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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    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...

  • Golden glory: Lopburi’s sunflower fields spark tourism boom | Thaiger

    Golden glory: Lopburi’s sunflower fields spark tourism boom

    Lopburi province is turning heads as its stunning sunflower fields burst into full bloom, creating a jaw-dropping golden carpet framed by dramatic mountain peaks and vivid blue skies. Tourists are flocking to this seasonal wonderland, capturing dreamy photos and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The crown jewel is a 75-rai (12-hectare) sunflower field in the Manao Wan subdistrict, owned by…

  • AOT confirms facial recognition for international flights | Thaiger

    AOT confirms facial recognition for international flights

    Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) yesterday announced that the state-owned enterprise will implement facial recognition services at six major airports for international flights starting December 1. The biometrics-based system will be deployed at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Suvarnabhumi airports. AOT anticipates the new technology will significantly streamline the passenger experience, reducing checkpoint processing time…

  • Phuket’s tourism extravaganza: Andaman festival set to dazzle | Thaiger

    Phuket’s tourism extravaganza: Andaman festival set to dazzle

    Phuket is gearing up for a tourism extravaganza like no other. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has thrown open the doors to the Andaman Tourism Networking 2024, a dazzling showcase of six Andaman provinces under the banner, Happening Andaman. Mark your calendars for December 6 to 8 at Saphan Hin, because this three-day event promises to be unforgettable. Speaking at a press conference…

  • Loan clouds gather: Thailand’s tourism faces a credit crunch storm | Thaiger

    Loan clouds gather: Thailand’s tourism faces a credit crunch storm

    Thailand’s domestic tourism scene is facing stormy weather as concerns mount over rising consumer loans and mortgage defaults, industry insiders reveal. These financial headaches are casting doubts on whether short-term festival and event promos can still work their magic. The latest report from the National Economic and Social Development Council waved a red flag, revealing a troubling uptick in personal…

  • Pattaya thief steals gold ring and cash from Swedish man | Thaiger

    Pattaya thief steals gold ring and cash from Swedish man

    A late-night walk turned into a costly escapade for a Swedish holidaymaker in Pattaya when a brazen thief made off with valuables worth 42,000 baht. The tourist from Sweden, 65 year old Lars Reikwike, reported the theft to police around 3.30am today, November 27, near Pattaya City 8 School. According to Reikwike, a stranger approached him and managed to swipe…

  • Thailand tourism soars with 28% rise in flight bookings | Thaiger

    Thailand tourism soars with 28% rise in flight bookings

    A notable surge in flight bookings and a 28% increase in ticket reservations to Thailand compared to the previous year indicate a robust upward trend. Key visitor sources include Germany, South Korea, the UK, the United States, Japan, and Russia. Towards the end of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates an influx of up to 500,000 foreign…

  • Thailand’s travel tech revolution: TAGTHAi celebrates milestones | Thaiger

    Thailand’s travel tech revolution: TAGTHAi celebrates milestones

    In a grand celebration at the Royal Pavilion of The Royal Bangkok Sports Club, TAGTHAi, Thailand’s innovative travel app, gathered the nation’s top tourism and business leaders to honour its achievements and influential partnerships. The event underscored TAGTHAi’s commitment to elevating Thailand’s tourism through cutting-edge technology and collaboration, boosting both renowned destinations and hidden gems alike. Representatives from over 40…

  • Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award

    In a big win for ethical tourism, the Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai has been honoured with the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024 by TripAdvisor. This recognition places the sanctuary among the top-rated destinations in Chiang Mai, celebrating its commitment to conservation, education, and the welfare of Thailand’s beloved elephants. Siriporn Tanaseth, founder of the sanctuary, said they…

  • Khao San Road festive bookings hit a European slump (video) | Thaiger

    Khao San Road festive bookings hit a European slump (video)

    The famed Khao San Road, once a bustling hub of backpacker activity in Bangkok, finds itself facing a slowdown in hotel bookings as the festive season approaches. According to Khaosan Business Association President Sanga Ruangwattanakul, reservations for the key dates of December 30 to December 31 have slumped to around 60%, down from 70% the previous year. This downturn is…

  • ASEAN airlines soars with regional stopover rights in 2025 | Thaiger

    ASEAN airlines soars with regional stopover rights in 2025

    Southeast Asian airlines will soon have the freedom to make multiple stops within ASEAN member states, marking a significant shift from current regulations that only permit direct return flights between destinations. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that this change will be implemented once all ASEAN member states sign Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights. Loke explained in a press…

  • Patong’s traffic issues persist due to private road ownership | Thaiger

    Patong’s traffic issues persist due to private road ownership

    Patong’s traffic woes continue to frustrate local government agencies as Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri highlights the challenges faced due to private ownership of Soi Saensabai. The notorious Phuket street is known for traffic congestion and safety hazards and has seen several pedestrian injuries, including those involving foreign tourists. The inability of Patong Municipality to impose any regulations or initiate improvements on…

  • Thrive in Thailand: Practical tips for self-improvement and wellbeing | Thaiger

    Thrive in Thailand: Practical tips for self-improvement and wellbeing

    Living in Thailand perfectly balances personal development and physical and mental well-being. The country encourages relaxation and growth, from its tranquil beaches to vibrating cities. Thailand isn’t just about new landscapes. It also comes with experiences designed to help you mentally and physically. This environment promotes self-improvement, Whether it’s about yoga, mindfulness practices, or an emphasis on natural healing. In…

  • Purring gold: Chiang Mai’s golden tiger sparks a roaring sensation | Thaiger

    Purring gold: Chiang Mai’s golden tiger sparks a roaring sensation

    Recent images of a golden tiger have captured public attention, with the adorable tiger from Chiang Mai Night Safari creating quite a buzz. Known for her glamorous appearance and strikingly soft fur, the tiger, Nong Ava, has become a favourite among animal lovers. The Chiang Mai Night Safari, renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, has unveiled the latest pictures…

  • Daring climb: Belarusian tourist seriously injured in Phuket hotel fall | Thaiger

    Daring climb: Belarusian tourist seriously injured in Phuket hotel fall

    Early this morning, a 23 year old Belarusian tourist was rushed to Patong Hospital with two broken legs and other serious injuries after an attempt to climb up to her hotel room ended disastrously. Rescue workers and Patong Police arrived at the hotel on Nanai Road around 4am, today, November 22, to find the tourist conscious but clearly in agony,…

  • Thai Lion Air eyes new route to boost Nakhon Phanom tourism | Thaiger

    Thai Lion Air eyes new route to boost Nakhon Phanom tourism

    Thai Lion Air is contemplating expanding its flight operations to Nakhon Phanom, in line with the Thai government’s strategy to boost tourism in lesser-known cities. This move is part of an initiative to transform secondary tourism cities into bustling hubs. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has tasked the Department of Airports (DoA) with exploring avenues to increase flight frequency to…

  • British lawyer latest to fall in Laos alcohol poisoning tragedy | Thaiger

    British lawyer latest to fall in Laos alcohol poisoning tragedy

    A British lawyer has become the latest fatality of alcoholic poisoning in Laos taking the death toll to five people. The chilling incident has sent shockwaves across the globe. The British lawyer Simone White is the tragic fifth victim in a series of suspected mass poisonings in Laos, Southeast Asia. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson grieved alongside her family, confirming…

  • Bangkok Airways employs French jets to support tourist surge | Thaiger

    Bangkok Airways employs French jets to support tourist surge

    As Thailand’s tourist influx hits an all-time high, Bangkok Airways is scrambling to keep up, turning to France for reinforcements. In a bid to tackle its aircraft shortage, Bangkok Airways (PG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has secured a wet-lease deal with French airline Amelia (8R, Paris Le Bourget), which will provide two Airbus narrowbody aircraft to support the Thai carrier’s operations over…

  • Floating flavours: Uttaradit spiced up with ancient dish, raft parade | Thaiger

    Floating flavours: Uttaradit spiced up with ancient dish, raft parade

    The northern Thai province of Uttaradit will host a festival featuring the traditional dish Oua Bak Phed Sai Pla (green pepper stuffed with fish), a recipe passed down for over 300 years, alongside a spectacular raft procession to celebrate local produce and waterways in Tron district. The annual festival, organised by the Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Office in collaboration with local…

  • Lampang celebrates revered monk’s 112th birthday | Thaiger

    Lampang celebrates revered monk’s 112th birthday

    Lampang is set to host a significant annual event entitled, Following the Path of Faith: Paying Homage to Venerable Luang Phor Kasem Khemko, marking the revered monk’s 112th birthday. This unique event will feature rarely seen traditional Lanna ceremonies and offerings. The event, organised by the local government of Lampang, will take place over three days and nights, from November…

  • Phanom district grows kitchen gardens for food security boost | Thaiger

    Phanom district grows kitchen gardens for food security boost

    Local cuisine serves as a captivating cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community. A new initiative in Phanom district in the southern province of Surat Thani embodies this spirit by utilising the vacant space in front of the district office to cultivate kitchen gardens, promoting food security. The District Chief of Phanom, Suchau Tumosik, in collaboration with local leaders…

  • Thai beauty influencer named first Phuket tourism ambassador | Thaiger

    Thai beauty influencer named first Phuket tourism ambassador

    Thai social media influencer, Sasisom Phadungkingtrakul, also known as Mook, has made history as she takes on the role of the first-ever Phuket Tourism Ambassador of Thailand. The accolade, awarded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) under the Amazing Thailand initiative, designates Sasisom as the island’s cultural and promotional representative until the end of 2025. The announcement was made…

  • Tourists report smelly water at northern Thailand waterfall | Thaiger

    Tourists report smelly water at northern Thailand waterfall

    Visitors to Phu Soi Dao National Park in northern Thailand are raising concerns over the origin of the water from the Sai Thip Waterfall. Reports of an unusual smell from the water have sparked debate and curiosity among tourists. Phu Soi Dao, covering areas in Nam Pat and Ban Khok districts in Uttaradit province, as well as Chat Trakan district in…

  • Tourism boom: Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors | Thaiger

    Tourism boom: Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors

    Thailand is basking in a tourism revival as over 30.5 million foreign visitors flooded the country between January and mid-November, generating a staggering 1.43 trillion baht for local businesses. The Tourism and Sports Ministry shared the record-breaking figures yesterday, November 19, marking a major boost for the nation’s post-pandemic recovery. China topped the leaderboard with 5.97 million tourists, followed by…

  • Phuket goes green: Old town steps up for carbon-free tourism | Thaiger

    Phuket goes green: Old town steps up for carbon-free tourism

    Phuket Old Town took centre stage on Monday, November 18, as the Department of Tourism unveiled its bold initiative to promote low-carbon tourism routes, marking a milestone in sustainable travel for the 2024 fiscal year. Local leaders and media gathered for the showcase event in the historic heart of Phuket, which spotlighted eco-friendly travel practices and the charm of the…

  • Cheers to safety: Thailand’s plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled crashes | Thaiger

    Cheers to safety: Thailand’s plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled crashes

    Thailand is ringing in the new year with a determined focus on safety, as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reveals a no-nonsense plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled road accidents during the festive celebrations. With the Christmas and new year season notorious for its spike in drink-related mishaps, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee has rolled out four game-changing measures to keep partygoers…

  • Cheers: Thai hotels to offer 24-hour alcohol service over new year | Thaiger

    Cheers: Thai hotels to offer 24-hour alcohol service over new year

    Hotel guests will soon enjoy the convenience of ordering alcoholic beverages to their rooms at any time over the new year period. This change, sanctioned by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, was announced following their recent meeting. Somsak Thepsutin, the Public Health Minister, led the approval for this adjustment, which allows hotel patrons unrestricted access to alcohol from in-house bars…

  • Thai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism | Thaiger

    Thai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism

    Thailand just got a little closer to Italy. The inaugural ITA Airways direct flight from Rome to Bangkok touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking the beginning of a new era for tourism and business travel between the two countries. This direct route, running five times a week, offers Italian travellers a smoother journey to Thailand’s famous beaches, cultural sites, and…

  • Thailand airports to rival global top 20 within five years, says AoT | Thaiger

    Thailand airports to rival global top 20 within five years, says AoT

    Thailand’s major airports are set for a significant transformation as Airports of Thailand (AoT) aims to elevate them into the top 20 globally within five years, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s renowned Changi Airport. This ambitious plan, spearheaded by the Transport Ministry, targets Suvarnabhumi International Airport as a key player in achieving this goal. Permanent Secretary for Transport, Chayatan Phromsorn, confirmed…

  • Tourists in Trang thrilled by rare dugong sighting near Koh Libong | Thaiger

    Tourists in Trang thrilled by rare dugong sighting near Koh Libong

    Tourists in Trang were thrilled to encounter a fully grown dugong grazing on seagrass, a sight not witnessed for several months. The boat operator quickly launched a drone to capture the memorable moment, creating a buzz among the visitors. At Ban Phrang Pier in the Koh Libong area of Kantang district, Trang province, Anon Kingkoyao, a tour operator on Koh…

  • Pattaya beach turns into unregulated booze and kratom market | Thaiger

    Pattaya beach turns into unregulated booze and kratom market

    Pattaya Beach, a once serene paradise for tourists and locals, is now teetering on the edge of chaos as unlicenced vendors run rampant. Once discreet, these sellers now brazenly set up stalls along the shoreline, peddling kratom-laced cocktails and alcoholic beverages, ignoring the law with apparent ease. Despite frequent police patrols, vendors openly resume business the moment officers leave, leaving…