazaar, buzzing with commerce, stirring both excitement and disarray among local businesses in Jomtien. The once tranquil beach now hosts a nightly spectacle, drawing sellers and buyers alike, transforming this coastal haven into the vibrant Dong Tan Night Market. The market’s meteoric rise in popularity has, however, birthed a set of challenges.…
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Tourism minister presents six proposals to boost ASEAN relations
The Minister of Tourism and Sports received the Cabinet‘s approval for six proposals set to revolutionise ASEAN tourism. The Cabinet’s green light paves the way for Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol to champion regional partnerships at the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in Vientiane, Laos. In an exclusive statement on January 23, Minister Sudawan disclosed the approved documents, each designed to…
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Vietnamese village brings incense stick tradition to social media
In the quaint Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau, nestled in the northern part of Vietnam, a vibrant transformation is underway. Dang Thi Hoa, a seasoned artisan with three decades of incense stick craftsmanship, finds herself not just steeped in tradition but riding the wave of Instagram fervour. Lunar New Year, locally known as Tet, has taken on a whole…
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Fewer Japanese tourists have visited Thailand in a historic first
Thailand found itself on the flip side of tourism dynamics, experiencing a historic tourism deficit with Japan in the first half of 2023. The numbers tell a startling tale: one million Thais ventured into Japan, while a mere 300,000 Japanese enthusiasts made their way to the tropical haven of Thailand. In a dramatic departure from the norm, Thailand, renowned for…
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Sue Perkins dives into the exotic unknown in Thailand: Lost, laughter, and a dash of tears
Prepare for a laughter-infused adventure as Channel 5 unveils its latest gem, Sue Perkins: Lost in Thailand. The comedic maestro herself takes on Thailand in a three-part series produced by Oliver Wright’s indie sensation, Coming Up Roses. In an exclusive chat, Sue Perkins shares her thoughts on the Southeast Asian country. “Thrilled to embark on another travel escapade with Channel 5,…
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Sea blooms: Underwater magic in Trang Sea as marine Sakura wows tourists
The underwater world of Koh Waen in the Trang Sea has become an awe-inspiring spectacle, drawing tourists to its depths for a glimpse of the marine Sakura blossoms, a phenomenon so unique it’s likened to witnessing cherry blossoms beneath the waves. It’s here that adventurers and romantics alike converge, as the area hosted the world’s first underwater wedding ceremony, cementing its…
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Thai passport holders visa waiver with China boosts tourism
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the imminent signing of a visa waiver agreement between Thailand and China. The deal, to be sealed on Friday during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Thailand, promises to liberate citizens from both nations to explore each other’s territories freely, igniting a tourism revolution. Addressing the crowd at the Thailand 2024 – The…
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TAT holds Amazing Thailand Product event in Indonesia
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolled out the red carpet for the Amazing Thailand Product Update 2024 in Jakarta and Bandung. Aiming to strengthen ties between Thai and Indonesian tourism, this event was more than just a gathering; it was a powerhouse of collaboration. Drawing a crowd of approximately 100 Indonesian tourism wizards in each bustling city, the week-long…
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Mobile Cabinet allocates 552 million baht for Andaman Coast development
A total of 552 million baht (US$15 million) has been allocated by the mobile Cabinet towards the development of 18 new projects across six southern provinces on the Andaman Coast. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday, January 23, after a Cabinet meeting in Ranong. The projects, proposed by the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee responsible for the southern…
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Hotel bookings skyrocket as visitors flock in
Hotel giant Minor International Plc witnessed an astonishing 20 to 30% spike in bookings for the first two months of 2024 compared to last year. Minor International Plc, dominating the hospitality scene as the nation’s largest hotel operator, is on the brink of a prosperous year. Chairman Bill Heinecke unveils the exciting news, projecting a tourism spending spree in Thailand…
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Thailand’s hot springs used as tourism strategy
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports unleashed a grand plan to catapult the nation’s hot springs into the global spotlight. Thai hot springs are set to rival European spa towns and Japanese Onsen havens, creating a hotbed for international travellers and an advantage for local economies. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed the ambitious scheme, aiming to transform Thailand’s hot…
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TAT targets 7 billion baht tourism revenue surge for Ranong
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to boost Ranong province’s tourism revenue to 7 billion baht (US$196 million) in the current year, a substantial rise from 6.72 billion baht (US$188 million) in the preceding year. The strategy is to increase the share of international tourists to 15% of total visitors, a significant recovery from the previous year’s slump. Ranong,…
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Seaplane terminal boosts tourism in Phuket
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced Thailand’s inaugural seaplane terminal, slated to grace Phuket International Airport. AOT’s visionary project aims to meet the demand for coastal tourism, taking reference from the Maldives. The ambitious initiative involves a comprehensive study to bolster tourism links between Phuket and the Andaman islands and beaches while concurrently enhancing the airport’s capacity. With the study, encompassing…
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Rawai rescue team saves lost tourists at Laem Krating
Two female tourists, who had lost their way as darkness fell near Laem Krating, were located and ushered to safety by the Rawai Municipality rescue team last night (January 21). The women had gone for a walk on the popular trail along the cape, well-known for its Black Rock Viewpoint. The trail, which measures just 1.8 kilometres, became a labyrinth…
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Thai tourism sector optimistic about Chinese arrivals despite economic concerns
Despite the Thai tourism sector experiencing a drop in Chinese visitors last year, the government remains optimistic about an increase in arrivals this year, targeting eight million visitors from the mainland. This optimism is fuelled by the prospect of the visa-free policy becoming permanent in March. The Chinese government has been advocating for its citizens to travel domestically during the…
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Chinese new year holiday expected to boost Thailand’s tourism revenue
Anticipated to reach a staggering 34.4 billion baht, spending during the Chinese New Year holiday is set to surge, with foreign travellers, primarily from Chinese-speaking nations, contributing 28.4 billion baht. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this 29% year-on-year revenue growth, which spans from February 8 to 16, to the visa-free policy for Chinese and Taiwanese tourists. TAT Governor…
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