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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Chaos on Pattaya Beach: Drunk tourists fuel brawls in hotspot
Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fuelled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation. Reports reveal that drunken altercations have become an all-too-common sight, particularly after…
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Phuket cracks down on parasailing risks following accident
Officials in Karon announced a sweeping crackdown on water sports safety protocols following the death of a parasailing staff member earlier this month. The high-profile meeting, held on Tuesday, January 14 at Karon Municipality, aimed to bolster safety for tourists and operators. Chaired by Karon Police Chief Police Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai and Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchapong Pranit, the…
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Northern Irishman fights for life after Thailand holiday accident
Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Ryan Daly, from Portadown, had set off on an ambitious round-the-world trip when tragedy struck, leaving him on life support and his loved ones in turmoil. The 27 year old care attendant, known for…
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Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ (video)
In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations…
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Thailand slashes barriers for elite visas: LTR programme
Thailand is making bold moves to attract wealthy foreigners and digital nomads by easing visa restrictions to position the country as a global hub for long-term residency. The Cabinet approved sweeping changes to its Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa programme, streamlining the application process and eliminating outdated Smart visa categories, a Government House source revealed. The revised LTR visa rules target…
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Chinese tourists cancel Thailand trips amid safety concerns
Hotels and airlines are experiencing widespread cancellations from Chinese tour groups ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday, with independent tourist bookings also slowing due to safety concerns in Thailand. Eason Chan, a singer and actor from Hong Kong, cancelled a planned concert in Thailand last week, citing safety concerns for Chinese fans visiting the country. Additionally, Hong Kong’s Security…
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Hat Yai gears up for Chinese New Year with parades and contests
Hat Yai is pulling out all the stops for a dazzling Chinese New Year celebration, promising a week of vibrant festivities from January 28 to February 2. This iconic festival, a highlight for Thailand’s Chinese community, will take over Srinakorn Foundation School with parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and breathtaking lantern sculptures. The festival is packed with activities to…
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Thailand bets on man-made marvels for tourism cash boost
According to insiders at Krungthai Compass, man-made hotspots, from sports hubs to spectacular events, are set to propel Thailand to the brink of a tourism revolution thanks to a bold new strategy. Thailand is banking on an artificial allure to supercharge its tourism engine, with Krungthai Compass, a top research centre under Krungthai Bank, revealing that new, man-made tourist attractions…
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South Korea to upgrade airport structures after Jeju Air crash
South Korea is set to enhance the structures housing the antennas that facilitate landings at its airports, following the December incident where a Jeju Air aeroplane crashed after skidding off the runway. The Boeing 737-800 hit one such structure at Muan Airport, leading to a fire. The Transport Ministry has been assessing safety at airlines and airports since the crash…
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What keeps tourists entertained online during their stay in Thailand?
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, unique culture, and incredible street food. While exploring Thailand’s temples, islands, and bustling markets is a must, a significant part of the travel experience for modern tourists involves staying connected online. With the increasing integration of digital…
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Tourism stocks tumble amid Chinese tourist fears
Thai tourism stocks took a hit this morning as concerns mounted over a potential decline in Chinese tourist arrivals during the Chinese New Year. The drop follows revelations about a Chinese actor, Wang Xing, who was found in Myanmar and is suspected to have been a victim of human trafficking. This incident has cast a shadow over Thailand’s safety reputation.…
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Vapes on a plane: Tourists nabbed for vape on Nok Air flight (video)
Three unruly tourists caused quite a stir aboard a Nok Air flight when they audaciously started vaping mid-flight, leaving fellow passengers astounded. The high-altitude hijinks happened on Sunday, January 5 on flight DD-532, winging its way from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Phuket. One passenger’s quick-thinking video capture shows the offbeat antics, with one man brazenly puffing away and…
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Thai tourism faces 20% drop in Chinese visitors amid safety fears
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) anticipates a potential 10 to 20% decline in Chinese tourists during the upcoming Lunar New Year, attributed to reduced safety confidence. This follows an incident involving a Chinese actor who fell victim to a human trafficking gang using Thailand as a gateway. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn indicated that the impact could be minimal…
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Sand wars settled: Kata Noi Beach reclaims its shores
The sandy battle for Kata Noi Beach appears to be over, with beachgoers celebrating their newfound space. What was once a sprawling battlefield of beach chair vendors has been transformed into a haven for snorkellers and sunbathers alike. One local reported that the long-standing “sand grab” has been resolved, with clear and accessible spaces now available along the beach. “I…
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Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is enhancing its biometric identification systems to expedite service times at airports. Yesterday, January 8, AoT Director Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed that this system has been implemented at six major international airports managed by AoT, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai. However, the system currently does not…
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British tourists’ speedboat crashes into Thai mangrove forest (video)
A holiday speedboat carrying British tourists on an idyllic island-hopping adventure turned into a nightmare when the vessel smashed into trees in southern Thailand, prompting screams from panicked passengers. The incident occurred on Friday, January 3 during a journey between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta. Shocking footage shows terrified passengers clinging to their seats as the speedboat hurtled off course,…
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Thai airports get safety and check-in boost as travellers rise by 14%
The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to enhance measures in support of travellers following more than 14% rise in passenger numbers over the new year period. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, January 7, that from December 27 to January 2, the DoA recorded 319,275 passengers, reflecting a 14.12% increase compared to the previous year. The…
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Thailand tourism China-ing bright with visitor boom
Hold onto your tuk tuks, folks, Thailand’s tourism scene is making a triumphant comeback, with Chinese travellers leading the charge of foreign visitors. Thanks to more lenient visa rules, and especially to Thailand’s Chinese friends, the Land of Smiles is grinning wider than ever. The South China Morning Post reported that an impressive 35.5 million international jet-setters flocked to Thailand…
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CNY spending boom: Thailand poised for festive cash splash
Thailand’s economy is set to light up like a firecracker this Chinese New Year, with spending forecast to rise by over 3%, according to the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Buoyed by a recovering economy, government cash injections, and a surge of Chinese tourists, the festival promises to spark a celebratory…
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Thailand steals the spotlight at China’s Harbin Ice Festival (video)
Thailand has taken the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival by storm, dazzling visitors with a spectacular cultural display and an enchanting photo exhibition. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has pulled out all the stops at this year’s Nihao! China: China Ice and Snow Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2025, making waves with its Thai Charm showcase. The festival, which kicked off…
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Kayak accidents near Koh Chang highlight tourist safety concerns
Two separate kayak accidents occurred near Koh Chang yesterday rompting swift action from the Koh Chang Marine Safety Centre. The incidents unfolded near the picturesque islands of Koh Yuak and Koh Suwan, leaving tourists in perilous situations due to challenging sea conditions. At 12.30pm, yesterday, January 5, four Czech tourists faced a harrowing experience when their kayak capsized near Koh…
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Hygiene concerns after foreigner films dishwashing in Thai canal (video)
Restaurants at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in the central province of Ratchaburi have come under criticism after a foreigner filmed staff washing dishes in a canal filled with murky, greyish water. Esor News reposted the video on January 3, showing the foreign woman, whose nationality was not disclosed. The page administrator wrote in the caption: “A foreigner visited a floating…
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Tourists get intimate on tuk tuk despite driver’s warnings (video)
A video involving tourists engaging in intimate behaviour on a tuk tuk has sparked widespread online criticism. Despite being cautioned by the driver to stop, the tourists continued, leading the driver to let the incident unfold. The incident was shared on social media yesterday, January 3, by a Facebook user named Somnuck Chanagune who posted a 34-second clip with the caption,…
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Phuket boosts marine safety with smart pier inspection
Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri spearheaded an inspection at Ao Por Pier in Pa Khlok yesterday, January 2, as part of efforts to enhance marine safety and instil confidence among tourists during the busy new year season. Joining him were officials from both government and private sectors, who evaluated the safety protocols and the ongoing transformation of the pier into…
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Thailand tourism earns 1.66 trillion baht from 35 million visitors
Thailand welcomed over 35 million travellers in 2024, with visitors contributing more than 1.6 trillion baht (US$46.8 billion) to the economy, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that from January 1 to December 29, a total of 35.32 million people visited the country, spending 1.66 trillion baht (US$48.5 billion). Chinese tourists led the influx…
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Thailand allows daily airport alcohol sales to boost tourism
The Prime Minister’s Office has implemented a regulation allowing the daily sale of alcoholic beverages at major international airports. This directive, detailed in the Royal Gazette on Christmas Day, became effective yesterday, December 26. The modification aims to align legal practices with the current situation, an observer noted. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following the counsel of the Alcoholic Beverage Control…
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Thailand’s top destinations gear up for new year surge
A jaw-dropping wave of tourists is set to descend on Thailand’s favourite hotspots this new year, with Phuket leading the charge and Chiang Mai hot on its heels. Here’s how the Land of Smiles is gearing up for the festive frenzy. Phuket is bracing for an influx of over 230,000 visitors between December 28 and January 1, projected to inject…
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Thailand brings out its elephants to add Christmas cheer
Thailand’s holiday celebrations are giving Lapland a run for its money with elephants donning Santa suits, flower-studded gardens, and dazzling star parades lighting up the nation. At Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Christmas cheer came with a floral twist as tens of thousands of blossoms transformed the space into a vibrant winter wonderland. Sacred figures like Ganesha and Guan…
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Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn
A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs. Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources…
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Thailand expands global e-visa system for 2025 to boost tourism
Thailand is set to simplify travel for international visitors starting 1 January 2025 by expanding its e-Visa system globally. This significant development allows travellers worldwide to apply for a Thai e-visa via the official website, streamlining the process that was previously available only in select locations. Now, the electronic visa system will be operational across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies…
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