foreign tourism

  • Thailand NewsMaya Bay to close for two months for monsoon season recovery

    Maya Bay to close for two months for monsoon season recovery

    The renowned Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands will be closed to tourists from August 1 to September 30 to allow nature to recover and ensure visitor safety during the monsoon season. Despite the rough seas, tourists continue to flock to this destination made famous by the Danny Boyle movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Yutthapong Damsrisuk, head of…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok in top 30 most dangerous cities for tourists

    Bangkok in top 30 most dangerous cities for tourists

    Bangkok has been named the 30th most dangerous city for tourists, according to a recent Forbes Advisor article. The article, 12 Best Travel Insurance Companies of July 2024, compared 60 international cities across seven key risk metrics. The cities were evaluated on travel safety, crime risk, personal security risk, health security risk, infrastructure security risk, natural disaster risk, and digital…

  • Thailand NewsSky-high tourism boom: Thai-Chinese flights to double

    Sky-high tourism boom: Thai-Chinese flights to double

    Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) announced a dramatic increase in flights between Thailand and China. The number of annual flights is expected to double from under 100,000 to a staggering 200,000, thanks to a new mutual permanent visa waiver policy. The policy, which began in March, allows Chinese and Thai passport holders to enjoy visa-free holidays and transits…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s DNP boosts disaster readiness amid heavy rains

    Thailand’s DNP boosts disaster readiness amid heavy rains

    Natural Resources and Environment Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) to prepare for natural disasters, particularly flash floods and landslides. Emphasising the need for constant vigilance in tourist areas, he instructed that personnel and equipment be ready to assist the public 24/7. Patcharawat expressed concern for the public affected by heavy rains…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok’s Wat Pho climbs Asia’s top travel list

    Bangkok’s Wat Pho climbs Asia’s top travel list

    Bangkok’s Wat Phra Chetuphon, famously known as Wat Pho, clinched a coveted spot among TripAdvisor’s 25 most popular destinations in Asia for 2024. This year, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha proudly stands at 9th place, a testament to its enduring appeal since it first made the list in 2020. TripAdvisor’s glowing recommendation highlights the tranquil allure of Wat Pho,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand govt debunks reports of deserted tourist spots

    Thailand govt debunks reports of deserted tourist spots

    Reports of tourist spots Cha-am Beach and Amphawa Floating Market being deserted have been debunked by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Contrary to a viral video showing a quiet Cha-am Beach in Phetchaburi on a Sunday and social media claims about a lack of visitors at Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram, tourists continue to frequent both destinations. A video depicting an…

  • Thailand NewsThailand ranks 32nd globally for Muslim travel

    Thailand ranks 32nd globally for Muslim travel

    Thailand secured the 32nd spot globally among popular destinations for Muslim travellers, as revealed in the Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024. The Thai Prime Minister’s Office, through its spokesperson Chai Watcharong, highlighted this achievement, noting that Thailand also ranks 5th among non-Muslim countries (Non-OIC) in the same index. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is leveraging this accomplishment to…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s inadequate infrastructure development raises concerns

    Phuket’s inadequate infrastructure development raises concerns

    Inadequate infrastructure development in Phuket is struggling to match the island’s rapid urbanisation and severe flooding, tarnishing its reputation. The government’s failure to allocate sufficient budget and upgrade public facilities as promised is a significant concern. The President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, highlighted that 60% of tourists are first-time visitors who might not return if infrastructure issues…

  • Thailand NewsThailand government slashes hotel fees in tourism boost gamble

    Thailand government slashes hotel fees in tourism boost gamble

    The Thai Cabinet made a bold move to bolster its tourism sector by extending a waiver on operating fees for hoteliers for another two years. This strategic decision, made yesterday, June 25, aims to support the country’s ongoing economic recovery following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The fee exemption, which spares hoteliers from the annual charge of 40…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s tourist boom: Portuguese visitors surge by 44% this year

    Thailand’s tourist boom: Portuguese visitors surge by 44% this year

    Thailand is basking in a mini tourist boom, with a staggering 44% increase in visitors from Portugal recorded between January and April. Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Director for Southern Europe, is on a mission to shatter pre-pandemic records by luring over 52,000 Portuguese tourists this year. Ronnasiri shared her ambitions at the Thailand Festival in Lisbon. “We…

  • Thailand NewsHBO exec hails Koh Samui as paradise as White Lotus filming ends

    HBO exec hails Koh Samui as paradise as White Lotus filming ends

    HBO’s hit series The White Lotus has just wrapped up filming on Koh Samui for its highly anticipated Season 3. Scott Schaeffer, HBO’s Senior Vice President for Production, hailed Thailand as a cinematic paradise, praising its natural splendour and skilled local crews. Schaeffer’s glowing endorsement came during a high-profile meeting with Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich and Ministry…

  • Thailand NewsThailand scoops top honours in travel awards including Koh Samui

    Thailand scoops top honours in travel awards including Koh Samui

    Thailand has cemented its status as a premier travel destination, sweeping the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. Koh Samui has been crowned the Best Island in the Asia Pacific, while Samui Airport secured a commendable fourth place among the region’s best airports. Bangkok also emerged victorious, being named the Best City in the Asia Pacific. These accolades…

  • Thailand NewsHealth tourism: Phuket’s new wellness haven

    Health tourism: Phuket’s new wellness haven

    To bolster health tourism, BDMS Wellness Clinic teamed up with Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Laguna Phuket to unveil the BDMS Wellness Clinic Laguna Phuket. This new branch aims to solidify BDMS Wellness Clinic’s dominance in creating a wellness economic corridor in the Andaman region. The government’s 2022 announcement of the Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor project set the stage for this…

  • Thailand NewsLamps out: Lampang horse-drawn carriage rides face unbridled end

    Lamps out: Lampang horse-drawn carriage rides face unbridled end

    The famed horse-drawn carriage rides in Lampang may soon become a relic of the past, as dwindling tourism revenue fails to attract new generations to sustain the business, according to the Tourism Council of Lampang. Lampang registered 559,892 visitors in the first four months of this year, a 0.52% decline year-on-year, with only 35,131 foreign travellers. Despite the drop in…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya to become Southeast Asia’s premier destination

    Pattaya to become Southeast Asia’s premier destination

    Pattaya, known for its bustling nightlife, is apparently trying to shed its old skin and emerge as a beacon of transformation in Southeast Asia. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable overhaul aimed at elevating visitor experiences and community living standards. Key infrastructure upgrades are at the heart of this makeover. Underground installations of electrical and communication cables, revamped road surfaces,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand boat shows merge for a splash-tacular Phuket event

    Thailand boat shows merge for a splash-tacular Phuket event

    The Thailand International Boat Show and Thailand Boat Festival are set to merge, creating the largest and most extravagant boat show Phuket has ever seen. This landmark event will take place at Phuket Yacht Haven from January 9 to 12 next year, promising a spectacular display of luxury yachts and lifestyle brands. The organisers of both prestigious events have announced…

  • Thailand NewsNew SRT Royal Blossom train to boost Kanchanaburi tourism

    New SRT Royal Blossom train to boost Kanchanaburi tourism

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch the new SRT Royal Blossom tourist train, refurbished by Thai craftsmen, on the Kanchanaburi route by mid-August. The announcement came from Akranun Kannakitinan, a Kanchanaburi MP from the Pheu Thai Party. Akranun revealed that the refurbished train, featuring air-conditioned Hamanasu carriages from Japan, will soon commence operations. The train has…

  • Thailand NewsThai Cabinet approves 55 billion baht lifeline for SMEs and tourism

    Thai Cabinet approves 55 billion baht lifeline for SMEs and tourism

    The Thai Cabinet approved a low-interest loan programme worth 5 billion baht and a substantial 50 billion baht credit guarantee fund under the Ignite Thailand vision, aimed at bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul detailed the plan, highlighting that the low-interest loans would target tourism, wellness and medical, and agriculture and food sectors. Each borrower…

  • Thailand NewsTourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy

    Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy

    Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government’s performance over the past eight months…

  • Thailand NewsThailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme

    Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme

    In a dramatic U-turn, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the highly debated tourist tax. Initially proposed as a post-pandemic measure, the 300 baht tax at airports and 150 baht tax by land or sea, caused a storm of opposition from the travel industry due to its ambiguity and potential for confusion. The National Tourism Policy Committee…

  • Thailand NewsSongkhla pushes for cruise terminal to boost tourism

    Songkhla pushes for cruise terminal to boost tourism

    The Songkhla Tourism Association is calling for government intervention to boost tourism by constructing a cruise ship terminal and introducing direct flights from Chinese cities to Hat Yai. President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association Songchai Mungprasithichai announced plans to seek government support for direct flights to Hat Yai, proposing routes such as Kunming-Hat Yai to attract more Chinese tourists…

  • TravelMust see Bueng Kan: Natural and cultural sites

    Must see Bueng Kan: Natural and cultural sites

    Bueng Kan has pristine natural beauty and cultural treasures. Start with the iconic Naka cave, a sandstone massif offering breathtaking views of the cave. Besides, the scenic waterfalls can captivate any nature enthusiast. This article aims to indicate the top destinations in Bueng Kan, Thailand. Must see Bueng Kan Naka Cave Naka Cave, also known as Snake Cave, is one…

  • Thailand NewsKazakhstan’s first direct flight lands in Surat Thani

    Kazakhstan’s first direct flight lands in Surat Thani

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scat Airlines today celebrated the inaugural direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Surat Thani. The flight carrying 212 passengers, landed at Surat Thani International Airport this morning at 7.30am. The Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, accompanied the flight, along with Kazakhstani travel operators and media, receiving a warm welcome from local officials.…

  • Thailand NewsOvertourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy

    Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy

    A Pattaya City Council member issued a warning about the urgent need for tourist number controls and construction regulations on Koh Larn, an island now teetering on the brink due to its popularity. Phasakorn Yusoomboon, representing Pattaya District 1, voiced his concerns at the council meeting yesterday. He highlighted the island’s daily influx of over 10,000 tourists, with numbers soaring…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket dreams of a Vietnamese tourist boom

    Phuket dreams of a Vietnamese tourist boom

    Tourism operators in Phuket, the jewel of Thailand’s southern resort islands, are optimistic about a significant influx of Vietnamese tourists following a high-impact promotional campaign in Vietnam’s two largest cities. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association stated that the island aims to welcome at least 120,000 visitors from Vietnam this year, marking a 50% increase from last year’s…

  • Tourism NewsTourism in Koh Samui hampered by shortages and infrastructure

    Tourism in Koh Samui hampered by shortages and infrastructure

    Efforts to boost tourism in the southern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao are underway as the government tackles pressing issues such as water shortages and illegal businesses. Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recently engaged with entrepreneurs from Surat Thani‘s Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan islands to address the province’s pressing tourism challenges. Koh…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket’s tourism boom: Is the island ready for the rush?

    Phuket’s tourism boom: Is the island ready for the rush?

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is confident that tourism revenue in Phuket this year will skyrocket to a staggering 400 billion baht. In a surprising revelation, the provincial TAT office reported that more than 3.6 million tourists graced the resort island in the first quarter alone. Lerdchai Wangtrakoondee, director of the provincial TAT office, announced yesterday that tourist numbers…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism

    Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism

    Thailand is gearing up to host a five-day Pride event in Bangkok, aiming to establish itself as Asia’s rainbow capital. This event, organised by the government alongside private and civil sectors, will feature a series of activities running from May 31 to June 4 under the theme Celebration of Love. Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of the Bangkok Pride Parade,…

  • Thailand NewsPhetchaburi’s plan to lure 10 million tourists each year

    Phetchaburi’s plan to lure 10 million tourists each year

    The Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed an ambitious blueprint to entice over 10 million tourists to Phetchaburi Province each year, harnessing soft power to drive sustainable tourism and unleash substantial economic rewards. The groundbreaking announcement, made on May 13 ahead of Thailand’s Cabinet meeting, unfolded in the scenic backdrop of Phetchaburi, setting the stage for a tourism renaissance in…

  • Business NewsTravel growth expected in Asia-Pacific despite cooling demands

    Travel growth expected in Asia-Pacific despite cooling demands

    Online travel agent Booking.com expects the Asia-Pacific region to see growth in bookings as we start to see stability in the global market. The company’s Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, Laura Houldsworth, said the company anticipated the growth might not be as fast as it has been because it’s starting to stabilize at a very high level. Asia was up mid-teens…