foreign tourism
- Thailand News
Neos Air takes off on Milan-Brno-Phuket route: Thai welcome extravaganza marks grand inauguration
Neos Air‘s maiden flight on the Milan-Brno-Phuket route was greeted with a vibrant Thai traditional welcome dance and personalised greetings, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The spectacular event aimed to immerse passengers in the richness of local culture, enhancing their travel experience. Italy’s Neos Air, with Flight NO216, officially launched its operations on this exciting route, landing…
- Thailand News
Foreign buyers flock to Thailand’s tropical condos: Chinese and Russians lead
Foreign buyers such as the Chinese and Russian are dominating the condominium scene, turning Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket into international real estate playgrounds. A staggering 10,703 units, raking in a jaw-dropping 52.3 billion baht, exchanged hands in the nine months leading up to September, marking a whopping 38% surge from the previous year, according to the Real Estate Information Center,…
- Thailand News
Thai PM unleashes bold tourism overhaul: Second-tier provinces take centre stage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shook the foundations of Thailand‘s tourism strategy, revealing a radical shift during a high-stakes meeting at Government House. The Thai premier, flanked by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool, unveiled his masterplan to propel the nation into a perpetual high-season destination, leaving traditional hotspots like Chiang Mai…
- Thailand News
China’s outbound tourism surges due to strategic visa policies and AI use
The increase in China‘s outbound tourism can be linked to the strategic visa policies and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel assistants, as stated by Trip.com Group, China’s leading online travel platform. The group’s vice president and managing director of international markets, Boon Sian Chai, highlighted the significance of visa waivers introduced in September in the revival of…
- Thailand News
China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less
China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s retail revolution: Emsphere unveils glamorous shopping oasis worth 20 billion baht
Bangkok‘s shopping arena just hit the jackpot with the grand opening of Emsphere, the glittering jewel in the Em District crown. Packed with star-studded events and jaw-dropping features, this 20 billion baht retail haven is set to catapult Bangkok into the global retail spotlight. Emsphere, the latest addition to the Em District in Phrom Phong, Sukhumvit Road, opened its doors…
- Thailand News
Phuket extends pub and bar hours to boost tourism and employment
Phuket is set to extend the operating hours of its pubs and bars till 4am, with the new timing being tentatively scheduled to start on December 15. This decision was reached following a public hearing conducted by the Phuket Provincial Administration Office. The new operating hours are to be implemented in six zones on Bangla Road in the Patong area…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s duty-free dream: Govt’s five-pronged plan to woo tourists and shoppers
In a move to transform Thailand into an irresistible haven for tourists and shoppers alike, the government has unleashed a five-pronged plan that could turn the Land of Smiles into a duty-free paradise. Say farewell to arrival duty-free shops as Thailand aims to redefine its status as the ultimate destination for globetrotters and shopaholics. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed yesterday,…
- Phuket News
Drumming up excitement: Phuket’s Surin Beach beats to the rhythm of tourism’s future with groundbreaking Glass Terrace project
The sound of ceremonial drums echoed across Surin Beach, Phuket, early this morning marking the start of construction on a project of substantial tourism potential – the Glass Terrace. With an estimated completion time of two years, this 198 million baht project is anticipated to become a significant tourist attraction along the island’s west coast. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony was…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s new high-flier: Sattha thongkham lands as vice governor, family in tow
Sattha Thongkham, accompanied by his wife and daughter, arrived in Phuket yesterday, ready to assume his new role as the Vice Governor of Phuket. The family made their debut in the city by paying tribute to the statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) at the historic former Phuket Provincial Hall, situated on Narisorn Road in Phuket town. The venerable structure…
- Phuket News
Phuket: 3 billion baht for pipeline to solve water issues and boost tourism
Phuket officials announced plans to yet again request a budget exceeding 3 billion baht for the construction of a water supply pipeline from Phang Nga to Phuket, aiming to resolve ongoing water issues and bolster tourism in the region. The budget request confirmation emerged during a meeting led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall. The meeting highlighted…
- Things To Do
Top 8 things to do in Krabi
Krabi province is brimming with amazing things to do and see, all against the backdrop of beautiful limestone cliffs. If you are wanting to go island hopping, this is the place to do it as the islands are unforgettable. Alternatively, for a more adventurous trip, visitors can opt to rent a kayak and paddle around the lagoon in Koh Hong,…
- Thailand News
Safety concerns for tourists spur diplomatic talks: Thailand-China relations under spotlight
Amid concerns for the safety of foreign residents and tourists in Bangkok following a recent shooting incident at Siam Paragon mall, ensuring a positive international relationship between Thailand and China has become a key focus of discussions between Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and China President Xi Jinping. PM Srettha also offered his sympathy regarding the tragedy which saw one…
- Things To Do
10 Thailand provinces near Bangkok you need to visit
Bangkok is a trip in itself, as it features many things to see and do. But, if you are wanting a day trip outside of Thailand’s capital, many provinces nearby offer unique experiences that can accompany your vacation. Such things as visiting a nearby beach to remind yourself that you are on a tropical island are definitely possible by just…
- Business News
Chinese tourism to Thailand lags despite lifted travel restrictions
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand continues to fall behind predictions, despite China lifting travel restrictions over eight months ago. By September 10, a total of 2.28 million Chinese arrivals had been recorded for the year, with estimates for the end of the year standing between 4 and 4.4 million. This falls short of the initial target of 5…
- Tourism News
Chinese embassy applauds visa-free ‘tour-de-force’ to revive Thai tourism
The Chinese embassy expressed gratitude towards the Thai government’s visa-free policy, anticipating it would encourage an influx of tourists from China and rejuvenate Thailand’s tourism industry. The embassy, in a Facebook post, conveyed the Chinese government’s support for the initiative but simultaneously emphasised the necessity for the Thai government to safeguard Chinese tourists during their stay. The visa-free scheme, unveiled…
- Guides
5 souvenirs unique to Thailand
Thailand is one of the significant countries where both foreigners and locals are eager to say ‘yes’ to a request to visit. Not only are there numerous tourist attractions and delicious cuisine, but there are also intriguing mementos for those returning home. Today, we would like to share some souvenir gift ideas that you may not have considered before. Unique…
- Business News
Thailand’s PM plans to boost tourism revenue to US$100 billion by easing visa rules
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has proposed a plan to boost tourism revenue to nearly US$100 billion next year. This involves loosening visa regulations for travellers from China and India and extending the duration of stay for tourists from all nations. Chinese travellers, who accounted for the most significant proportion of visitors pre-Covid-19, have been subjected to a taxing visa…
- Travel
Bangkok Travel: Things to do for a for a memorable holiday
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city renowned for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life. Whether you’re looking for history, delicious food, culture, nightlife, or just a place to relax, it has something for everyone. With so much things to see and do, you’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of your time in this city. So…
- Economy News
Foreign arrivals in April show things are looking up for tourism, the economy
Things are looking up for the Thai economy, thanks to an increase in foreign and domestic tourism in April, according to the Bank of Thailand. The Bangkok Post also reports a year-on-year increase in consumer spending during the month of April. The easing of travel restrictions has brought more foreign tourists to the kingdom, with numbers up from 210,836 in…
- Tourism News
Thai government expects 1 million tourists per month by the end of the year
The Thai government has refuted the opposition’s claim that it is ignoring the plight of the country’s tourism sector. According to a Nation Thailand report, spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says the government’s decision to cancel Test & Go has revived the tourism industry, with around 20,000 foreign arrivals now entering the kingdom each day. Thanakorn adds that if this trend continues,…
- Tourism News
Tourism officials ramp up marketing campaigns to target short-haul markets
Tourism officials are looking to short-haul markets to attract holidaymakers during the off-peak season, with a number of marketing events planned. Thanet Phetsuwan from the Tourism Authority of Thailand says places like India, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia are the target markets. “This strategic push for short-haul markets aims to create a quick win, attracting both repeat and first-time visitors all…
- Phuket News
Phuket targets 1 million foreign tourists for last quarter of 2022
The president of the Phuket Tourist Association says the island hopes to attract a million foreign tourists in the last quarter of the year. Bhummikitti Raktaengam says things are looking up since the cancellation of Test & Go, and he’s hopeful the southern island could receive a total of 3.5 million visitors this year. Since May 1, the number of…
- Tourism News
Tourism operators not getting their hopes up, still wary of government U-turns
Despite a further easing of entry restrictions at the start of the month, with the lifting of PCR testing on arrival, Thailand’s tourism sector is not getting its hopes up. According to a Bangkok Post report, tourism operators are concerned about several factors that have left them uncertain about any potential recovery. Chief among these is the risk of new…
- Tourism News
In a ranking of the world’s top tourism destinations, Thailand slips in at number 4
It may have its critics, particularly in light of recent ham-fisted and bureaucratic attempts to revive tourism, but Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations in the world. At least, that’s what a study by financial services provider Visa has found. Nation Thailand reports that Thailand sits at number 4 among the world’s top tourism destinations, according to the…
- Tourism News
Anutin proposes getting rid of the Thailand Pass – for Thai returnees only
Thailand’s Public Health Minister wants to get rid of the Thailand Pass. But don’t get too excited, Anutin Charnvirakul is proposing scrapping it for Thai returnees only – at least for now. According to a Bangkok Post report, the health minister says he will submit the proposal to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. However, when asked whether the emergency…
- Tourism News
Anutin reports surge in Thailand Pass applications after Test & Go dropped
Thailand’s public health minister and deputy PM says there has been a jump in Thailand Pass applications since the ditching of Test & Go. According to a Nation Thailand report, Anutin Charnvirakul says registration has increased, with no problems reported with the simplified system so far. The health minister also commented on the Covid-19 situation in Thailand, saying that daily…
- Tourism News
Officials hope Test & Go cancellation will see flights to Thailand double by year end
With Test & Go now tested and gone, the Thai government hopes to see a surge in flights to the kingdom, up to twice the current number by the end of the year. According to a Bangkok Post report, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand is anticipating 83,500 flights a month across all airports by the end of 2022. The…