tourism
- Business News
Thailand tourism thrives with 1,200% surge in Klook bookings
Online travel platforms continue to express optimism about Thailand’s tourism growth this year, propelled by a substantial increase in visitor arrivals. Wilfred Fan, Chief Commercial Officer at Klook, an online travel platform, stated that the company experienced a 1,200% increase in bookings for activities in Thailand year on year in the first five months of 2023. The top five markets…
- Economy News
Thailand’s tourism rebounds with 11.4 million visitors
Thailand has experienced a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with 11.4 million visitors recorded from January to June 11, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This figure has already surpassed the total number of tourists in 2022, which reached 11.15 million. The statement also revealed that tourist spending during this period amounted to 472…
- Thailand News
Thai economy set for boost as tourism and domestic consumption surge
The Thai economy is predicted to experience a boost in the second half of the year, driven by a surge in tourism and domestic consumption, according to the Economic Intelligence Service (EIS) of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). However, ongoing political instability remains a factor to watch. The EIS forecasts that Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand will increase by…
- Business News
Thai tourism risks missing Indian visitor target due to visa delays, taxes
Tourism operators catering to Thailand‘s Indian market have expressed concerns over the potential impact of slow visa application processing, high airfares, and an increase in outbound tax rates from India on visitor numbers to Thailand. These factors could contribute to the Thai government failing to achieve its target of attracting 2 million Indian tourists this year. Enchantive Asia’s chief executive…
- Business News
Singapore Airlines offers free unlimited WiFi to economy passengers
Singapore Airlines (SIA) revealed plans to offer free unlimited WiFi to economy and premium economy class passengers from July 1. To access this benefit, travellers must be members of SIA’s rewards programme, KrisFlyer. With this move, SIA is set to become the first airline to provide free unlimited WiFi across all cabin classes and nearly its entire aircraft fleet. Currently, about…
- Business News
Central Pattana invests 1 billion baht in the Greatest Grand Sale 2023 campaign
Central Pattana Plc (CPN) joined forces with companies under the Central Group umbrella and leading business partners to invest over 1 billion baht in a mid-year sales campaign titled The Greatest Grand Sale 2023. The campaign will take place across shopping centres, department stores, and Central’s online platform, offering discounts of up to 80% at 9,500 stores, including over 16,500 brands,…
- Business News
Thailand urged to prioritise accessible tourism for disabled and elderly
Tourism operators in Thailand are calling for the development of a long-term action plan to make the country more accessible for elderly and disabled travellers. Jittasak Putjorn, an assistant professor at Silpakorn University researching the development of Thailand as a “Tourism For All” destination, said that the government and private operators should work together to close the gap in development…
- Tourism News
Only a week left to experience Grand Canyon of Thailand before rain
Travellers are advised to seize the opportunity to witness the extraordinary beauty of a natural site known as Thailand‘s “Grand Canyon,” locally known as Sam Phan Bok, before the end of May, when it will start to rain more. This leaves only a week left for exploration. Located in the Ban Pho Sai district of Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Cambodia consider reopening Preah Vihear temple to boost tourism
Anticipation is growing among Thais for the reopening of the Preah Vihear temple ruins in Si Sa Ket after a 15-year suspension to boost tourism and promote peace dialogue with Cambodia. The temple has been inaccessible from Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district since 2008 due to border disputes between the two countries. Soldiers from both Thailand and Cambodia remain stationed…
- Tourism News
Incheon hosts Thai roadshow to boost tourism and trade ties
Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organisation recently launched their inaugural roadshow in Thailand, aimed at enhancing trade and tourism between the two nations. The event, titled “Incheon Soft Power Thailand Roadshow 2023,” took place at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and featured a B2B session involving 50 Thai and 21 Incheon tourism-related businesses, as well as a concert showcasing…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July
Safety measures are being implemented ahead of the Tham Luang Cave site’s reopening in July, as announced by Thailand‘s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Bangkok Post reported. The cave gained international attention in 2018 when 12 young Wild Boars football players and their coach were trapped inside for 18 days due to flooding before being successfully rescued.…
- Tourism News
Thailand sees 9.47 million tourists, Chinese visitors to boost growth
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand has reached 9.47 million this year, contributing approximately 391 billion baht (US$11 billion) to the nation’s revenue, as reported by government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul. Traisuree stated today that the anticipated rise in Chinese tourists will likely boost the growth of Thailand’s tourism sector even further. She also highlighted that the majority of…
- Thailand News
Police help 9 foreign tourists stranded at the border of Thailand
The Royal Thai Police helped nine foreign tourists who were stranded near the Cambodian border in Sa Keao province, eastern Thailand, to find a place to rest their heads last night. The tourists, including six Spanish nationals, one Ukrainian national, and two Indian nationals, were “very impressed” with the work of Sa Keao Tourist Police, soldiers of the 13th Ranger…
- Business News
Thai tycoon’s firm doubles spending amid tourism boom and economic growth
Asset World Corporation, the property and hotel development unit owned by Thailand‘s wealthiest individual, is set to more than double its spending on acquisitions and development of hotel resorts and commercial properties this year due to the tourism boom. The company plans to invest over 20 billion baht (US$590 million) in 2023, up from around 10 billion baht last year,…
- Business News
Thailand’s economy grows faster than expected in Q1 due to tourism rebound
Data released today reveals that Thailand’s economy expanded faster than anticipated in the first quarter, with the return of private consumption and tourism helping to counterbalance slowing exports. As the country grapples with the effects of COVID-19, its recovery has been slower compared to regional neighbours. However, the resurgence of tourism – particularly the recent influx of Chinese visitors –…
- Business News
Thai airlines report surge in earnings as tourism rebounds
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited have experienced a significant increase in their earnings for the first quarter, as tourists have started to return to Thailand in increasing numbers. In the first three months up to March, Thai Air recorded a net income of 12.51 billion baht (US$370 million), a considerable turnaround from their…
- Tourism News
Thai officials seek to draw tourists to lesser-known spots
Thai officials are seeking to draw tourists to lesser-known spots in the Land of Smiles. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently launched a new campaign aimed at promoting Thailand’s lesser-known destinations, NNT reported yesterday. Dubbed “Amazing Secondary Cities, Must Visit, Must Love,” the campaign aims to highlight the unique cultural heritage of these areas through storytelling, to provide meaningful…
- Business News
Proposal to tackle illegal tour guides and boost job opportunities submitted to prime ministerial candidates
Tour guides have presented a proposal to numerous prime ministerial candidates from various political parties, with the aim of eliminating unlawful tour guides and nominee businesses. They also hope that the proposed Tourist Guide Act will expand the scope of the profession, leading to increased employment opportunities. Yesterday, representatives from the Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand visited political party…
- Business News
Airbnb forecasts fewer bookings and lower daily rates in Q2 compared to last year
Airbnb Inc announced on Tuesday that it anticipates fewer bookings and reduced average daily rates in the second quarter compared to the previous year, resulting in an 11.5% decrease in share value during after-hours trading. US travel companies, which have profited from increased prices and hybrid work, are adjusting their 2023 forecasts as pre-pandemic travel patterns resume and consumers seek…
- Thailand News
Departure Tax: Thailand considers charging 1000 baht to leave country
Thailand‘s Revenue Department proposed that a 1000 baht “departure tax” be charged upon Thai citizens and foreign permanent residents in a bid to prevent excessive overseas spending. The idea has been met with resistance from tourism officials. Airline passengers would be charged 1000 baht to leave the country and those exiting via land and sea would be charged 500 baht…
- Business News
Thai company expects more cement consumption due to tourism
SCG Cement-Building Materials, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Siam Cement Group, anticipates cement consumption to grow by 1-2% year-on-year, exceeding 30 million tonnes in the current year. This growth is primarily due to the recovery of the tourism sector. Having developed a “hybrid structural cement” that reduces carbon dioxide emissions during production, the company demonstrates its commitment to battling climate change.…
- Tourism News
Prominent Pattaya hotelier urges next Thai government to extend tourism-subsidy scheme
A prominent Pattaya hotelier has urged the next Thai government to extend its tourism-subsidy scheme to promote domestic travel. Yuwathida Jeerapat, managing director for J Pattaya Hotel Group, expressed confidence that the “We Travel Together” programme, launched in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, has positively impacted domestic tourism. The latest round of funding, referred to as “We Travel Together’s fifth…
- Tourism News
20,000 tourists flock to Thailand’s Full Moon Party
Around 20,000 tourists flocked to Thailand’s Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Pha Ngan last night, located in the southern Surat Thani province. The popular event, held on the full moon night of each month, is known for its lively atmosphere and attracts a significant number of young travellers from around the world. To ensure the safety of…
- Tourism News
Thailand welcomes 8.5 million foreign tourists so far this year
Thailand welcomed over 8.5 million foreign tourists in the first four months of 2023, generating revenue of 353 billion baht, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri revealed today that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was delighted to hear about the strong recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector from January to April. In total, 8,596,452…
- Tourism News
Apply now: TAT offers 500,000 baht to travel Thailand for 4 months
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is recruiting one lucky explorer to travel around Thailand for four months and document their adventures. The chosen “Tourist of Thailand” will receive 504,000 baht in spending money for their trip, travel vouchers, and other prizes. The TAT’s job advertisement reads… “Do you want to travel all over Thailand for free? It’s not hard!…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s Tourist Police earn praise for assisting stranded French and Canadian tourists
Thailand’s Tourist Police received praise in Thai media for assisting a French tourist and a Canadian tourist in need of help in Sa Keao province in eastern Thailand yesterday. Pol. Lt. Col. Jiraphat Khaewsiri, from the Sa Keao Tourist Police force, lead a patrol yesterday when he spotted a foreign woman walking along the Suwannasorn Road. As soon as she…
- Tourism News
Trang governor reveals plans to develop Koh Kradan, the ‘best beach on earth’
Plans are in the pipeline to develop Thailand’s Koh Kradan. Trang province’s governor, Kajornsak Charoensopha, on Wednesday, revealed plans to develop Koh Kradan into a major tourist spot. The move comes after the island was named the best beach on earth in the Top 100 Beaches on Earth by the UK’s World Beach Guide. The governor announced plans aimed at…
- Tourism News
Bank of Thailand predicts 28 million foreign tourists this year
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) predicts that the Land of Smiles will see 28 million tourists this year. The BoT’s governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, said the BoT expects a 3.6% expansion in the gross domestic product (GDP) for this year. The BoT predicts a GDP growth of 2.9% in the first half of this year from the same period last year,…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tourism boom leads to a traffic nightmare
As tourism in Pattaya continues to recover at an incredible pace, the city is faced with a downside – heavy traffic. Two significant bottlenecks were observed this month: one on Thepprasit Road, close to the Kaan and Colosseum theatres, and another on Second Road close to the South Road intersection. Additionally, areas such as Soi Regional Land in south Pattaya…
- Tourism News
Tourism to Thailand’s Koh Kradan jumps sixfold after winning title as best beach on earth
Thailand’s Koh Kradan island in Trang province is welcoming more than 2000 tourists per day since the island was voted ‘best beach on earth‘ by the UK website World Beach Guide last month, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. “After Koh Kradan was ranked the best beach on earth, the number of tourists has jumped to 2000…
