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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Phuket magic spells its way into Asia’s ‘Top 10’ destinations
Phuket’s tropical charm has once again worked its magic, landing it among Asia’s Top 10 island destinations, as revealed by the esteemed Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. UK tabloid Daily Express also got into the act, gushing over Phuket’s recognition by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. “A stunning island in Asia has been crowned one of the best…
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Phuket beachgoers warned of Portuguese man o’ war sting operation (video)
Phuket holidaymakers at Mai Khao Beach have been warned a trip to the sandy shores could have a sting in its tail. Beachgoers in Phuket have been given a red alert about the arrival of the notorious Portuguese man o’ war – aka bluebottles. The Phuket Lifeguard Service confirmed a sighting of these perilous sea creatures yesterday, October 27, prompting a…
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Phuket expects Kazakhstani tourist surge from new direct flights
Phuket anticipates a surge in Kazakhstani tourists with the inauguration of direct flights from the Central Asian country’s remote capital, Astana. Air Astana is operating the service, and the maiden direct flight, KC163, departed from Kazakhstan and arrived in the southern island province yesterday, October 27. Suladda Sarutilavan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Europe region, stated that the…
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EXAT digs deep but hits financial roadblock on N1 Expressway
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) seems set to abandon its plans for an underground route in the controversial N1 Expressway development, citing financial concerns. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed that the board has decided to delay the project after a study raised serious doubts about its financial viability. Despite a promising equity internal rate of return (EIRR) projected at…
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Pattaya Tourist Police prepares for upcoming high season
Pattaya Tourist Police are increasing safety measures for the upcoming high season, especially for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations heading into 2025. On October 24, Police Colonel Man Rotthong, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 2, led a meeting to discuss preparations for the high season in Pattaya. Key points included reviewing the Strong Tourism Community (S.T.C.) project and…
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Thailand’s 300-baht travel tax takes off with air passengers first
Collection of the 300-baht travel tax could initially target air passengers, with the system needing at least six months to become operational, as stated by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that the ministry is currently revising the details of the programme and plans to submit it for Cabinet approval in January. Despite the…
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MRT 20-baht bonanza: MRT hits the jackpot for commuters
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has hit the jackpot with its new 20-baht maximum fare policy, hailed as a major triumph in public transport. Launched as part of the Ministry of Transport’s Quick Win programme, Transportation for Public Prosperity, the initiative aims to lighten the commuting costs for everyone. Starting with the MRT Purple Line last week,…
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Senate urges crackdown on foreign-run tourism businesses
The Senate called on the government to intensify efforts against tourism businesses managed by local proxies for foreign citizens, aiming to shield local enterprises from unfair competition. During a recent session, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas raised concerns about the difficulties Thai businesses face in competing with companies managed by nominees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong responded, revealing that ministry representatives…
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TAT outlines creative strategies to boost tourism campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out creative strategies to boost domestic tourism for the final quarter of 2024. Nithee Seeprae, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, acknowledged challenges such as economic constraints, household debt, and localised flooding, but reaffirmed their efforts to encourage travel and increase spending. The focus will be on events like the Winter Festival,…
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Bangkok-Vientiane rail adds carriage to match 13,000+ passengers
More than 13,000 passengers have utilised the cross-border service of the Bangkok-Vientiane rail route since its inauguration on July 19, leading the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to add another passenger carriage to meet the increased demand. Governor of the SRT, Veeris Ammarapala announced yesterday, October 20, that he had recently met with Daochinda Siharat, Lao National Railway State Enterprise…
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National parks revenue soars 50%, reaching 2.2 billion baht
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) reported a significant increase in income, reaching 2.2 billion baht in the fiscal year 2024, marking a nearly 50% rise. Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi in Krabi emerged as the top revenue generator, contributing 629 million baht (US$19 million). Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima was noted as the most…
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Double tax deductions to boost northern Thailand tourism
The Ministry of Finance is planning to introduce measures under the Thai Travel Continues campaign to boost tourism in flood-affected areas in northern Thailand. The initiative will offer double tax deductions for two groups: individuals and companies holding seminars in the disaster-stricken regions. Finance Deputy Minister Julapun Amornwiwat announced that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of…
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Get ready to sea it all: Trang opens for snorkeling with marine life
Trang province is now ready to welcome tourists to admire the stunning beauty of the sea at Lao Liang Island. Visitors can snorkel to see schools of anchovy swimming around coral reefs and spot dozens of clownfish among vibrant sea anemones, showcasing the richness of natural marine life. Anan Gingkoyao, also known as Bang Daad, a 36 year old local…
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Thailand’s domestic tourism revenue to hit 970 billion baht
Festive events and new stimulus campaigns are set to boost domestic tourism revenue in Thailand to between 950 billion and 970 billion baht (US$28.6 and US$29 billion) this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Despite these efforts, the target of 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) will likely be missed due to a sluggish economy and the impact…
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All aboard: Vietnam charts a 7.2 billion baht track to China
Vietnam announced an estimated cost of 179 trillion dong (US$7.2 billion) to build a new railway connecting it with China‘s Yunnan province. The proposed 427-kilometre railway will traverse from Lao Cai province, through Hanoi, and extend to the port city of Haiphong and Ha Long City, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The country is actively pursuing the upgrade of…
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Record-breaking crowds cause traffic chaos at Khao Yai
Khao Yai National Park was the place to be during the recent long weekend, smashing visitor records and causing traffic nightmares at the gates. Over the three-day holiday from October 12 to 14, the park saw daily entrance fees soar past 1 million baht as hordes of tourists flooded in to enjoy the cooler weather and stunning scenery. Park chief…
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Phuket Airport ramps up for 18 million passengers by 2025
Phuket International Airport is gearing up for a major overhaul as it plans to handle a whopping 18 million passengers by 2025. Airports of Thailand (AoT) is fast-tracking Phase 2 of its expansion, boosting flight capacity from 20 to 25 flights per hour to keep up with the influx of tourists. Airport director Monchai Tanod revealed that the airport currently…
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Thailand Cabinet hits the right note with concert campaign
In a major bid to turn up the volume on tourism, the Thai Cabinet has launched a sensational music campaign aimed at luring world-famous artists to rock out in Thailand! With the goal of boosting both tourism and investment, it’s time for the Kingdom of Thailand to take centre stage. At a press conference yesterday, October 15, Prime Minister’s Office…
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Thailand extends TM6 form suspension to boost tourism
Thailand has extended the suspension of its TM6 immigration forms until April 30 next year, a move that promises to ease cross-border tourism while a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system is being developed. Officials say the ETA could also streamline the collection of tourism fees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that the Cabinet approved the decision, which…
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Phuket police crackdown on illegal Chinese tour guides ahead of High Season
Phuket Tourist Police initiated a crackdown on illegal Chinese tour guides in preparation for the upcoming tourism High Season. Yesterday, October 14, Phuket Tourist Police, in line with orders from Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, began efforts to combat illegal activities threatening the tourism industry. This directive was shared in a report posted by…
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Scottish tourist in Pattaya paranoid after mixing cannabis and meds
A 55 year old Scottish tourist sparked concern at a Pattaya hotel after exhibiting erratic behaviour, believed to be linked to excessive cannabis and prescription medication use. Around 12.38pm yesterday, October 13, Pattaya police responded to a report from hotel staff regarding a foreign female guest acting irrationally at a hotel on Jomtien Beach Road. Upon arrival, officers encountered Tracy,…
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Krabi Airport gears up for 60% surge in tourist season flights
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed Krabi International Airport and associated agencies to prepare for a substantial rise in flights and passenger traffic during the high tourist season, particularly along the Andaman coast. According to the Department of Airports (DOA), the 2024/2025 winter flight schedule includes over 160 domestic flights, more than 60 international flights, and 90 charter flights…
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Thailand’s new scheme offers 400 baht to boost northern tourism
A new co-payment tourism promotion scheme aimed at revitalising the flood-affected northern region of Thailand will be presented to the Cabinet for approval, said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Dubbed Travelling North Half-Half, the initiative will subsidise trips to the northern region later this year, offering up to 400 baht (US$12) per trip to 10,000 visitors. This scheme, proposed…
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Banyan Tree Samui scoops trio of top awards
In a dazzling display of luxury, Banyan Tree Samui in southern Thailand is basking in the glow of three major international awards—all in just one week. This exclusive beachfront resort has proven it’s not just a tropical paradise, but a world-class destination that knows how to make waves in the luxury travel industry. First up, the prestigious Michelin Guide, which…
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Natural waterslide wonderland: Tourists flock to Sattahip dam
A hidden gem in Chon Buri is making waves as locals and tourists flock to the Huay Tu Lower Reservoir for a thrilling, yet safe, water adventure. Nestled in Bang Saray, under the watchful eye of Klet Kaew subdistrict Municipality, this overflow dam has become the hottest spot for families looking to cool off. Thanks to the dam’s natural slope,…
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Rain check: Hua Hin and Cha-am tourism ready for holiday splash
Heavy rain in Hua Hin and Cha-am are anticipated to impact tourism during the upcoming three-day holiday, potentially worsening domestic sentiment. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) identified natural disasters as a critical factor to monitor during the high season. Earlier this week, continuous rainfall led to flooding in Cha-am, Hua Hin, and parts of Phetkasem Highway, with water levels…
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Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
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Thailand’s tourism confidence index drops amid floods, economy
Thailand’s tourism confidence index for the third quarter saw a significant drop year-on-year, remaining below the benchmark due to challenges such as factory closures, rising unemployment, increasing non-performing loans, and severe flooding both domestically and internationally, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). The TCT has scheduled a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s board chairman tomorrow to…
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Floods wreak havoc on Chiang Mai hotels occupancy rates
Severe floods in Chiang Mai from October 4 to 6 have devastated the local hotel industry, plunging occupancy rates by a staggering 30% and impacting 1,500 to 2,000 rooms across the province. La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association (THA), revealed that conditions are gradually improving. “Since Monday, many hotels in the affected areas have begun cleaning…
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All aboard: Bangkok’s scenic train adventures are ready to roll
To boost domestic tourism, the Transport Ministry has revealed a schedule of enchanting train journeys departing from Bangkok, running from October through February. These special services, which include steam locomotives, promise to generate income for local communities while providing unforgettable experiences for travellers. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday, October 7, that three train options would be available over the next…
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