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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thailand and Laos aim for US$11 billion bilateral trade boost with enhanced transport links
Thailand and Laos have set in motion plans to increase the value of bilateral trade to US$11 billion (395.7 billion baht) within the next two years, as announced by government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This ambitious target was a significant point of discussion during a meeting between the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone. Covering an…
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Phuket MP urges swift action on delayed Patong Tunnel
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee recently took the floor in the House of Representatives, using his platform to challenge the ongoing delay in the construction of the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. The Speaker of the House and the Deputy Minister of Transport were present to hear his concerns. With a reputation as a renowned tourist hotspot, Patong’s economic health is largely reliant…
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YouTrip sets sights on Southeast Asian expansion
Southeast Asian fintech giant YouTrip is gearing up for regional expansion, backed by a successful funding round that raised US$50 million (1.84 billion baht). The round witnessed participation from new investors, including global venture capital firm Lightspeed. This Singapore-based multi-currency digital payments platform has managed to amass over US$100 million (3.68 billion baht) in funding since its inception. The newly…
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Thai tourism bodies urge government to rebuild confidence with Chinese tourists
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) and the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) called on the government to restore confidence in Chinese tourists via mainland tour agents, emphasising that this approach can guarantee tourist safety. TCT president, Chamnan Srisawat, suggested that the government should exercise caution before deciding on a permanent exemption from visas for the Chinese market. The…
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Nightlife extension in Pattaya to 4am could boost tourism, says city business chief
The president of the Pattaya City Night Business Association is optimistic about the potential of nightlife extension activities until 4am. However, she noted that the current directive only applies to the U-Tapao Airport area. She urged the government to better understand the unique dynamics of Pattaya, a city heavily reliant on tourism. Lisa Hamilton voiced her concerns that while the government…
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Spirits high: Thai nightlife gets a boost with potential two-hour extension for venues
Thai nightlife enthusiasts have a reason to raise a glass in celebration as the Ministry of Interior has rung the bell to a two-hour extension for entertainment venues. Previously closing at 2am, these nightspots can now keep their doors open until 4am. The decision was announced by Traisulee Traisornkul, the Secretary-General of the Ministry, yesterday, October 25. The move is seen…
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Scrapping immigration forms may boost Malaysian tourist influx in Thailand
Tourism professionals in Songkhla have voiced their desire for the discontinuation of the TM6 immigration paperwork as an additional border checkpoint and the eradication of extra-time service charges, as these measures continue to slow the influx of tourists from Malaysia. The government gave its approval this week to scrap the TM6 forms from November 1 to April 30, 2024, at…
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The Mall Group plans to extend opening hours to promote Thailand tourism
Thailand Mall Group Co-chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh proposed a novel strategy to invigorate the nation’s economy by attracting a greater influx of foreign tourists. She insists that the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism sector are moving in the right direction but advocates for the introduction of special incentives to stimulate investments in artificial tourist attractions across the nation. Supaluck also…
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British man suffers broken nose after stumbling over road stud in Pattaya (video)
President of the Pattaya Entertainment Business Association urged local authorities to take action after a British man stumbled on a stud on Jomtien Beach Road in Pattaya and suffered a broken nose. CCTV footage along Jomtien Beach Road in Pattaya showed a British man crossing the road and tripping over the road stud. He fell to the ground as his…
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5 good reasons to visit Koh Samui in 2023
Thailand’s “coconut island” has come a long way since its hippy heyday in the 1970s. Today, jet-set travellers rub shoulders with the tabloids’ favourite celebrities, while major golf events and regattas have become annual pilgrimages. So, now you’re thinking about a lazy leisurely holiday on this tantalisingly tropical island? The only question is … when to go? January – BBQ Season…
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Krabi’s national park sees revenue surge to 270 million baht
Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi witnessed an impressive surge in its yearly revenue, exceeding 270 million baht (US$7.47 million). This financial leap has resulted in the park becoming Thailand’s highest-grossing national park. As Thailand prepares for the influx of tourists during the high season in the following month, Ratchanok Paenoi, the park’s chief, has reported…
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Koh Chang sees tourist surge over long weekend, boosting park earnings
Koh Chang, an island off the coast of Trat, was a magnet for tourists over the three-day holiday this weekend. The influx coincided with today’s King Chulalongkorn Day and the tail end of the school break. The chief of Mu Koh Chang National Park, Polwaree Buchakiat, noted that Koh Chang was bustling with visitors this month, contributing to the park’s…
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Sky skirmish looms: Low-cost airlines face turbulence from price-dumping giants
The survival of emerging low-cost carriers in Southeast Asia could be threatened as dominant airlines may resort to price-dumping strategies to safeguard their market share. The airline industry’s seat recovery is also projected to take a decade to fully bounce back. Really Cool Airlines’ Chief Executive, Patee Sarasin, previously the chief executive of Nok Air, expects to obtain the Air…
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Phuket tourism industry generates 370 billion baht in eight months
Over the past eight months, the tourism industry in Phuket has managed to amass a substantial revenue of nearly 370 billion baht, as reported by the President of the Phuket Tourism Association. This encouraging development signals a significant rebound from the adverse effects of Covid-19, with the present surge in tourist numbers representing a remarkable 40% year-on-year rise when compared…
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Phuket to introduce ‘baht bus’ style transport service in tourist hotspot
Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) is currently accepting applications from operators to establish a circular ‘baht bus’ style public transportation system in Phuket’s busiest tourist area. The announcement was made on the PLTO’s official Facebook page yesterday, with three separate notices for potential operators to provide bus transport services within Patong. Two of these notices outlined two circular routes, while…
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Egypt unearths 3,400-year-old cemetery from New Kingdom era packed with ancient treasures
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of a 3,400-year-old ancient cemetery from the New Kingdom era at the Tuna El-Gebel necropolis in the southern Minya governorate. These burial grounds belonged to high-ranking officials and priests of ancient Egypt, according to Mostafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Waziri said the excavation, led by…
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Thai visa extension for Russians sparks mixed industry reactions
The Thai Cabinet’s decision to extend the stay period for Russian tourists under the visa extension to 90 days, from the previous 30 days, has sparked mixed reactions. While some tourism operators fear an increase in illegal work activity, others in the south see potential for a boost in spending. The new policy, announced on Monday, aims to stimulate the…
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Lost in Phuket: Stranded British man seeks help as wife takes passport and sails away
A stranded British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings. The public became aware of the British man’s plight through a report by the…
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Phuket police crackdown on crime boosts safety for visa-free tourists
In a span of seven days, Phuket police apprehended 64 individuals in an effort to bolster the safety measures for tourists from China and Kazakhstan who are visiting under a visa-free arrangement. The Phuket Provincial Police’s campaign is primarily aimed at curbing crime rates, particularly drug-related offences, to uphold Phuket’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. According to a report…
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Entertainment venues: Bangkok governor paints the town ‘green’ with 4am nightlife nod
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittupunt has given green light approval to entertainment venues to extend their closing time to 4am, provided they implement appropriate safety measures and take into consideration the welfare of nearby residents and young people. He also insisted that clear and transparent operations are better than secretly operating past the legal hours. During a recent executive meeting at…
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Thailand boosts tourism with free SIM cards and digital privileges for visitors
The Welcome Back to Thailand campaign, a collaborative endeavour by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Advanced Info Service (AIS), is ready to roll out. The initiative is designed to attract international tourists by offering them Amazing Thailand SIM cards, bundled with an array of digital privileges and services. As part of the campaign strategy, TAT plans to distribute…
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Toll-free treat: Thailand waives toll charges on major expressways for King Bhumibol Memorial Day
The upcoming holiday tomorrow, October 13, has led the Thailand Expressway Authority (TEA), under the Ministry of Transport, to waive toll charges on three major expressways, covering a total of 60 toll gates. The decision was made to facilitate travel on the anniversary of the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, a public holiday as declared by…
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Chinese tourists drop by 75,093 following shooting in Bangkok
The Economic Division of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that the number of Chinese tourists in Thailand last week fell by 75,093 compared to the previous week. The ministry said Thailand received 497,966 foreign tourists last week. This was 54,453 or 9.86% less than the previous week. The number of foreign tourists in the country decreased, especially Chinese…
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Tourism turmoil: Troubles in Israel & Bangkok’s bullet blues spell trouble for Thai tourism
The ongoing conflict in Israel and the recent shooting incident at Siam Paragon in Bangkok last week are anticipated to result in a decline in foreign arrivals for the upcoming week, which will have a substantial impact on the Thai tourism industry. Nevertheless, the private sector remains optimistic that the visa exemption scheme will play a crucial role in rejuvenating…
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Tourist turmoil: Thailand grapples with 10,000 unexpected Israeli guests amid conflict aftermath
Thailand is currently hosting approximately 10,000 Israeli tourists, a situation that arose due to the recent Israel-Gaza conflict. The country’s Tourism and Sports Ministry is monitoring the effects of this situation on its tourism sector. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Tourism and Sports Minister stated that while numerous airlines have suspended flights between Thailand and Israel, El Al Airlines, Israel’s national airline, has…
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French mother demands justice for son sexually assaulted by Thai man in Koh Samui
A French mother is demanding justice after her seven year old son was sexually assaulted by a predatory Thai pedophile in a grocery store on Koh Samui island in Thailand. Remarkably, despite her son being the victim of a sickening sexual assault, the French mother had her passport confiscated after the suspect filed an assault charge against her. To add further…
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Airbnb’s Thai-cation: Boosting GDP and jobs in the Land of Smiles, study shows
A recent study by Oxford Economics highlights the significant role played by Airbnb in Thailand’s tourism sector, making a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP and job market. According to the report commissioned by Airbnb, the platform made a substantial 31 billion baht contribution to Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product in 2022, supporting almost 56,500 jobs. This translates to approximately 1.7%…
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Thai PM’s diplomatic tour to boost ties, revive tourism hit by mall shooting
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarks on a five-day tour to Hong Kong and three ASEAN nations, beginning Sunday. The journey commences from the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) terminal at Don Mueang Airport, with the Airbus 320 aircraft setting course for Hong Kong. Post the Hong Kong visit, the premier’s itinerary includes Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia, with his return scheduled…
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Thailand’s tourism ministry to compensate shooting victims amid regulatory gap
The aftermath of the recent Siam Paragon shooting has unveiled an apparent regulatory gap in Thailand’s support mechanism for distressed tourists. A previous government disbanded the Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund – a safety net providing financial aid for tourists in times of adversity, and a replacement source of funding had not been set in place. The Tourism and Sports Ministry,…
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Thailand tourism threatened, Bangkok mall shooting deters Chinese tourists
The tragic shooting at Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok yesterday has potentially hampered Thailand tourism. Thousands of Chinese netizens criticised the incident on Weibo, some even stating they would never visit Thailand again. Several casualties, including Thai, Myanmar, and Chinese nationals, resulted from the incident. As soon as the unfortunate event occurred, the hashtag #Paragon started trending on Twitter. The…
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