Phuket tourism
- Thailand Travel
Phuket boat tour business begs government to stop fuel price spike
A speedboat tour company in Phuket is begging the government to not allow fuel prices to spike. The company, Nikorn Marine Tour Phuket, offers tourists group boat trips, as well as private trips. It also offers beach parties, but its main services require boats. The company’s CEO told The Phuket News yesterday that after Covid-19 had already hit marine tourism…
- Thailand video news
Thailands ‘secret weapon’ to bring back tourists | GMT
More than 7,000 tourists from Russia and Ukraine in Thailand are allowed to extend their visas without an application fee as the government considers to offer humanitarian assistance as well. Don’t read too much news, at least that’s what Thailand’s Department of Mental Health is saying. One public health official says Thailand has a “secret weapon” to bring back tourists.…
- Thailand video news
Pattaya’s struggling entertainment sector wants later closing times I GMT
Entertainment officials in Pattaya say the tourism economy would improve if the closing time for venues serving alcohol was 1 am instead of the current 11 pm. Despite Russia banning Facebook in the country just 2 days ago, the Russian Consulate in Phuket has posted on its own Facebook page yesterday. The Russia-Ukraine crisis has already hit Thailand’s import and…
- Phuket News
Phuket police feel public backlash over arrest of foreign tourists in “scooter-gate”
Some members of the public have reacted with anger after Phuket police arrested a number of foreign tourists who were riding electric scooters. According to police in the normally busy tourist area of Patong, the tourists were charged with using unregistered vehicles on the road. Officers confiscated the scooters, threatening legal action against those who rented them out. However, photos…
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | Officials to discuss more easing of Covid restrictions
Thailand’s health officials plan to propose the easing of some Covid-19 restrictions in a bid to move away from imposing lockdowns when outbreaks are reported. Opas Karnkawinpong from the Department of Disease Control says other countries are relaxing some curbs and Thailand is ready to follow suit. However, he did not specify what restrictions might be eased. It’s understood the…
- Thailand video news
Test & Go restarts, will the tourists come? | GMT
One Thai traveller claims a Phuket taxi driver ripped him off by charging a fare of 600 baht and even got the police involved to sort out the situation. The Phuket Lantern Festival 2022, also known as Yaun Xiao which is a traditional celebration following the Chinese New Year, will be running in Phuket Old Town from now until February…
- Thailand video news
Thailand defies WHO over Covid becoming endemic | GMT
AstraZeneca vaccines free for walk-ins in Bangkok from Monday, Thailand will declare Covid-19 endemic, whether WHO agrees or not, Disco quarantine hotels, Stricter traffic rules expected in July. All these stories coming up on todays Good Morning Thailand with Jay and Tim
- Thailand video news
Venues in Phuket selling alcohol must apply for new permit | GMT
In Phuket, entertainment venues that were originally licenced to sell alcohol but then got licenced to serve food (so they could sell alcohol) must now get a new license to sell alcohol in their bar turned restaurant turned bar again.
- Thailand video news
New Omicron strain and “Stoner sandbox” | GMT
New strain of Omicron detected in Thailand, Thailand’s FDA plans “Cannabis Sandbox” entry scheme for tourists, A woman puts up billboard in Phuket to find missing cats, 30,000 baht reward for each and Thailand’s Test & Go registration opens on February 1. All of these stories coming up on today’s Good Morning Thailand with Jay and Tim
- Thailand video news
From Ducati cop to ordained monk | GMT
The deadline to apply for a 60-day “Covid-19” visa extension is tomorrow, although it is possible that the Thai Immigration Bureau could continue the scheme for another two months. The announcements in the past have often been last minute and sometimes made even after the deadline had passed.
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | High demand for sandbox entry into Thailand
In today’s news, Phuket is proving popular with foreign tourists, social media uncovers the aftermath of the Full Moon party, and a survey reveals the pandemic is taking a big toll on mental health. All this is coming up in today’s program. You’re watching Thailand News Today, bringing you the latest headlines in Thailand and beyond. And in today’s news. …
- Phuket News
Phuket seeing healthy tourism demand, with 4,000 Thailand Pass applications a day
The president of the Phuket Tourism Association says the island is proving popular with foreign tourists, receiving 4,000 applications a day through the Thailand Pass system. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam says most of those visitors are from Germany, Russia, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France. Bhummikitti credits the success of the island’s Covid-19 measures for inspiring confidence among foreign…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor vows to iron out issues with sandbox requirements
The governor of Phuket has pledged to sort out a number of issues with the island’s sandbox scheme as infection rates continue to rise. According to a Bangkok Post report, Narong Woosiew says the matters identified will lead to improvements, adding that he will soon introduce “Phuket Sandbox Version 2“. “Currently, the local economy is doing well due to the…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor says island will remain open for tourists, despite rise in infections
The governor of Phuket has reassured local businesses that the island remains open for tourists under its sandbox scheme. Narong Wunsiew says that despite a steep rise in Covid-19 case numbers, there are no plans for a lockdown. “As we aim to contain Covid-19 while boosting the economy, we have received pleas for us not to shut down the island…
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | Thai Officials Insist On More Restrictions
Thai officials continue to insist on more restrictions over a variant that is proving to be quite mild. Meanwhile, a former boxer is murdered and a Buddhist monk gets lit on whisky during New Year’s Day.
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Update | Omicron Update & Impacts on Thai tourism
Thailand has suspended its Test & Go program that allowed vaccinated travellers to enter the country with only one night of quarantine, Singapore is also putting their quarantine-free travel plans on hold for now. Phuket seems to have emerged as a slight winner in the mess, with the Phuket Sandbox remaining open. A 29 year old Israeli tourist who escaped…
- Phuket News
Tourism officials say Test & Go suspension could have knock-on affect for Phuket
The head of the Phuket Tourist Association says the potential knock-on effect of the Test & Go suspension is not yet known. Bhummikitti Raktaengam says the number of foreign tourists arriving on the island via the sandbox scheme could be affected. According to a Bangkok Post report, he says it remains to be seen if overall visitor numbers to Thailand…
- Tourism News
Phuket to get 3 new tourist attractions
4 months after the launch of the Phuket Sandbox, a pilot reopening scheme that has now morphed into a country-wide reopening plan for international travellers, the local Phuket government are talking about spending 100 million baht on new landmarks to help attract tourists. The first of 3 landmark projects is a glass skywalk which would allow visitors to walk along…
- Phuket News
Phuket tourism operators expect 1 million visitors in first quarter of 2022
The head of the Phuket Tourist Association is optimistic about Thailand’s re-opening to vaccinated tourists from 63 countries, which starts today. Bhummikitti Raktaengam predicts the southern island will see 1 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of next year. “Bookings in November increased by 20%, while the load factor for some international flights will also rise to 80%, thanks…
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | Chiang mai ICUs pushed to the limit, Famous Hackers target luxury hotel | Oct. 29
Jett goes through the main headlines across Thailand that include: The Thailand Pass is set to replace the COE on Monday. Guests of the Centara Hotel chains are urged to change their passwords and be aware of phishing after a data breach, and ICU beds in Chiang Mai nearing full capacity.
- Phuket News
Senior hotels association member says NYE stars will boost Phuket tourism
The president of the Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter is backing the government’s decision to spend millions of baht on Phuket’s end-of-year festivities. Officials have confirmed that K-Pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform in Phuket on New Year’s Eve. Critics have derided the plan due to the cost involved, with many suggesting the money…
- Thailand video news
3 categories allowed back in Thailand, Updates on re-opening | Good Morning Thailand | Ep. 115
In today’s episode Jay and Tim talk about the 3 categories of tourists allowed back into Thailand, Updates on reopening and an increase in the no. of countries allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine starting November 1st, Joe Ferrari update and the full moon party.
- Phuket News
Phuket officials confirm island’s recovery plan following sandbox “success”
The southern island of Phuket is looking to the future, with ambitious plans to evolve into a tourism, education, and service innovation hub between 2023 and 2027. The Bangkok Post reports that officials are preparing to launch the “Together Phuket Stepping Forward” campaign, in line with the country’s imminent re-opening. Governor Narong Woonciew says the campaign will follow on from…
- Thailand video news
Curfew to ease, Chiang Mai ready to open, Scrapping the C.O.E | Good Morning Thailand | Ep.109
In today’s episode Jay and Tim talk about further easing of the curfew and dark red zones, Chiang Mai governor saying that the province is ready to open despite a covid cluster and a possible scrapping of the C.O.E
- Thailand video news
TAT plans big new year celebrations, Crackdown on street Racing | Good Morning Thailand | Ep.108
In today’s episode Jay and Tim talk about the TAT plan to celebrate New Years with big name celebrities. Thai police crackdown on motorbike street racing and former MP Thanathorn awaiting judgement.
- Phuket News
Phuket tourism operators banking on 5 billion baht recovery fund
Businesses on the resort island of Phuket are counting on a 5 billion baht fund to revitalise the decimated tourism sector. Thanet Tantipiriyakit from the Phuket Tourism Council says tourism operators on the island are pinning their hopes on the fund being created. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the fund will materialise. With the money, we can breathe a…
- Phuket News
Phuket sandbox has welcomed 42,000 international arrivals since July 1
Since the launch of the Phuket sandbox scheme on July 1, the southern island has welcomed over 42,000 foreign visitors to its shores. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has got the calculator out again and according to TAT Phuket director, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, over 2 billion baht has been generated for the economy. “We set the target at 100,000 visitors because…
- Phuket News
Phuket tourism operators want COE process reformed, other rules amended
Tourism operators on the southern island of Phuket are calling for the certificate of entry process to be reformed in order to attract more sandbox visitors. And, according to Bhummikitti Ruktaengam from the Phuket Tourist Association, they would also like to see changes made to other entry criteria. “Simplifying the certificate of entry process is the first and foremost key…
- Phuket News
Phuket governor petitions Bangkok to end restaurant alcohol ban, bar closure order
The governor of Phuket has lodged a formal appeal for restaurants on the southern island to be allowed to sell alcohol and for nightlife to be re-opened. The Phuket News reports that Narong Woonciew submitted the request to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration yesterday, citing the unprecedented financial struggles faced by locals as a result of the restrictions. The…
- World News
TAT pushes for Indonesia, Malaysia to be added to approved list for Phuket sandbox
The Tourism Authority of Thailand says there is demand in the Malaysian and Indonesian markets, but both countries are currently off the approved list for the Phuket sandbox. The Bangkok Post reports that Sophon Tantayotai from the TAT’s Jakarta office says Indonesians are allowed to travel abroad but cannot avail of the Phuket sandbox, instead having to quarantine for 14…
- Phuket News
Minor Phuket entry revision: Covid-19 test within 7 days, not 3
The good news is, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew announced that restrictions and on entering Phuket will ease on October 1. The bad news is, this hasn’t been officially enacted yet and the actual changes to restrictions are extremely minimal. According to the announcement by the governor, a meeting yesterday of the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee has decided on the following overhaul: instead…
- Phuket News
No more sandbox: Phuket private sector calls for full re-opening by December 1
The vice-president of the Phuket Tourism Association says businesses on the island need it to fully re-open by December 1 if they are to survive. According to a Bangkok Post report, Nanthida Atiset says fully re-opening the island could generate over 210 billion baht in revenue, adding that the sandbox scheme is simply not enough. “Only over 20,000 tourists have…
- Hua Hin News
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…
- Phuket News
Phuket officials look to vaccinated domestic visitors for tourism lifeline
Officials on the southern island of Phuket are pinning their hopes on vaccinated domestic tourists to revive the flagging economy. A proposal to attract vaccinated local tourists is being submitted for approval and if granted, would replace current restrictions, says deputy governor, Pichet Panapong. According to a Bangkok Post report, Pichet says the current measures on Phuket are damaging the…
- Covid-19 News
Phuket tourism operators call for curbs to be eased despite surge in infections
Tourism operators on the southern island of Phuket say Covid-19 restrictions must be eased to help the sector recover, even with a surge in infections. The island has been recording around 200 daily new cases in recent days. However, Thanet Tantipiriyakit from the Phuket Tourism Council points out that the infections are mostly caused by local activities as opposed to…