Thailand tourism
- Thailand News
Fewer Japanese tourists have visited Thailand in a historic first
Thailand found itself on the flip side of tourism dynamics, experiencing a historic tourism deficit with Japan in the first half of 2023. The numbers tell a startling tale: one million Thais ventured into Japan, while a mere 300,000 Japanese enthusiasts made their way to the tropical haven of Thailand. In a dramatic departure from the norm, Thailand, renowned for…
- Business News
Pandemic sparks faith tourism pilgrimage as seekers find peace in Thailand’s temples
Following the pandemic, a rise in faith tourism as a search for peace and tranquillity has been observed. Temples and sacred spots across Thailand have seen an increase in visitors, and the donation boxes are filling rapidly. Future Markets Insight reported that worldwide, faith-based tourism was worth US$13.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$40.9 billion in 2033.…
- Tourism News
Thailand aims for 40 million tourists and 3.5 trillion baht revenue
The goal of 40 million international tourists and an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht (US$ 98,348,390,000), as set by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, remains a tall order for this year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Still, the ministry plans to attract longer stays and increase spending through a range of measures, including soft power products, safety…
- Thailand News
Mixed reactions to Thailand’s new cannabis law from tourism industry
The recent draft law on cannabis and hemp, targeting to limit recreational use, is garnering mixed reactions from Thailand’s tourism industry. While it could potentially lead to the closure of several dispensaries, industry insiders feel it wouldn’t have a significant impact on the overall tourism landscape as cannabis and hemp aren’t primary attractions for international visitors. The bill, endorsed by…
- Thailand News
Thai national parks report record revenues and visitors in 2023
The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation disclosed on January 4, the rankings of the top 10 highest-earning and most-visited national parks from the pool of 133 parks for the previous year. Based on revenue from January to December 2023, the top 10 Thai national parks accumulated a whopping total income of 1,651,868,101 baht (US$47 million). Hat…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism operators question 40 million visitors target
The government’s ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors is viewed as daunting by Thailand tourism operators, considering factors such as high travel costs, diminished demand in big markets such as China and Russia, and competition from surrounding nations. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, who heads the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation, pinpointed the stagnant Chinese market as a significant issue,…
- Thailand News
Tourists numbers to return to pre-covid in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the picturesque northern Thai capital, last year witnessed a jaw-dropping 30% plunge in tourism, with a mere 3.9 million visitors gracing its vibrant landscapes last year, in stark contrast to the 5.6 million footfalls pre-Covid in 2019. This startling data, unveiled by social enterprise Visit Chiang Mai, paints a gloomy picture for the once-thriving tourist hotspot. A closer…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism revenue surges by 44% as new year ushers in boom
The start of the new year saw a significant boom in Thailand’s tourism sector, with a 44% spike in tourism-related revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes this surge to the visa-free scheme and extended entertainment hours in select provinces. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, the Governor of TAT, revealed that the country amassed a staggering 54.4 billion baht (US$1,588,321,152) from December…
- Thailand News
Thailand mulls tax-free local alcohol to boost economy and tourism
A breaking development unfolded at 10.10am yesterday, January 2, with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin making a significant announcement after a Cabinet meeting centred on boosting international tourism and the national economy. The Thai government is contemplating overhauling the excise taxes and duties structures, with an eye on making Thai local alcoholic beverages tax-free and prompting a review of related…
- Thailand News
Thailand tourism: 10 provinces elevated to first tier attractions
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has handpicked 10 second-tier provinces to be promoted as first-tier tourist hotspots on December 26. This strategic initiative, concocted in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, is set to revolutionise the tourism landscape. The chosen provinces, brimming with untapped potential, include Phrae, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Phanom,…
- Tourism News
Thai tourism minister welcomes Chinese influencers to boost 2024 travel
On December 26 Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, extended a warm welcome to a large contingent of Chinese media representatives and influencers. Their visit was part of the Amazing Festive & Exclusive Trip in Thailand, a grand event scheduled from December 21 to 28. The event saw the participation of more than 93 Chinese influencers, all…
- Thailand News
Americans’ top 3 festive escapes: Italy, Japan, and Thailand take the lead
Italy reigns supreme as the ultimate festive haven, clocking in nearly 93,000 average searches from September to December this year. An ever-popular year-round destination, Italy transforms into a winter wonder with charming markets, exceptional skiing facilities, and high-altitude luxury in the Italian Alps – a must-visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking an unexpected second place is Japan, with 33,275.49 average…
- Thailand News
Thai health charter chairman advocates for cannabis in wellness tourism
Dr Kampon Sriwatanakul, chairman of the Thailand National Charter of Health, has called for the adoption of a holistic wellness technique to leverage the potential of cannabis in bolstering the nation‘s tourism. He delivered these remarks at the 4th CISW MedCann Investment Summit 2023, which took place yesterday, December 20. The chairman advocated for a wellness tourism model revolving around…
- Thailand News
Thai AirAsia X sets sights on Kazakhstan: New route sparks tourism frenzy
In a bold move set to revolutionise travel, Thai AirAsia X is gearing up to launch direct flights between Bangkok and Almaty, the thriving heart of Kazakhstan. Riding high on the unprecedented influx of tourists from Kazakhstan this year, the airline, under the visionary leadership of Tassapon Bijleveld, the executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the holding company of Thai AirAsia,…
- Thailand News
Phuket to host luxury boat show: Multi-billion baht yachts and jets
In a dazzling display set to elevate Phuket‘s status on the global luxury stage, the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event is gearing up to showcase a spectacular line-up of yachts, private jets, and more. This high-profile event is poised to inject a staggering 500 million baht into Phuket’s economy, drawing in a crowd of High Net Worth…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha reveals bold plans for seamless tourism and rice boost in regional summit
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed visionary plans to foster seamless tourism among Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The grand revelation unfolded during a high-profile meeting with the leaders of these nations on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit, celebrating Japan’s half-century collaboration with ASEAN countries. During a tête-à-tête with Vietnam President Võ Văn Thưởng, Srettha enthusiastically announced the revival of…
- Business News
Thai outbound tourism recovery slower than expected due to high costs
This year has been bleak for both inbound and outbound tourism in Thailand, with a weaker recovery than anticipated. Only 60-70% of Thais who travelled abroad in 2019 are expected to do so present year. High living costs, household debt, and a slump in the stock market have made most Thais prefer saving over spending on outbound trips, which usually…
- Business News
Thailand’s tourism revenue falls short of annual target
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projected a shortfall in its annual tourism revenue target, with this year’s earnings expected to reach 2.07 trillion baht (US$58,773,427,200) instead of the projected 2.38 trillion baht. TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, attributes this shortfall to the sluggish performance of international tourism receipts, which were significantly lower than the state’s target of 1.6 trillion baht.…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s embassy in Beijing ramps up efforts to enhance national image
A concerted effort to rejuvenate Thailand‘s image among the Chinese population is being championed by Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, the Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing. Benjamin emphasised that the Thai government should also focus on enhancing the quality of Thai products to amplify the nation’s reputation in China. Sukanjanajtee expressed his conviction that despite recent incidents which have…
- Northern Thailand News
Escape to Thailand’s best-kept secret: Mae Chaem, a hidden paradise of culture, tranquillity, and starlit nights
In the heart of northern Thailand lies a hidden gem, away from the tourist throngs that swarm popular destinations. Mae Chaem, nestled on the flank of Doi Inthanon mountain, beckons discerning travellers seeking respite from the usual hustle and bustle. As you wind through lush greenery and scenic landscapes, Mae Chaem unfolds like a dream. The journey itself, a four-hour…
- Business News
Thai and Malaysian PMs to boost border trade and tourism
A meeting slated for tomorrow between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Songkhla province is expected to tackle initiatives aimed at enhancing Thai-Malaysian border trade and tourism. A source revealed that the agenda includes a proposal from Thai tourism businesses to grant Tor Mor 6 immigration clearance form exemptions to Malaysian visitors at five…
- Thailand News
Thailand tourism suffers as Chinese visitor target falls short
Thailand‘s anticipated tally of Chinese visitors for this year has been downgraded to between 3.4 million and 3.5 million, falling short of the target set by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This comes despite the implementation of a visa-free scheme aimed at luring Chinese tourists. Before the pandemic wreaked havoc in 2019, China played a pivotal role in Thailand’s…
- Business News
Former TAT governor urges government to boost Chinese visitor numbers
The former Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor urged the government to reconsider its tourism strategy to improve the dwindling Chinese market. Predictions for this year suggest that arrivals from China will only total 26.8% of the 2019 level. Former TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn suggested that the government should negotiate with China to secure more flight routes and slots for Thai…
- Business News
Thai chamber calls for infrastructure development in secondary tourism provinces
A call to accelerate public infrastructure development in 10 secondary tourism provinces has been issued by the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). The move is hoped to push tourism revenue and transform these areas into main tourist attractions. The TCC, on Saturday, shared its development blueprint, which also aims to address social inequality within the 10 provinces currently under consideration.…
- Tourism News
Thailand tourism council to allocate visitor fees
The Tourism Council of Thailand plans to allocate a tourism fund, garnered from fees collected from foreign visitors, predominantly for the improvement of the tourism sector by state agencies. The fund, according to Surawat Akaraworamat, the Vice-President of the Tourism Council, is being prepared for implementation as soon as the government greenlights the project. Three subcommittees have been working relentlessly…
- Business News
Thailand sees 5% tourism expenditure rise despite high living costs
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a 5% surge in tourism expenditure during this year’s Loy Krathong festival, amounting to a total of 6.1 billion baht. The anticipated increase comes despite the country’s locals exercising caution due to escalating living costs. TAT forecasts that the festival will witness around 2.04 million domestic journeys, a 10% rise from the previous…
- Business News
Economic hurdles hamper Thailand’s tourist market recovery despite visa exemptions
Tourism operators have indicated that economic challenges are hindering the recovery of tourist markets from China, Taiwan, and India, despite Thailand’s recent introduction of visa exemptions. These exemptions, implemented for Chinese visitors since September 25, have had limited effect due to perceptions of Thailand as unsafe and China’s sluggish economic growth, according to Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, ex-president of the Chon Buri…
- Thailand News
Four Thailand provinces extend nightlife venue hours to boost economy
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Phuket, four prime Thai provinces, are all set to extend the operational hours of their nightlife venues including bars and pubs until 4am. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the decision, which is set to come into effect from December 15, as part of an initiative to boost domestic tourism and the economy. PM Srettha…
- Thailand News
Kanchanaburi aims to become a top health tourism destination with its new Wellness Association
The Kanchanaburi province, in collaboration with the Kanchanaburi Wellness Association, has combined their health-focused soft power efforts to establish Kanchanaburi: City of Health and Happiness. The meeting took place yesterday in the Khun Chang room at River Kwae Kanchanaburi Hotel, led by Yupha Naka Pannich, the province governor. Key attendants included Abhichai Chai Chomphu, head of the provincial office, Ratchanee Phothisattaya,…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways sees surge in bookings despite pandemic and global conflict
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a surge in bookings on its European and Australian routes for the fourth quarter of this year, signalling a robust recovery for the airline even amid an ongoing pandemic. Despite the broader global economic slowdown and the Israel-Hamas war, these routes have witnessed heavy bookings. However, the Chinese market remains slow, possibly due to various…
