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.
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Sponsored Why 8 Atelier Residence is poised for growth: Phuket’s investment hotspot in the making
Phuket’s residential real estate market is no longer defined only by beachfront villas and short-stay resort condominiums. The island is now seeing sustained interest from international investors targeting long-term yields, capital stability, and access to full-scale lifestyle infrastructure. Looking at...
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China positions Guangxi as Southeast Asia’s primary gateway
Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, bordering Vietnam, is being positioned by China as the primary gateway for businesses and tourists from the ASEAN region. Its southern China location and connectivity to Vietnam through land, sea, and air routes make it a strategic point for Southeast Asia. The region is equipped with three international airports and three deep-sea ports which collectively host…
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Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a bold plan to transform Muay Thai into Thailand‘s ultimate soft power. The Thai PM declared Muay Thai as Thailand’s top soft power, highlighting its vast economic potential. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke conveyed the PM’s vision, stating that the administration is keen on integrating Muay Thai into school curricula to foster a new generation of…
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Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown
Chao Phraya cruise operators are keeping prices level due to sluggish tourism and high competition. While tourism is taking its time to recover, business-oriented charters are sailing towards a stronger comeback. Poowadee Kunpalin, Vice-President of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, talks about the resurgence. “Business travellers, especially from South Korea and European countries, are leading the charge. These high…
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China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less
China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…
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Bangkok’s retail revolution: Emsphere unveils glamorous shopping oasis worth 20 billion baht
Bangkok‘s shopping arena just hit the jackpot with the grand opening of Emsphere, the glittering jewel in the Em District crown. Packed with star-studded events and jaw-dropping features, this 20 billion baht retail haven is set to catapult Bangkok into the global retail spotlight. Emsphere, the latest addition to the Em District in Phrom Phong, Sukhumvit Road, opened its doors…
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Mekong momentum: Nakhon Phanom’s new bike lane sets sail for tourism boost
In Nakhon Phanom, a new initiative has been launched to boost tourism along the scenic Mekong River. The local municipality has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to introduce a Bike Lane Tunnel, an innovative attraction that’s set to captivate tourists throughout December. This project was announced to the public yesterday, December 7. The Bike Lane Tunnel, a…
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Iconic Thai heritage closing for renovation: Kamthieng House Museum shutting down
The historic Kamthieng House Museum, a cultural gem in the heart of Bangkok, is set to close its doors for a major renovation. The Siam Society, custodians of the beloved Kamthieng House Museum, has dropped a bombshell by announcing its closure for extensive renovations starting from December 30. The delay in the restoration, the society reveals, was a meticulous process…
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Thailand seeks visa exemptions for its tourists travelling to China
Thailand’s government is seeking visa exemptions for Thai tourists travelling to China, with an official delegation planned to negotiate the details by the end of this month. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara revealed this yesterday, December 7, following a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion took place on the fringes of the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’…
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Thailand’s tourism tango: TAT’s mixed bag predicts foreign tourist influx but warns of a 400 billion baht revenue remix
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released a mixed bag of updates, hinting at a potential foreign tourist surge but cautioning about a colossal revenue shortfall of 400 billion baht. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool revealed that Thailand hosted 25.8 million foreign tourists from January to November this year, inching close to the 27 million target. However, with the high season…
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Thailand probes incident of Chinese tourist wearing Thai police uniform for fun
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin verified yesterday that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) is probing a social media incident involving a Chinese tourist seen donning the Thai police uniform, complete with a nameplate, rank insignia, and decorations. The uniform was worn for amusement, an act which the Thai PM condemned. PM Srettha expressed his disapproval. “That isn’t right, and [the…
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UNESCO recognises Songkran festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Thursday witnessed a series of events commemorating the Songkran Festival’s recent recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The official declaration was made yesterday during UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Botswana. The Culture Ministry’s application for the inclusion of the Songkran Festival was approved by…
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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.…
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Blossoms beyond Earth: Pathum Thani sunflower spectacle transforms into a galactic experience
In a floral frenzy, globetrotters are thronging to a sunflower field in Thailand that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a rendezvous with interstellar blossoms. Travellers are making a beeline for the 5-rai sunflower field in Pathum Thani province, nestled within the colossal CPRAM headquarters—a jewel in the crown of the Thai conglomerate CP Group. This dazzling…
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Pop goes the drama: Wat Arun scoops up Love Destiny flavoured 3D ice cream
Social media has been abuzz lately with the newest delicacy at Wat Arun, the Arun Amarin temple, which is a Bangkok landmark. The Pop Icon 3D Ice Cream, a Thai and foreigner favourite, has now been reinvented into two new flavours, highlighting Thai culture and the historical drama, Love Destiny, or Prom Likit. The latest innovation from Pop Icon is…
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Unlock the secrets of Thailand’s museums after dark: Night at Museum 2023 unveiled
In a bid to ignite cultural fervour, the Thai government launched the eagerly awaited Night at Museum 2023 initiative. Running from December 15 to 24, the festival encourages the public to explore the nation’s 48 museums under the enchanting cloak of night. Karom Polpornklang, a deputy government spokesman, stated that the festival aims to boost cultural soft power, inviting everyone…
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Golden Buddha statues draw crowds to Phayao’s Wat Phra That Chom Sin
The Wat Phra That Chom Sin in Ban Tham, Dok Khamtai district, Phayao province, now stands out with 108 golden meditating Buddha statues. These statues, each measuring 2.5 metres wide and 3.5 metres tall, are majestically arranged around the temple’s mountainous landscape, attracting a stream of tourists and worshippers. These statues, made from concrete, are a unique attraction in the…
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Isaan illuminates: Thai govt sparks tourism surge in the northeast for economic radiance
The northeast region of Thailand, known as Isaan, is set to become a new focal point for tourism growth. It is part of the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) initiative geared towards stimulating economic activity in secondary cities. The plan was unveiled last month during the China International Travel Mart 2023 where TAT promoted Isan to Chinese…
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Chinese man in Thai police uniform sparks drama about VIP service
A video of a Chinese man wearing a Thai police uniform sparked debate about VIP service on social media. The police officer in the video insisted that no special service was provided, adding that he is just a service-minded person. The Facebook page Lui Jeen (ลุยจีน) shared the video from Weibo along with its translation yesterday, December 5. The footage…
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Cable car project causes concerns of potential overcrowding at Phu Kradueng
Concerns have been voiced by the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation over potential overcrowding at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, as a result of plans to revive a long-debated cable car project. The foundation, while assured that modern construction techniques can minimise environmental and wildlife disruption, is apprehensive about the park’s capacity to handle an influx of tourists. Ornyupa Sangkamarn, the…
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Certainties of life: Death, taxes, and ladyboys robbing Indian men of gold in Pattaya
There are several certainties guaranteed in life, death and taxes, US interference in other countries’ foreign policies, and ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men ostentatiously flaunting their gold. In the vibrant streets of Pattaya, where the night unfolds with many unexpected tales, a recent incident involving a pickpocketing ladyboy added another chapter to ladyboys in Pattaya robbing Indian men of…
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German documentary reignites sex tourism concerns for Thailand’s Pattaya
Concerns are being raised about the potential damage to Thailand’s overall tourism market due to a documentary by German media organisation Deutsche Welle (DW), which highlights Pattaya as a sex tourism destination. This documentary is currently blocked in Thailand. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), recalls a similar report about sex tourism in Pattaya from…
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Winter wanderlust: Doi Inthanon sees tourism spike as holiday-goers chase the chill in Chiang Mai
The holiday season has brought a surge of tourists to Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, as they flock to experience the chill of the winter months. Tourism numbers have hit a record high for this winter season, nearing 10,000 visitors. Kriangkrai Chaiyaphiset, head of Doi Inthanon National Park, revealed that the upcoming holiday tomorrow, December 5, resulted in a continuous stream…
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Thailand’s plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid
Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen? Thailand’s political arena is buzzing with controversy as the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, unveils an audacious plan to extend the beloved Songkran Festival. The goal? To solidify the nation’s soft…
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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…
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Stamp spectacle: World’s priciest stamps unveiled in unprecedented exhibition
Stamp enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an unprecedented clash of philatelic titans at the Thailand 2023 – World Stamp Championship Exhibition! The famed British Guiana One-Cent Magenta, a global record-holder at over US$8 million (280 million baht), and the Japan 1871 500mon Center Inverted, valued at a staggering 4.4 million euros (168 million baht), are sharing the limelight for the first…
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Major tourist alert: National parks drop e-ticketing system
The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) has pulled the plug on e-ticketing for six of Thailand‘s prized national parks, sparking outrage and concerns as the tourist high season kicks off. The decision to suspend e-ticketing for tourists visiting six national parks in Thailand has triggered a storm of criticism, with many deeming it untimely and poorly planned.…
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Hong Kong and Thailand join FPS with PromptPay, unlocking cross-border QR payment linkage
In a move set to redefine international payments, Hong Kong‘s Faster Payment System (FPS) joined hands with Thailand‘s PromptPay, unlocking a seamless cross-border QR payment linkage. Hong Kong and Thailand have unleashed a financial revolution, enabling residents to flex their digital wallets across borders. The cross-border QR payment linkage between Hong Kong’s FPS and Thailand’s PromptPay is set to transform…
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Thailand boosts traditional medicine to attract wellness tourism
Thailand‘s Public Health Ministry is elevating its endeavours to showcase traditional wellness and medicine as a tourist attraction, in a bid to boost the nation’s revenue. As voiced by Deputy Health Minister Santi Promphat yesterday, the country is renowned for its superior traditional medical knowledge and herbal plant utilisation. Santi was addressing the subject of traditional and alternative Thai medicine…
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Holiday nightmare: British citizen stranded in Thai hospital with a 400,000 baht plea to escape
A British citizen‘s tropical holiday in Thailand has turned into a desperate battle for survival, as he faces suspected leukaemia in dire hospital conditions. With blood-soaked beds and a looming 10,000 pounds (446,000 baht) bill, Dean Penson’s ordeal has become a nightmare that his friends are determined to end. Penson, a British citizen from Southend-on-Sea, who looked forward to a…
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knife-edge escapade: Tourist stirs controversy in Kanchanaburi National Park (video)
A video clip shot by a porter at Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi sparked controversy after it showed tourists climbing down the treacherous Knife Ridge without any park officials in sight. The porter, identified only as Daeng, was later forced to apologise for the video, which he said was filmed while park officials were temporarily assisting a tourist…
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