return to Thailand

  • Thailand NewsPardon the uproar: Thaksin’s plea adds a royal twist to political drama

    Pardon the uproar: Thaksin’s plea adds a royal twist to political drama

    A royal pardon application for Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, has been received, as confirmed by the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. Acting as the justice minister, Wissanu announced a press event at the Government House, though he refrained from disclosing whether the appeal was penned by Thaksin or his relatives. He clarified that the request was…

  • Politics NewsAwaiting arrest, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin returns to Thailand amidst political unrest

    Awaiting arrest, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin returns to Thailand amidst political unrest

    As Thailand anticipates the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, fresh from a self-imposed exile, arrest warrants are ready for viewing and inevitable jail time awaits him. His expected return is scheduled for tomorrow, incidentally, coinciding with parliamentary proceedings to elect the country’s 30th leader. His daughter, Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, a former prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand delayed amid prime ministerial vote postponement

    Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand delayed amid prime ministerial vote postponement

    The return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand and reputed de facto head of the Pheu Thai Party, has been delayed. The strategy appears aimed at facilitating his smooth return, once a government led by his party comes into play, disclosed an unnamed source within Pheu Thai yesterday. The initial return plan for Thaksin was for Thursday, August…

  • Thailand NewsThailand tourism, innovate or die – OPINION

    Thailand tourism, innovate or die – OPINION

    Red flags are flying in Thai tourism circles as the expected wave of international travellers is failing to materialise in the expected numbers. With the post-April 1 and Songkran ‘surge’ out of the way, the daily arrivals have been ‘flat’. So the TAT say they’re pivoting their marketing to short-haul tourism as the long-haul markets and traditional travellers to Thailand…

  • World NewsDespite rising Omicron infections, Thailand is forced to reconsider current restrictions

    Despite rising Omicron infections, Thailand is forced to reconsider current restrictions

    Another CCSA meeting this week as Thailand’s Covid overlords determine the next stage of the two-year long strategy to cope with the pandemic. Will they allow bars and nightlife to re-open? Will they reduce the testing requirements for overseas arrivals? Will they get rid of the current 5th day test and stay in an SHA+ hotel? At least in this…

  • Tourism NewsTAT touts another rosy outlook for 2022 arrivals into Thailand – VIDEOS

    TAT touts another rosy outlook for 2022 arrivals into Thailand – VIDEOS

    Whilst the Ministry of Tourism and Sports approve marketing spending for 2022, their tourism promotion arm, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, have been throwing around more highly optimistic arrival figures for next year. “TAT set the revenue target from tourism in 2022 at 1.5 trillion baht, or about 50% of tourism revenue in 2019 (before the Covid-19 situation)”, according to…

  • Visa InformationSo long, farewell to Thailand’s Certificate of Entry – November 1

    So long, farewell to Thailand’s Certificate of Entry – November 1

    But what will replace it? Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an update to procedures for arrival in the Kingdom, post November 1. The Ministry says that the unpopular Certificate of Entry, currently required for all international visitors, is set to be replaced by a new system they’re calling the Thailand Pass system. It is set to start on…

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Alcohol back on some tables, STV extended, Thai Airways | Sept 29

    Thailand News Today | Alcohol back on some tables, STV extended, Thai Airways | Sept 29

    The CCSA announced it will allow for alcohol to be sold and consumed in restaurants just in Phuket. The Special Tourist Visa scheme, or STV, was launched last year to draw in travellers from overseas to revive the crippled tourism industry. Thai Airways says it will start selling seats on flights to highly-vaccinated destinations starting October 1

  • Tourism NewsThailand – the Covid vaccine and quarantine | VIDEO

    Thailand – the Covid vaccine and quarantine | VIDEO

    Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has issued an official statement stating that, in the short to medium term, “everyone entering Thailand has to do at least a 14 day quarantine”. “The quarantine will apply, even those people who have been vaccinated.” The Public Health Ministry says the reason is because the vaccination process has only just begun in some countries around…

  • Visa InformationThai government keeps the borders locked down despite industry demands to re-open

    Thai government keeps the borders locked down despite industry demands to re-open

    Despite progress in vaccines and the hard lobbying from Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industries, the Kingdom is destined to miss out on the 2019/2021 high season. The Thai Minster for Sports and Tourism, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, says that the government is looking to March/April in 2021 as the earliest date for any return to general tourism. For now travellers still have…

  • Visa InformationThailand will remain closed to general tourism until at least the 2nd quarter of 2021 – Minister

    Thailand will remain closed to general tourism until at least the 2nd quarter of 2021 – Minister

    Kiss any resemblance of general tourism to Thailand goodbye, at least until march next year, at the earliest. That’s the outlook for Thailand’s beleaguered tourism industry from the usually optimistic Minster for Sports and Tourism, Pipat Ratchakitprakan. So, apart from the STV and the modified 60 day Tourist Visa, and a few other options – all involving quarantine and a…

  • Covid-19 News“Open the borders, safely”, Bill Heinecke, Minor International interview – VIDEO

    “Open the borders, safely”, Bill Heinecke, Minor International interview – VIDEO

    Bill Heinecke speaks to Bill Barnett. The two heavy-hitters of Thailand’s hotel and hospitality sector, mull over the current Covid situation and the reopening of Thailand’s borders to some form of tourism. Bill Heinecke is the Chairman and Founder of Minor International. Bill Barnett is the Managing Director of c9hotelworks.com Now the Thai government has approved the special long-term tourist…

  • Tourism NewsCondé Nast Traveller ranks Thailand in Top 20 Best Countries in the World

    Condé Nast Traveller ranks Thailand in Top 20 Best Countries in the World

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand is delighted to announce that Thailand has ranked #7 in a ranking of the Top 20 Countries in the World by readers of Condé Nast Traveller in the 33rd Readers’ Choice Awards 2020. Some of Thailand’s most popular locations also scored well in the prestigious listing. Italy, Sri Lanka and Portugal scored the top 3…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Business people exemptions, road checkpoints, Phuket delay | October 6

    Thailand News Today | Business people exemptions, road checkpoints, Phuket delay | October 6

    Daily TV news on The Thaiger. Up to date information, delivered to you, free. Thai government considers easing restrictions for foreign business travellers The Thai government is considering further easing entry restrictions for foreign travellers coming to conduct business in the Kingdom. Up to date, around 11,000 businesspeople and work permit holders have been granted entry by the Centre for…