Thai tourism
- Economy News
Thai tourism stays firm amid debt rise, 200 million domestic trips targeted
Despite a backdrop of tepid consumption, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains steadfast in its pursuit of 200 million domestic tourism trips within the current year. Data from a survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce paints a rather gloomy picture of increased household debt levels, up by 11.5% this year from last year. It…
- South Thailand News
Koh Tao sees record-breaking one-day tourist influx
The island of Koh Tao has seen a record-breaking number of tourists reported to have landed on July 28. The Surat Thani Provincial Governor, Wichuwat Jinto, shared the good news earlier today. Koh Tao, the smallest of the three main southern gulf islands, welcomed a staggering 3,106 visitors, all of whom arrived via boat on the same day. This influx…
- Business News
Thai tourism seeks visa fee waiver to attract Chinese and Indian visitors
A plea for the revival of a visa fee waiver programme has been issued by Thailand‘s tourism industry, seeking an influx of visitors from populous nations like China and India. The request follows a lukewarm recovery in numerous essential markets and is viewed as vital for enhancing arrivals this year. President of the Thai Hotels Association, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, emphasized…
- Thailand News
Unprecedented six-day holiday leads to tourist boom in Pattaya
Yesterday marked the kick-off of an unprecedented six-day holiday. Pattaya‘s beaches and tourist hotspots were abuzz as visitors flocked, particularly to Koh Larn, a stunning island located roughly 7 kilometres from the coast. According to local accommodation providers, the entirety of the island’s estimated 3,000 rooms were booked out. The rush of tourists, both Thai and foreign, regularly set sail…
- Economy News
Thailand sees tourism growth skyrocketing to 3 trillion baht in 2023
Thailand recently experienced a surge in international arrivals, with numbers reaching 15 million within just seven months of this year, encouraging tourism growth, informed Rachada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokesperson. She acknowledged the substantial contribution of northern hemisphere school summer breaks increasing the influx of international tourists to the vibrant Southeast Asian nation, thereby boosting tourism growth. In response to…
- Thailand News
Culture ministry plans to boost Thai tourism through Korean TV series popularity
The Thai Culture Ministry voiced its intentions of capitalising on the increased popularity of Thai locations, brought on by their appearance in the latest Korean television series, King the Land. Recognising this upswing in interest, the ministry plans to attract more Korean tourists and fans of the drama to these specific sites, boosting Thai tourism. Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome attributed…
- Pattaya News
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%…
- Thailand News
Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020
Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and an astonishing 507 tonnes of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee…
- Business News
Thai tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest
The sluggish Chinese economy and hesitant local budget travellers have dealt a blow to Thai tourism operators along the eastern seaboard, casting a gloomy cloud over this year’s revenue prospects. The slow recovery marks it as a testing time for places like Pattaya, particularly with a quiet Chinese market yet to bounce back and local visitors not returning en masse,…
- Business News
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…
- Events
Impacting Asia’s wellness landscape: Highlights from Thailand’s Top Wellness World Summit 2023
Thailand, with its successful host of the second annual Thailand Top Wellness World Summit (TTWW) event in 2023, is building a significant path to becoming the wellness hub of Asia. The summit authorities gathered a multitude of international industry leaders to share their visions for the burgeoning wellness industry under the conference theme “Wellness and Well-being: Business Investment Opportunities”. The…
- Economy News
Thai tourism unaffected by political unrest unless airports shut, says ex-minister
In times of political upheaval, Thailand’s foreign tourists would not be significantly impacted, unless there was an incident akin to 2008’s airport disruption, according to former tourism and sports minister, Weerasak Kowsurat. Back in 2008, protesters had shut down Bangkok’s airports leading to a drop in tourist visits, impacting Thai tourism. Weerasak, now serving as a senator, insists that tourists…
- Economy News
Thai tourism targets wealthy Asian expatriates for industry boost
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set their sights on the growing wealth of Asian expatriates as a potential boon for the Thai tourism industry. Chinese nationals residing in Cambodia and Laos have been particularly targeted due to their propensity for choosing Thailand as a location to send their children for education. According to Oranooch Pakapan-Rutten, TAT’s marketing representative for Cambodia…
- Business News
Thai tourism federation FETTA plans transformative change for streamlined operations
Faced with a long-standing need for agile operations and goal-directed development, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) is set to drive transformative change in Thailand’s tourism landscape. This follows the recent realignment of seven local tourism associations that have transitioned from the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to become part of FETTA. According to Adith Chairattananon, a FETTA representative…
- Thailand News
World Hindu Congress to be hosted by Bangkok this year, boosting Thai tourism
As a first, Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant city, is set to play host to the World Hindu Congress (WHC), set to take place from November 24 to 26. Around 3,000 Hindus hailing from 60 different countries are anticipated to grace the event chaired by Susheel Kumar Saraff. Themed “Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah” or “Dharma,” the Abode of Victory,” the congress aims to celebrate…
- Economy News
Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery
Amid escalating tourist arrivals and robust economic recovery, Thai tourism-associated enterprises have been reaping lucrative rewards, particularly in the fields of foreign exchange, travel agencies, tour guides, dining establishments, and the accommodation industry. Such industries have experienced impressive growth within the initial five months of this year, as revealed by data garnered through the Business Development Department of the Commerce…
- Thailand News
New Thai PM urged to become ambassador for tourism boost
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) urged the new Prime Minister (PM) to become a tourism ambassador to boost the Thai tourism industry. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identified the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limcharoenrat, as an ideal candidate for this role, given his potential to significantly boost the tourism sector. TCT President Chamnarn Sisawat…
- Business News
Thailand flight sales soar, searches for outbound trips up 200% in Q1
The first quarter of this year saw international flight sales to Thailand surpass 2019 figures, while searches for outbound Thai flights and overseas accommodation rose by 200%, according to online travel agency Traveloka. Iko Putera, the company’s chief executive of transport, anticipates a positive travel trend for Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia this year. This is driven by…
- Phuket News
Phuket Hotels Association launches online travel sale to back local talent
Press Release Phuket Hotels Association, the nonprofit organisation of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image of Phuket, is inviting members of the public to take part in its “Absolutely Fabulous Online Travel Sale” – an online auction with great prizes that will fund scholarships for talented young people in Phuket. This forms part of the Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) 2023…
- Business News
Accessible tourism potential for Thailand’s post-pandemic resilience
The World Tourism Organization emphasizes the importance of accessible tourism as the industry aims to recover post-pandemic. An estimated 10% of the global population is aged over 65, while approximately 16% have some form of disability. As Thailand’s economy increasingly relies on tourism, developments in accessible infrastructure are being implemented in both public and private sectors. Despite existing accessibility laws…
- Business News
Thailand targets high-spending Middle Eastern tourists for tourism growth
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on attracting high-spending visitors from the Middle East in the latter half of this year, with the goal of utilising this market as a new tourism growth engine. Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT’s deputy governor for tourism products and business, has stated that since Thailand re-established full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in early…
- Business News
Marriott upbeat about Thailand’s labour crunch in tourism sector
Marriott International remains optimistic about Thailand’s labour situation in the tourism sector, as employment at its properties across the country has nearly returned to its 2019 levels. The company hopes that the incoming government will prioritise the development of connectivity to secondary cities in order to enhance the country’s competitive edge. Jakob Helgen, Area Vice-President for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and…
- Business News
TAT anticipates Chinese tourist arrivals to reach 1 million per month in October
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates that Chinese tourists could reach one million arrivals per month by October, similar to figures from 2019. An increase in flight capacity during the high season and resolving e-visa issues are factors expected to contribute to this growth. Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT’s Regional Director of Marketing for East Asia, expressed confidence that Chinese tourist…
- Thailand video news
CNN confusing TAIWAN for THAILAND | GMT
In today’s episode, Proposed national uniforms to make traffic police approachable, CNN needs geography lesson after mistaking Taiwan for Thailand, Thailand makes another travel list: Fodor’s No List.
- Thailand News
Thailand to offer free Covid-19 booster shots to foreign tourists
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports Ministry (MOTS) announced its plans to provide free Covid-19 booster shots for foreign tourists entering Thailand next year. The disclosure will be welcomed by many who fear another Covid wave after China announced it will open its borders and relax quarantine measures. The MOTS also briefed the press that the government will introduce the…
- Thailand video news
Air pollution at unsafe levels in Bangkok | GMT
In today’s episode, Giving sports a fighting chance, Record number of Thai people traveling abroad, Air pollution at unsafe levels in Bangkok, Knifed in the neck for disrespecting mum, Khao San New Year countdown cancelled.
- Thailand News
Spiderman spins web to promote Thai tourism
A Thai tour guide has found a novel way of attracting tourists into his web of activities – by dressing as Spiderman. But, not only that, Spiderman has recruited a superhero sidekick to help him out – Superman. Kasidet Juthamas aka Spiderman recruited an Australian TikToker, Mitch Muscle Lagos, in a Superman uniform to join him on a rock climbing…
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | Thai Influencer harassed by pervert stalker
***A Thai influencer hopes that two years of being sexually harassed by an obsessive stalker is now over after seeking help from a lawyer. The female influencer, Mintra Chuawangkham, aka Minton, met a Thai lawyer Ratchapol Sirisakorn, yesterday to discuss two years of hell after being hounded by a security guard with an alleged rape and drugs charge on…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism ministry to get 2 billion baht ‘booster shot’
The Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, yesterday revealed his department expects to get a 2 billion baht “booster shot budget” to push Thai tourism this year after complaining to the prime minister. Phiphat revealed he approached PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and asked for the extra cash after being ignored by the man in charge of allocating additional funds, the Director…