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 Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
-
Vietjet’s Valentine’s surprise: Fly with fares from just 690 baht
Vietjet Thailand is celebrating the season of love with an irresistible Valentine’s – Fly for Love promotion, offering special fares starting at just 690 baht for domestic routes and 1,690 baht for international flights. Lovebirds and travel enthusiasts can book their dream getaway between February 10 to 14, with travel available from March 16 to October 25 (excluding public holidays, terms apply).…
-
PM mulls lifting alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holidays
Thailand’s strict alcohol sales restrictions could soon be scrapped as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra orders a review of outdated laws limiting alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and between 2pm and 5pm. The move aims to boost tourism, with concerns that foreign visitors are unaware of these restrictions and find them inconvenient. Following a Cabinet meeting, the 38 year old prime…
-
Pattaya tourists fuming as Makha Bucha shuts down nightlife
Pattaya’s famous nightlife is set to go silent as officials enforce a strict alcohol ban in observance of Makha Bucha Day, leaving frustrated tourists scrambling for alternative plans. From 12.01am to 11.59pm tomorrow, February 12, all businesses—including shops, pubs, and bars—are strictly prohibited from selling alcohol. The Pattaya Police Department issued a stern warning, urging establishments to comply or risk…
-
Scorching summer alert: Thailand to sizzle with record highs
The Land of Smiles is about to feel the heat, according to the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) which is forecasting an intense, scorching, summer season from late February till mid-May. Temperatures are predicted to soar to a blistering 42-43 degrees Celsius, with sporadic thunderstorms offering a fleeting respite from the inferno. In the northern regions, residents are in for a…
-
Icelandic man gets his face busted after falling into Pattaya drain
An Icelandic tourist suffered painful facial injuries after tumbling into an uncovered drainage hole on a hazardous Pattaya footpath—yet another grim reminder of the city’s crumbling infrastructure. The accident occurred around 1am yesterday, February 6 along Pattaya Second Road. The tourist, left bleeding from facial wounds, was treated at the scene by Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation before being rushed to…
-
Phuket ranks among top winter sun destinations – But is it worth it?
Phuket has been named the third-best winter sun destination in the world, according to travel and luggage experts Bounce. The ranking was based on temperature, rainfall, sea conditions, and sunshine hours, making the Thai island a top pick for sun-seekers escaping the winter chill. With a winter sun score of 6.24 out of 10, Phuket secured the third spot, trailing…
-
Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage
Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of…
-
Clean hotels with ‘3C’ initiative launches in Phuket
To ensure a safer travel experience, the Department of Medical Sciences is rolling out its ambitious Clean Hotels with 3C initiative across Thailand’s prime tourist spots. Deputy Director General Dr Ballang Uppong launched a crucial training session at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, aiding hotel operators in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. With over 250 participants, including public health officials,…
-
Thailand’s new digital entry rule sparks panic: TM6 form
Thailand’s latest travel rule is set to shake up the entry process for all foreign visitors but with just a few months to go, crucial details remain missing. From May 1, all non-Thai passport holders must complete the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before travelling, replacing the outdated TM6 paper form. The online submission will require personal details, travel plans,…
-
Thailand tourists surge by 21% despite safety fears
Despite a recent high-profile trafficking case involving a Chinese actor, Thailand's tourism is booming. Foreign visitors are undeterred by safety concerns and arriving in record numbers.
-
Thailand tops travel list for Chinese New Year celebrations
Thailand has emerged as a preferred destination for travellers during the Chinese New Year, offering convenience and safety, according to tourists. Digital travel platform Agoda highlighted Thailand’s popularity for the festival, which began on February 5, marking the Year of the Snake. The platform noted a significant increase in accommodation searches in December, with Bangkok remaining the top choice for…
-
Pattaya tourism surges with Russian and European influx
Pattaya has experienced a notable increase in tourism during the current High Season, with a significant influx of visitors from Russia and Europe, as reported by Thanes Supharahasrangsi, president of the Chon Buri Tourism Association. On January 29, Thanes highlighted that many of these tourists are opting for extended stays in the city, contributing to a vibrant local economy. Thanes…
-
Thailand gears up for Chinese tourist surge amid charter flight push
Thailand is ramping up efforts to boost Chinese tourist arrivals by increasing charter flights from secondary cities in China while launching a major domestic travel subsidy in June. Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional marketing director for East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that Thailand welcomed an average of 22,000 to 24,000 Chinese tourists daily in January. The numbers peaked…
-
Elite vs DTV: Is Thailand’s ‘privilege’ visa losing its edge?
Thailand’s Elite visa programme is facing growing competition from cheaper long-term visa alternatives, with the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) emerging as a serious contender. Manatase Annawat, President of Thai Privilege Card (TPC), admitted that rival visa schemes are cutting into their market, particularly DTV, which costs a fraction of the Elite price but lacks its luxury perks. Manatase recently suggested…
-
Adorable alert: Khao Kheow Zoo welcomes baby zebra
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has a new star attraction—a cute and cuddly zebra foal that’s already stealing hearts. On Sunday, January 26, Zoo Director Narongwit Chotchoy proudly announced the birth of a female zebra foal, born on November 6 last year. The little striped beauty, whose name is yet to be revealed, was born to a six year old mother and an eight year old father and is reported…
-
Thailand’s aviation recovery nears pre-Covid levels: CAAT
Thailand’s aviation sector is anticipated to experience a robust recovery this year, reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, forecasts a rise in passenger numbers to at least 25 million, aligning with figures from 2019. Initially, full recovery expectations were set for last year; however, the slow return of Chinese…
-
Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you
The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty. The biggest revelation? It’s far easier to leave the country every 180 days than to fight through…
-
Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists
Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…
-
Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction (video)
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying…
-
Thailand to launch digital TM6 for tourists, delays 300-baht fee
Starting May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand will need to complete a mandatory digital version of the TM6 immigration form, replacing the old paper-based system. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed the move, which aims to streamline immigration procedures and boost safety confidence among tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the online form will help…
-
Thailand braces for 770,000 Chinese tourists this Lunar New Year
The Thai government anticipates 770,000 Chinese nationals to visit Thailand during Chinese New Year, from January 24 to February 2, marking a 22.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Sasikarn Watthanachan, deputy spokeswoman for the government, stated that various agencies, including the Department of Airports and Airports of Thailand (AoT), have been instructed to prepare for the influx…
-
How to make part-time retirement plans?
You can make money and have more free time if you have a flexible plan. Having a part-time job in retirement will help you save money. You make extra money, which gives your savings more time to grow. But a lot of seniors also keep working because it keeps their minds active and gives them the chance to meet new…
-
DoA prepares for 14.3% passenger surge during Chinese New Year
The Department of Airport (DoA) is preparing to accommodate an anticipated surge in passengers during the Chinese New Year, with a projected increase of at least 14.3% in visitors to tier-two cities compared to last year, according to the government yesterday, January 22. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that the ministry has instructed the DoA to carry out a…
-
Thailand tops as dream destination for Southeast Asian travellers
Thailand has emerged as the top dream destination for Southeast Asian travellers, as revealed by Grab’s SEA Travel Insights 2024 report. Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, senior director of commercial and marketing at Grab Thailand, highlighted the importance of Southeast Asian tourists to Thailand’s tourism industry. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 10.6 million travellers from Southeast Asia, representing 30% of its international arrivals.…
-
Thailand assures China on tourist safety amid rising arrivals
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to personally assure Chinese President Xi Jinping of the safety measures in place for Chinese tourists during her visit to China next month, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Thailand aims to attract 9 million Chinese tourists this year, marking a 35% increase from last year’s figure of 6.7 million. Sorawong stated that…
-
Philippines and Thailand forge tourism pact amid casino buzz
In a landmark move to bolster tourism and cross-border collaboration, the Philippines and Thailand inked a five-year deal focusing on mutual growth in the travel and hospitality sectors. The agreement, signed on Sunday, January 19 also hints at Thailand’s potential legalisation of casinos: a game-changing development for its tourism landscape. The Philippines, a regional leader in the casino industry with…
-
Thai tea brand launches bird’s nest drink for Chinese tourists
Napit Sasiwimolkul, the marketing director of Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the continued focus on health among consumers. According to Eastern beliefs, particularly in China, bird’s nest is considered to have cooling properties. With Thailand’s tourism sector showing signs of recovery, data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveals that 35,545,714 international tourists visited the country…
-
Thailand to rethink visa-free policy for Chinese citizens: Senate
The Senate has urged the Government of Thailand to reconsider its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, expressing concerns that Thailand may become a centre for criminal activities. Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised these issues during a recent Senate meeting led by Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. Wanchai pointed out that the policy, initially designed to boost tourism, has been misused by criminal groups.…
-
Thailand tourism surges with 1.3 million visitors in early 2025
Thailand experienced a significant influx of international tourists in the first 12 days of 2025, with over 1.3 million visitors, marking a 19.89% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Government reports attribute this surge to tourism revenue amounting to 66.089 billion baht (US$1.9 billion). Key visitor origins included China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India, with…
-
Krabi park e-ticketing system struggles to curb cash handling risks
A special task force from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) conducted an inspection yesterday, January 17, at Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi to evaluate anti-corruption measures. The inspection followed the introduction of an e-ticketing system intended to prevent fraud in park entry fee management. Officials examined the fee collection processes at popular tourist sites such…
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.