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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Packed Pattaya December 2025 events calendar unveiled
Pattaya plans to end 2025 with a festive bang by launching a calendar full of events throughout December as the city aims to cement its reputation as one of Thailand’s top event destinations. From December 5 to 9, the Sanctuary of Truth will host a five-religion ceremony to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. This spiritual tribute marks one of…
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Crackdown on illegal alcohol sales at Pattaya Fireworks Festival
Banglamung District officials conducted a late-night operation on Pattaya Beach, targeting vendors illegally selling alcoholic beverages in a restricted area during the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025. The focus was to curb the distribution of illegal alcohol at the event. Yesterday, on November 29, at approximately 10.16pm, Patcharapat Sritanyanon, the Chief District Officer of Banglamung, instructed Tharit Chanchareun, a senior…
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Thailand unveils proposed F1 circuit layout for Chatuchak, Bangkok
Thailand has officially revealed the proposed track layout for a Formula One (F1) street race in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, reigniting talks of bringing the world’s most prestigious motorsport event to the capital. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) released a draft layout of the circuit, which would wind through several iconic locations in central Bangkok. The 5.732 kilometre clockwise track…
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Thailand eyes Saudi, Chinese and CIS tourist markets for 2025-26 growth
Thailand’s Tourism Ministry is ramping up efforts to attract high-spending tourists from emerging markets for the remainder of 2025, focusing on Saudi Arabia, China and several countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a group of former Soviet republics. Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to open a new office in…
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Brit tourist stunned by 7-Eleven bargains in Thailand (video)
A British tourist in Thailand has gone viral on TikTok after sharing the surprisingly cheap haul he picked up from a local 7-Eleven convenience store. The TikTok user @middlenamemason, who boasts nearly 800,000 followers, recently posted a video showcasing a bargain haul from a 7-Eleven store in Thailand, and it’s got Brits doing double takes. His video has since racked…
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Discover Thailand’s rich heritage at Ancient City: a journey through time
Thailand holds centuries of stories, traditions, and eye-catching buildings. For those wanting to see it all at once, the Ancient City—also called Muang Boran—is a solid pick. Much like how playing Pusoy feels thrilling, walking around this huge outdoor spot near Bangkok stirs curiosity and wonder. Found in Samut Prakan Province, it packs temples, palaces, and old-world charm into one…
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British groom denied flight to Thailand over smudged stamp
A British groom was barred from boarding a flight to Thailand for his honeymoon after airline staff flagged damage on his passport during check-in. The Brit, 31 year old Josh Reekie, was all set to jet off with his wife Eden for their dream £2,400 (around 105,600 baht) honeymoon when Etihad Airways staff at Manchester Airport denied him boarding. The…
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Phuket to fast-track 21m baht tourism and infrastructure push
The government has approved four priority projects in Phuket to boost tourism, improve infrastructure and enhance local livelihoods, officials confirmed during a site visit. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Aree Krainara visited Phuket yesterday, November 21, to accelerate progress on the initiatives, which will be funded through central government reserves and agency budgets. His visit was part of…
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Three Thai double-track railway projects set for Cabinet review
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to submit three major double-track railway projects in the southern region for Cabinet consideration in December, aiming to begin the bidding process in 2026. Anan Pho-nimdaeng, SRT deputy governor and acting governor, announced today, November 17, that three southern routes under the second phase of the double-track rail development programme are progressing the…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s tourist rebound with Russian boom
Phuket’s tourism sector has surged ahead of other Thai regions as international arrivals, led by Russian travellers, boosted hotel occupancy and revenue. From January to October this year, more than 4.16 million international travellers arrived directly in Phuket, bringing the island’s tourism recovery to 97.5% of pre-pandemic levels. That’s up from 4.09 million during the same period last year, according…
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Chiang Rai’s White Temple to double tourist fee in 2026
Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai will double its entry fee for foreign tourists to support maintenance and upgrades at the popular temple attraction. Starting January 1, 2026, Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, will increase its entry fee for foreign tourists from 100 baht to 200 baht. The new ticket price includes access to the popular…
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Thai push for new airline routes in north to boost tourism
Transport Deputy Minister Mallika Jirapanwanich is advocating for airlines to expand routes in North Thailand to boost tourism and the local economy. The Department of Airports is promoting the ‘New Route – New Airline’ policy to encourage new flight paths. Mallika highlighted yesterday, on November 8 that the northern region has become a popular destination for both Thai and international…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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:…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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