international tourists

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s new visa rules: Game-changer or red-tape?

    Thailand’s new visa rules: Game-changer or red-tape?

    Thailand’s Interior Ministry just dropped a bombshell with fresh guidelines for the much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), now granting visa-exempt tourists a 60-day stay instead of the previous 30 days. The DTV has been heralded as a game-changer for remote workers, allowing them to work for overseas companies without the hassle of obtaining a local work permit. However, the ministry…

  • Thailand NewsAncient artefacts found in Phrae to boost tourism

    Ancient artefacts found in Phrae to boost tourism

    The ancient city of Wiang Chiang Chuen in Phrae, northern Thailand, has unveiled numerous historical artefacts, including polished stone axes and objects over 2,000 years old. The Fine Arts Department plans to develop it into a new historical tourist attraction. During a survey today, Warawut Euapinyakul, MP for Phrae’s 3rd district from the Pheu Thai Party, and Director-General of the…

  • Thailand NewsJapanese tourist rampage leaves trail of destruction in Pattaya

    Japanese tourist rampage leaves trail of destruction in Pattaya

    A Japanese tourist, in a fit of rage from an argument, drove his car into a popular Pattaya restaurant, crashing into numerous cars and motorcycles before finally colliding with a tour bus. This incident yesterday, July 10, left him injured and in police custody. Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthiporn Tangchuthaweesap of Pattaya City Police Station reported that they received a distress…

  • Thailand NewsTAT unveils Visa Thailand Grand Sale 2024

    TAT unveils Visa Thailand Grand Sale 2024

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled the Visa Thailand Grand Sale 2024, designed to draw international tourists to Thailand and encourage spending at prominent shopping venues such as King Power Duty-Free, Siam Paragon, Emporium, EmQuartier, Emsphere, Icon Siam, and Gaysorn. The effort comes as Thailand experiences a significant surge in tourism, welcoming over 14 million visitors in the first…

  • Thailand NewsTAT’s grand plan to attract 39 million tourists to Thailand

    TAT’s grand plan to attract 39 million tourists to Thailand

    The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) called for a major budget increase to boost tourism revenue to a staggering 3.5 trillion baht in 2024, attracting more tourists. The Thai government is aiming high, with an ambitious goal to lure no fewer than 39 million international tourists to its stunning shores throughout 2024. To achieve this, the TAT is pushing for…

  • Travel GuidesHow to survive Thailand’s rainy season 2024

    How to survive Thailand’s rainy season 2024

    Navigating Thailand’s rainy season, extending from mid-May to October, poses significant challenges for many. As someone who has experienced the full spectrum of conditions this season can present, from sudden torrential downpours to prolonged periods of drizzle, I have compiled several crucial tips that will enable individuals not only to withstand but also to thrive during Thailand’s most precipitous months…

  • Thailand NewsTourists banned from Kyoto’s Geisha District

    Tourists banned from Kyoto’s Geisha District

    In a bold move to protect Kyoto’s iconic geisha from relentless harassment by tourists, the local council in Gion has decided to ban sightseers from the district’s narrow backstreets. The decision comes after a surge in appalling incidents where traditional entertainers found themselves accosted and disrespected by unruly visitors. This move marks the latest effort to safeguard the revered geisha…

  • Business NewsThailand targets 35 million international tourists

    Thailand targets 35 million international tourists

    The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is optimistic about its ability to attract 35 million international tourists this year. This confidence stems from the fact that in the first month of the year alone, the country recorded three million foreign visitors. The encouraging figure was aided by daily arrivals exceeding 90,000 on weekdays and 100,000 during the weekends in…

  • Thailand NewsTraffy fondue: Phuket launches English app to assist foreigners

    Traffy fondue: Phuket launches English app to assist foreigners

    An English language-enabled version of the Traffy Fondue application has been launched by the provincial office of Phuket, Thailand. This platform has been developed to assist foreign visitors in airing their grievances about local environmental conditions and public services. The Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew, announced yesterday that the application has been well-received by residents seeking an expedited resolution to common…

  • Tourism NewsThailand aims to be top Muslim tourism destination within 5 years

    Thailand aims to be top Muslim tourism destination within 5 years

    Thailand is projected to emerge as a principal destination for international Muslim tourists within the next half-decade. The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Rachada Dhnadirek, put forth this intent to lure more Muslim travellers, citing their rising numbers and increased spending capacity. She noted, during her Friday announcement, that Muslim tourists comprised a major segment of Thailand’s tourism industry. An impressive surge…

  • Pattaya NewsThai tourism boost: 25.8 million Asian tourists expected in 2024

    Thai tourism boost: 25.8 million Asian tourists expected in 2024

    In a bid to breathe fresh life into the Thai tourism sector in 2024, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to attract an impressive tally of 25.8 million tourists. The focus is on visitors from geographically proximate Asian and South Pacific countries categorised as short-haul markets, shared Thanet Petchsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor. This quota forms a significant portion, 74%…

  • Business NewsJapanese tourism numbers in Thailand threatened by weak yen and slow Japan flight reintroduction

    Japanese tourism numbers in Thailand threatened by weak yen and slow Japan flight reintroduction

    In light of Japan’s hesitant return to tourism and a faltering yen, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) admitted there may be difficulty in meeting the year’s target of 850,000 Japanese arrivals. The figure reflects 50% of the Japanese tourism figures reported in 2019, considered an optimistic scenario by the Tokyo office director of TAT, Kajorndet Apichartrakul. As enclosed by Kajorndet, the…

  • Tourism NewsChinese tourists may bring growing pains to the Thai travel industry

    Chinese tourists may bring growing pains to the Thai travel industry

    While people in the tourism and entertainment sector are celebrating China’s announcement to reopen and allow outgoing travel, others have raised fears about the potential problems that could come with an influx of Chinese tourists. Some fear an overwhelming surge of Chinese tourists flooding Thailand’s hotspots. Others worry that the healthcare systems in Thailand could be overburdened by the influx…

  • Tourism NewsThai PM endorses India travel bubble in bid to boost international tourism

    Thai PM endorses India travel bubble in bid to boost international tourism

    A travel bubble arrangement between Thailand and India has received the backing of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, as officials look to revive foreign tourism in the kingdom. The Bangkok Post reports that government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says the travel pact between the 2 countries has also been endorsed by Thailand’s public and private sectors. In the pre-Covid days, Thailand welcomed nearly…

  • Covid-19 NewsIndian tourists who left Chon Buri before receiving positive test result found in Bangkok

    Indian tourists who left Chon Buri before receiving positive test result found in Bangkok

    Like wanted criminals, the mugshots of two Indian travellers were posted on a graphic released by the Chon Buri Health Department. Why? Because they tested positive for Covid-19. And after a search highly publicised in Thai media, the 30 year old and 32 year old were found in Bangkok. The two travellers entered Thailand through the Test & Go quarantine…

  • Tourism NewsTourism industry aims for improvement over Sandbox for reopening

    Tourism industry aims for improvement over Sandbox for reopening

    Thailand’s battered tourism industry is making final preparations for the big November 1 reopening with high hopes of welcoming back international travellers across Thailand. On November 1, the country will reopen with still somewhat convoluted 3 entry options and quarantine-free travel for arrivals from 46 low-risk countries. The Phuket Sandbox, with nearly 58,000 arrivals from July 1, has been viewed…

  • Tourism NewsTourism officials push for resumption of Russia flights in last quarter

    Tourism officials push for resumption of Russia flights in last quarter

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand says it’s essential that commercial flights between Russia and Thailand be allowed to resume during the last quarter of the year. However, under Thailand’s emergency decree, international flights can only operate as semi-commercial, with limited seat capacity. Khanittha Phanworawat from the TAT’s Moscow office says this means the Russian aviation authority is still not allowing…

  • Hua Hin NewsHua Hin opts for quarantine-free re-opening, similar to Phuket sandbox

    Hua Hin opts for quarantine-free re-opening, similar to Phuket sandbox

    The head of Hua Hin Recharge, which aims to re-open the popular tourist spot from October 1, says the programme will be similar to the Phuket sandbox scheme. Krod Rojanastien adds that he’s confident Hua Hin can achieve the required herd immunity in time. The Bangkok Post reports that as of yesterday, 55% of Hua Hin’s 90,564 residents have been…

  • Tourism NewsPhuket tourists rescued after being caught 3 kilometres off-shore while kayaking

    Phuket tourists rescued after being caught 3 kilometres off-shore while kayaking

    Phuket Tourist Police have rescued a Dutch couple who became trapped 3 kilometres off-shore while kayaking. The Pattaya News reports that strong waves meant the couple, who are on the island as part of the sandbox scheme, were unable to paddle back to shore. The incident happened around 1.30pm yesterday, with police responding to a report of the couple’s plight.…

  • Hua Hin NewsHua Hin aims to vaccinate 70% of local residents in time for October re-opening

    Hua Hin aims to vaccinate 70% of local residents in time for October re-opening

    Tourism officials in Hua Hin say the vaccination of local residents will be ramped up to ensure a planned October re-opening can go ahead. Krot Rotchanasathian from the Hua Hin Recharge project says the plan is to inoculate at least 70% of local residents, and 100% of those in the tourism sector. He adds that at this stage, over 30%…

  • Tourism NewsQ3 tourism hopes fade as US advises citizens not to travel to Thailand

    Q3 tourism hopes fade as US advises citizens not to travel to Thailand

    Hopes are fading for a tourism revival in the third quarter of this year after the US government cautioned its citizens against unnecessary travel to Thailand. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has added Thailand to its Level 4 countries, the highest-level warning, as a result of the rising Covid-19 infections in the Kingdom. The Bangkok Post reports that…

  • Phuket NewsOver 14,000 foreign tourists avail of Phuket sandbox scheme during first month

    Over 14,000 foreign tourists avail of Phuket sandbox scheme during first month

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand reports that Phuket welcomed over 14,000 foreign tourists, generating an estimated 829 million baht, during the first month of the island’s sandbox scheme. The Phuket sandbox was launched on July 1, allowing vaccinated foreign tourists from low-risk countries to visit the island without quarantine. Participants are required to stay in approved hotels and remain on…

  • Koh Samui NewsKoh Samui hopes to attract 2,000 tourists in first month of re-opening

    Koh Samui hopes to attract 2,000 tourists in first month of re-opening

    The president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui is paying great attention to how the Phuket sandbox scheme unfolds and hoping it succeeds. According to a Bangkok Post report, Ratchaporn Poolsawadee says the Samui Plus scheme could attract 2,000 guests in its first month if some rules can be eased. “Besides the virus situation on our islands and the…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya tourism operators not getting their hopes up over foreign arrivals

    Pattaya tourism operators not getting their hopes up over foreign arrivals

    Tourism operators in Pattaya are not holding out much hope of a mass return of foreign arrivals in the first few months after re-opening. Pattaya has been chosen as the first non-island location to re-open to vaccinated foreign tourists, but operators fear the constant indecision and changes to regulations will have a negative impact. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi from the Chon Buri…

  • Hua Hin NewsHua Hin to submit October re-opening plan for government approval

    Hua Hin to submit October re-opening plan for government approval

    The seaside town of Hua Hin, on the Gulf of Thailand, is working on a proposal to welcome vaccinated foreign tourists from October. Krod Rojanastien, from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, says the Hua Hin Recharge campaign aims to include the resort town in the government’s re-opening plan. He says the area has already earned a reputation for wellness holidays…

  • Tourism NewsTourism officials revise revenue forecast, insist Phuket will re-open on schedule

    Tourism officials revise revenue forecast, insist Phuket will re-open on schedule

    The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand admits it may need to revise its 2021 revenue forecast, but insists the Phuket “sandbox” project is still going ahead – and on time too. Yuthasak Supasorn says tourism officials will set a new revenue target, for both domestic and international tourists, as Thailand battles with a third wave of Covid-19. In…

  • Tourism NewsVaccinated foreign tourists may be offered free flights to boost inter-provincial travel

    Vaccinated foreign tourists may be offered free flights to boost inter-provincial travel

    The Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, says vaccinated foreign tourists may be offered free domestic flights during their holiday in order to boost inter-provincial travel. The proposal comes after the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand called for 40,000 vaccine doses to protect airline employees. “From July 1, inoculated tourists exempt from quarantine might be tempted to extend their stay…

  • Bangkok NewsTourism officials push to add Bangkok to “sandbox” travel scheme

    Tourism officials push to add Bangkok to “sandbox” travel scheme

    Tourism officials are calling for Bangkok to be included in the new “sandbox” travel scheme which will allow foreign visitors who are vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel to specific tourist destinations that have reached herd immunity. Phuket and Koh Samui are set to reopen under the model in July. Tourism officials are now pushing for Bangkok to reopen under the…

  • Covid-19 NewsPM says Thailand will consider lifting quarantine for vaccinated tourists

    PM says Thailand will consider lifting quarantine for vaccinated tourists

    The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha says the government will consider waiving the mandatory 14-day quarantine for tourists with proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For months now, the government has stuck to its stance that vaccinated foreign arrivals would still need to be quarantined, given that it’s too early to say if vaccines prevent transmission. But with industry leaders warning that the…

  • Tourism NewsBangkok and Phuket in top 15 list of places people most want to visit when travel re-opens

    Bangkok and Phuket in top 15 list of places people most want to visit when travel re-opens

    The Thai capital, Bangkok, and the southern island of Phuket have come in at number 8 and number 14 respectively, in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2021. The awards list the most popular worldwide destinations prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and the places people most want to return to once travel opens up again. According to a press release from the…