Tourism News
Thailand tourism news, travel updates, visa policies, and destination highlights—stay informed on hospitality trends, cultural experiences, and major infrastructure projects. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand travel news.
-
Sponsored What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
-
Thailand’s tourism tax stalled again despite 11 billion baht potential
Thailand’s plan to introduce a tourist tax for foreign visitors remains stalled due to political delays, despite full readiness and strong industry backing. Initially backed by the National Tourism Policy Committee in February 2023, the fee would charge inbound travellers 300 baht by air or 150 baht by land or sea, applying only to overnight visitors. Despite its potential to…
-
UK lifts travel warning as Trat tourism gears up for rebound
The United Kingdom has officially lifted its travel advisory against non-essential travel to Trat, a move welcomed by local tourism operators hoping to revive bookings ahead of peak season. Wichit Sukrasuyanon, president of the Trat Tourism Association, confirmed that the change has already led to a noticeable boost in bookings, especially from European markets. He said average hotel occupancy rates…
-
Bang Saen Beach turns black, vendors fear tourist drop
Seawater at a popular beach in eastern Thailand turned black, raising concerns among visitors and vendors about health risks and a drop in tourism. Seawater along Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri has taken on a strange black hue, believed to be caused by a plankton bloom triggered by recent storms and rainfall. While there’s no unpleasant odour or danger…
-
Thailand adds extra day to new year break to boost travel
The Thai Cabinet has approved an extended new year holiday to boost domestic tourism and economic activity, adding one more day to the annual break. The government has approved an extended five-day new year holiday for 2026, declaring Friday, January 2, a special public holiday to boost tourism and spending. The full holiday period will now run from Wednesday, December…
-
Thai tourism chiefs urge bold fixes to win back visitors
Tourism experts gathered in Bangkok to discuss how Thailand can regain traveller confidence, adapt to new demands, and boost its global tourism standing. Thailand must move quickly to restore tourist confidence, enhance safety, and offer modern, meaningful experiences if it wants to remain a top global destination, experts said during The Nation Visionary Club’s latest roundtable, Rebuilding Thai Tourism Trend:…
-
Thai tourism shines in London with wellness-themed showcase
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) led 50 Thai businesses to the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London, aiming to court high-spending long-haul travellers with a strong focus on health and wellness tourism. Held from November 4 to November 6 (today) at ExCeL London, WTM is one of the world’s premier travel trade shows. Thailand’s pavilion this year was…
-
Waterfall romp lands foreign couple in hot water on Koh Pha Ngan
An Israeli couple was caught having sex at a waterfall on Koh Pha Ngan, drawing backlash from tourists and prompting legal action by Thai police. The incident unfolded yesterday, November 4, at Wang Sai Waterfall on Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, where the couple were seen engaging in sexual activity in broad daylight, seemingly unfazed by the presence of other…
-
Loy Krathong to rake in 6.5 billion baht despite toned-down mood
Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival is expected to draw nearly 2 million local tourists and generate billions in revenue, despite scaled-back celebrations nationwide. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports that around 1.91 million domestic tourists will take part in the nationwide festival today, November 5, opting for serene celebrations over the usual fanfare due to the national mourning period honouring…
-
Malaysian tourist goes viral for taking over Thai motorcycle taxi
A Malaysian tourist went viral for his unexpected motorcycle taxi adventure in Thailand after he had to become an impromptu rider because his elderly Thai Grab driver repeatedly missed turns, which turned a five-minute journey into a 20-minute city tour. The Malaysian man, Clifford, shared a video of himself riding a motorcycle in Thailand with the elderly Thai rider as…
-
Thai MotoGP extension revs up for Cabinet approval
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) plans to extend its MotoGP hosting rights following completed talks, with a five-year deal set for Cabinet approval soon. The proposal, aimed at securing the race’s place on the global calendar until 2031, will be tabled at the upcoming Cabinet meeting on November 4. SAT Governor Dr Kongsak Yodmanee confirmed that negotiations with Dorna…
-
Thai police warn rowdy Israeli tourists to clean up act
Thai officials and Israeli officials met in Phuket to address growing concerns over misconduct by Israeli tourists in popular destinations across Thailand. Thailand has called for better behaviour from Israeli tourists following a meeting between Thai law enforcement and Avi Bitton, a senior adviser to Israel’s Security Council. The talks, held in Phuket, were led by Police Major General Suwat…
-
Tourism dips as Thailand tackles debt and sluggish growth
Thailand’s foreign arrivals declined over a recent 10-month period, prompting officials to revise forecasts and accelerate economic recovery efforts. Thailand welcomed 26.25 million foreign visitors from January 1 to October 26 this year, marking a 7.25% drop compared to the same period in 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced today, October 28. Malaysia led the pack as the…
-
United Airlines resumes Bangkok flights after 11-year hiatus
United Airlines has resumed flights to Thailand after more than a decade, launching a new daily service from Los Angeles to Bangkok via Hong Kong. The inaugural flight landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Saturday, October 25, marking the airline’s first return to the kingdom since 2014. The route aims to enhance connectivity between Thailand and North America, while reaffirming…
-
Thailand told to aim bigger as tourism rivals surge ahead
Thailand has been urged to set its sights higher, with tourism giant Galaxy Resorts Thailand encouraging the kingdom to target 45 to 60 million international visitors annually between 2030 and 2035. Kevin Clayton, chief brand officer of Galaxy Resorts, said that while Thailand remains a regional favourite, it risks falling behind unless it adapts to fast-changing global tourism trends. “With…
-
Thailand gears up for busy winter with 250 plus airline services
Thailand will welcome over 250 airlines this winter season, as aviation officials allocate flight slots and charter flights surge to boost tourism. Thailand is preparing for a surge in international arrivals this High Season, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirming that 255 airlines have been allocated flight slots for the winter 2025 schedule. The season, running from…
-
The best indoor activities for rainy days in Thailand
Rainy days in Thailand can be quite unpredictable, and this can spoil whatever activity you have planned for the day. But then the good thing is that this could be a chance for you to take things a bit slower and enjoy the busy city in a different way. The rainy days do not have to stop your plans. Instead…
-
Trat tourism hit by UK travel alert over martial law fears
The tourism industry in Trat province, southeast Thailand, is facing severe financial losses after a UK travel advisory urged against non-essential visits, prompting widespread cancellations. Trat’s once-bustling tourist hotspots are reeling after a UK travel advisory urged citizens to avoid non-essential trips to the eastern Thai province due to ongoing martial law — a move that has sparked widespread cancellations…
-
Airlines boost Thailand flights under TAT tourism drive
International airlines are ramping up flights to Thailand to meet growing travel demand, following tourism initiatives led by Thai officials. Thailand is poised to see a significant tourism surge as international airlines increase flight routes, frequencies, and seat capacity to the kingdom in the fourth quarter. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed that carriers from East Asia, South Asia,…
-
Box jellyfish sting scare hits tourists at Patong Beach
Lifeguards on a popular Phuket beach have reported a surge in jellyfish stings affecting tourists, with several victims requiring urgent hospital care. The incidents, which have involved the notoriously venomous box jellyfish, have left beachgoers with burning skin, rashes and in some cases, serious allergic responses. Lifeguards confirmed that the stings occurred both near shore and in deeper water. Some…
-
Koh Chang tourism rebounds despite border tension
The tourist season kicked off in Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak as Thai tourism officials launched fresh campaigns to revive travel following border tensions. Clashes along the border led to a travel ban in Trat and nearby provinces, with martial law enforced for up to five months. The disruption triggered mass cancellations from international travellers, especially Europeans, costing…
-
Patong gets safety boost with new traffic barriers
Police in Patong partnered with a local foundation to provide new traffic barriers, aiming to improve safety and city image ahead of peak tourism season. In a joint effort to boost public safety and improve Patong’s image ahead of the High Season, the Patong Development Foundation has donated new traffic barriers to Patong Police. The handover ceremony took place yesterday,…
-
Thai agency denies forcing Chinese tourists to buy souvenirs after viral video
A Thai travel agency denied forcing Chinese tourists to buy souvenirs for commission or threatening to cancel their return trip, saying the Chinese tour guide seen in the viral video worked for the company’s partner agency in China. The video, showing the Chinese tour guide arguing aggressively with tourists on a tour bus, went viral on the Chinese social media…
-
BLACKPINK’s Lisa to front Thailand’s global tourism push
Global K-pop star Lisa from BLACKPINK has been appointed as Thailand’s new tourism ambassador to promote the country’s culture and charm to international travellers. Announced today, October 15, the campaign is a bold move to promote Thailand’s culture, charm, and hospitality through the international stardom of Lalisa Manobal, better known as Lisa, a Thai native turned global K-pop icon. With…
-
Chinese tour guide under investigation for threatening tourists in Thailand
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is investigating a tour guide who allegedly forced Chinese tourists to buy souvenirs in Thailand and threatened not to allow them to return home if they refused to spend money. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) A video showing the tour guide, believed to be a…
-
Bhumibol Bridges to shine bright on Nawamintharathirat Day
Tomorrow, on October 13, Thailand remembers His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a revered monarch whose seven-decade reign shaped the nation’s modern history. Born in Massachusetts in 1927, King Bhumibol, Rama IX, ascended the throne in 1946 following the untimely death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol. Though never destined to rule, his reign became a symbol of compassion, stability, and…
-
Israeli tourist boom sparks tension on Koh Pha Ngan
Following an incident last week where a Koh Samui restaurant denied claims it removed Israeli diners amid online backlash, officials on Koh Pha Ngan held a meeting to address rising tensions involving Israeli tourists and foreign-run businesses. Surat Thani Governor Teeruth Supawiboonpol chaired a high-level meeting with provincial agencies this week to address the concerns, which echo similar unrest seen…
-
Pattaya eyes extreme sports fame to woo global thrill-seekers
Pattaya officials held a meeting with extreme sports leaders to discuss hosting international events aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth. In a recent high-level meeting, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, City Secretary Phumpipat Kamolnath, and Acting Director of the Tourism and Sports Bureau Wipawadee Wongsuwan met with Apichat Rutnin, President of the Asian Extreme Sports Federation, and Pascal Filippi, Managing…
-
Phuket seaplane plan aims to jet-set luxury tourism sky-high
Officials and private stakeholders met in Phuket to discuss a proposed seaplane project aimed at boosting luxury tourism and improving regional connectivity. A bold proposal by Thai Seaplane Co Ltd aims to introduce seaplane operations in Phuket Bay to boost the island’s luxury tourism sector while meeting strict environmental standards. The public forum, held yesterday, October 9, at a multipurpose…
-
New Thai tourism chief pushes ahead with 300-baht visitor tax
Thailand’s newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Sports, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, has announced plans to finally implement the long-discussed 300-baht tourism tax during his four-month tenure. The minister insists the fee will directly benefit visitors through insurance coverage and improved travel infrastructure. Speaking yesterday, October 3, Atthakorn urged all relevant agencies to “clearly communicate the benefits” of the policy to international…
-
Turkish restaurant hits back at claims it threw out Israeli tourists
A restaurant on Koh Samui has spoken out to deny claims that it removed Israeli tourists, saying staff were not involved in the incident. The drama kicked off after a now-viral post circulated online accusing the venue of ejecting a group of Israeli diners in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The post, shared via social media channels including Instagram…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.