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.
To keep up with the most updated tourism news in Thailand, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
-
Jet fuel boom: Thailand’s aviation set for sky-high growth
Thailand’s aviation sector is ready to soar, fuelled by a surge in air travel and jet fuel demand, according to Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS). The refuelling giant, which serves Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, is seeing a bright future as the aviation industry bounces back from the pandemic slump. BAFS President ML Nathasit Diskul revealed the company’s expected…
-
Phatthalung unveils 71 billion baht airport plan to boost tourism
A plot of land spanning 1,496 rai near Songkhla Lake in Phatthalung has been earmarked for constructing a new airport, aimed at boosting tourism and transport in the southern province and its neighbours. Anticipated to become a central hub for Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, the land in Khuan Maphrao subdistrict, Mueang district is owned by the Department of…
-
Thailand to revive 300-baht tourism tax to boost revenue
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong reignited plans for a 300-baht tourism tax, which was put on ice by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move is set to help rake in a whopping 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. Sorawong, who stepped into his role yesterday, September 16, believes the tax will be a game-changer for the industry. “This…
-
Phuket plans sustainable tourism overhaul to boost economy
Phuket’s sustainable tourism took centre stage yesterday, September 15, as the House of Representatives Tourism Committee held a seminar to explore new directions for the island’s tourism sector and delve into the creative economy. The event, Transforming Phuket’s Future, was held at Dara Hotel and saw participation from significant figures in government, the private sector, and civil society. Phuket Vice…
-
Thailand’s ‘Wellness on a Plate’ campaign serves up health benefits
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cooking up something special! In a bold move, the TAT has launched a dazzling new campaign titled Wellness on a Plate, spotlighting the health perks of Thailand’s eclectic culinary delights. Aiming to marry the nation’s rich food culture with wellness tourism, this initiative promises a feast for both the senses and the soul.…
-
Thailand’s tourism shake-up: Private sector dives into man-made marvels
Thailand is gearing up to revamp its tourism scene with a fresh array of man-made attractions, and the private sector is already jumping on board. The government is drawing up plans for entertainment complexes that will include legal casinos, marking a bold new direction for the country’s tourism strategy. Private firms are keen to get in on the action. Asset…
-
Central Pattana invests 4.5 billion baht in Krabi development project
Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN) is gearing up to shake up Krabi with a dazzling new mixed-use development, part of a massive 15 billion baht investment to turbocharge Thailand’s economy and tourism sector. The Central Krabi project, valued at a staggering 4.5 billion baht, will cover a sprawling 114 rai of land and promises to be a game changer.…
-
Thailand plans post-flood tourism campaigns for northern provinces
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing tourism campaigns and promotions to aid affected provinces flooded in Thailand once the situation improves. Severe floods have ravaged 27 provinces, including key northern and central regions like Chiang Rai. These floods led to the cancellation of domestic flights to Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport yesterday afternoon. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool…
-
Thailand’s new tourism campaign to generate 800 million baht
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled a new initiative to invigorate the country’s tourism sector with the Charming Thailand: 5 Regions event series. Announced by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, this campaign aims to highlight Thailand’s cultural heritage and modern attractions through a series of large-scale events, expected to draw over 147,000 visitors and generate more than 800 million baht…
-
Phuket’s overtourism: Is Thailand’s holiday hotspot ruined?
Phuket, Thailand’s stunning island getaway, has claimed the dubious title of the world’s most overcrowded destination. Once a serene beach paradise, Phuket now sees tourists outnumbering locals by a staggering 118 to one, turning the tropical dream into a crowded chaos. Overtourism has become a hot topic since travel bounced back post-Covid. Eager holidaymakers have returned in droves, overwhelming many…
-
World’s best hotel: Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental steals the show
Bangkok’s iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel has officially snagged the prestigious title of the Best Hotel in Asia and the World, according to The Telegraph’s Hotel Awards. The British media giant, known for its high standards, placed the luxurious Thai retreat at the top of its 2024 list, beating fierce global competition. This award comes after The Telegraph’s hotel and destination…
-
Chiang Rai hotel offers free rooms to flood victims
Silamanee Resort & Spa Hotel in Chiang Rai is offering free accommodation to flood victims. The ongoing flood situation in Mae Sai and Mueang districts has worsened, with continuous water inflow causing severe hardship for many residents, who are desperately awaiting assistance. Hotel Silamanee’s Facebook page recently posted an update. “Due to the flood situation in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai,…
-
Mid-priced hotels in Thailand struggle amid price-sensitive tourists
Hotels in the mid-priced and budget segments in Thailand faced significant challenges in maintaining room and occupancy rates in August, as tourists remained sensitive to prices. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that while the average occupancy rate for hotels nationwide improved to 61.8% from 58.4% year-on-year, it still fell short of the pre-pandemic rate of…
-
Japan sees record tourist arrivals, Thai visitors surge
Tourist arrivals to Japan have surged to record levels, with over three million visitors per month from March to July this year. Despite the sweltering heat in July, Japan attracted 3.29 million tourists, marking a 41.9% year-on-year increase, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organisation. Among these visitors, Thai tourists ranked fifth, with 671,810 arrivals. Japan has been a…
-
Thai Transport ministry to upgrade 29 piers with billion-baht budget
The Thai Ministry of Transport has initiated a comprehensive plan to upgrade 29 piers across the nation into Smart Piers with a budget of 1.214 billion baht. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and support the efficient transport of goods and passengers. Under the directive of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Ministry of Transport is…
-
Thailand carves a spot in Agoda’s top destinations for returning tourists
The popular travel booking platform, Agoda, included Thailand among the world’s destinations that tourists cannot get enough of. Other countries at the top of the ranking were Japan and South Korea. Agoda had just released the Return Visitor Ranking on September 5 after surveying travellers who had recently booked their next trip on the platform. The survey suggested that more…
-
Patong boosts public safety in Soi Bangla and Soi Lao crackdown
Patong officials are stepping up efforts to improve public safety and cleanliness in the bustling tourist area, particularly focusing on Soi Bangla and the notorious Soi Lao. This initiative aims to tackle ongoing issues in the area, including drug-related activities, illegal street vending, and misuse of public spaces. A team of officials, led by Kathu District Chief Thammarong Chuay-akson and…
-
Teeing off comeback: Laguna Phuket at the heart of tourism revival
Laguna Phuket, a luxurious 2,500-rai resort complex, is at the heart of Phuket’s tourism resurgence. After the pandemic’s brutal hit to the travel industry, Laguna Phuket Vice President Paul Wilson shares how this iconic destination has not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger than ever. “Laguna Phuket’s prime location in Cherng Talay, with its luxury hotels, 18-hole golf course,…
-
New travel rules: Thailand’s ETA to shake up visa-free visitors
Thailand is tightening its borders with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to launch between December this year and June 2025. This system will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreigners entering the country by air, land, or sea. Though not technically a visa, the ETA will act as a computerised security check, similar to the ETIAS programme for…
-
Thai woman denied entry to South Korea over bizarre questions
A Thai woman’s trip to South Korea took an unexpected turn when she was shockingly denied entry due to failing to answer bizarre questions about her hotel. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, September 3, has since sparked heated discussions online. Posting in the Facebook group Travelling to Korea by Yourself, the woman revealed her peculiar encounter with immigration…
-
Bangkok taxi driver returns tourist’s lost bag with 75,100 baht
A taxi driver in Bangkok made headlines yesterday after returning a significant amount of foreign currency to an Israeli tourist. The taxi driver, 54 year old Wirat Soi-udom from Roi Et province, discovered a black handbag in his taxi, containing foreign currencies and documents. The bag belonged to Nathanel Avinoam, an Israeli national. Wirat had picked up Avinoam from Thanon…
-
TAT targets 12.2 million foreign visitors in late 2024
Thailand anticipates a surge in foreign arrivals, targeting 12.2 million visitors in the final four months of 2024. This influx is projected to elevate the annual total to nearly 36 million, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). According to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the market’s growth is expected to benefit from…
-
Rising tourism in Thailand to boost sluggish motorcycle market
Increased tourism activity later this year is anticipated to boost Thailand’s domestic motorcycle market, which has experienced sluggish sales in the first seven months of 2024, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Surapong Paisitpatanapong, Vice-Chairman of the FTI and spokesperson for its Automotive Industry Club, stated that the number of foreign tourist arrivals is on the rise and…
-
Malaysian tourists boost Thailand’s economy by 100 million baht
The recent influx of tourists to Thailand’s southern region during Malaysia’s National Day, known as Merdeka Day, is poised to inject approximately 100 million baht into the local economy. Over 13,000 Malaysian tourists crossed into Songkhla through the Sadao checkpoint yesterday, August 31, with an additional 5,000 arriving via the Betong checkpoint in Yala, according to local officials. The substantial…
-
Thailand launches inclusive tourism project for disabled and elderly
The Architectural Tour for All People Foundation, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Network of Wheelchair Architects, launched the Tourism for All project. The initiative is designed to foster inclusive and sustainable tourism, particularly for the elderly, the disabled, and families of wheelchair users. These groups will actively participate in the project, collectively announcing the…
-
Pattaya’s iconic sign gets a dazzling makeover
In a move set to reinvigorate Pattaya’s skyline, the City Council has greenlit a massive budget to restore the iconic PATTAYA CITY sign perched atop Pattaya Hill. This iconic landmark, which has greeted visitors for years, will soon shine brighter than ever thanks to a major overhaul. Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai championed a proposal on Tuesday, August 27, to allocate…
-
Suvarnabhumi Airport to handle 80 million passengers yearly by 2031
Airports of Thailand (AoT) announced ambitious plans to upgrade Suvarnabhumi International Airport in a bid to accommodate 80 million passengers annually by 2031. AoT President Kerati Kijmanawat stated yesterday, August 28, that the agency is revising its master plan to expand the airport’s capacity over the next decade. This move aligns with the government’s goal to see Suvarnabhumi Airport rank…
-
Thailand anticipates 2 million Korean tourists amid Chuseok holiday
Thailand is gearing up for a significant influx of South Korean tourists during the upcoming six-day Chuseok holiday, aiming to maintain a strong momentum as the country anticipates a record high of 2 million Korean visitors by the end of the year. Tourism operators in Thailand remain confident despite fierce competition from Vietnam and Japan in attracting Korean tourists. Chuwit…
-
Thai travel agency faces backlash over delayed plane tickets
Customers have raised complaints about a prominent travel agency, TravizGo, for allegedly failing to issue plane tickets after payment, citing cash flow issues and promising to refund with 7.5% interest per year within 90 days. We Are Consumers (พวกเราคือผู้บริโภค) Facebook members posted warnings about TravizGo, which offers flight, hotel, and tour package bookings via its website and app. “Anyone who…
-
Nomad’s land: TAT’s Destination Thailand Visa leaves embassies in fog
Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) pushing the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) as a boon for digital nomads, the Pattaya Mail has discovered a troubling lack of clarity among Thai embassies. This long-stay visa, designed for remote workers and freelancers wishing to reside in Thailand, is meant to be straightforward, but many embassies are failing to provide adequate guidance…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.