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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  • PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights

    PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights

    Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck yesterday. Acknowledging reports of a burgeoning number of Russian tourists eyeing Thailand for their holidays, PM Srettha highlighted the critical lack of flights to accommodate the demand. “Inadequate flights are hindering the influx of Russian…

  • Thailand’s thriving Muslim tourism boom with mosque tour

    Thailand’s thriving Muslim tourism boom with mosque tour

    In a bid to elevate Thailand to the zenith of the Global Muslim Tourism Index (GMTI), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with key figures like Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut from the Haroon Mosque and the Islamic Committee of Bangkok to revolutionise cultural tourism for Muslim travellers. Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut recently joined forces with Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, in…

  • Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery

    Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery

    Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand’s busiest, is facing daily traffic congestion as vehicles compete for parking spaces. The problem is compounded by long queues at immigration and baggage claim areas due to inoperative kiosks and staff shortages. Tourist complaints prompted an unannounced visit from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has since ordered airport authorities to quicken procedures to under…

  • Thailand tourism council study reveals surprising spending trends

    Thailand tourism council study reveals surprising spending trends

    In an investigation undertaken by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), it has emerged that a significant portion of the Thai populace has adopted a more frugal approach to their expenditure in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The TCT’s exhaustive survey, spanning from last year up to now, canvassed the travel inclinations of 418 Thai individuals earning over 10,000…

  • Songkhla sings new tune: Lifting bus restrictions could drive cross-border travel

    Songkhla sings new tune: Lifting bus restrictions could drive cross-border travel

    Songkhla province is considering lifting restrictions on foreign-registered buses, potentially allowing them to cross provincial boundaries. The move aims to attract more visitors, predominantly from Malaysia, to explore other scenic destinations in southern Thailand, reveals a local tourism authority. President of the Phatthalung Tourism Association, Charoon Kaewwaveesub, disclosed today that Songkhla, in collaboration with the local land transport office, has…

  • Thailand plans visa-free travel expansion to stimulate tourism

    Thailand plans visa-free travel expansion to stimulate tourism

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed the government’s intent to extend visa-free travel to citizens of several additional countries. This development follows Thailand’s recent decision to waive visas for Chinese and Indian citizens, an attempt to stimulate the tourism sector, a vital component of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. During Wednesday’s meeting at Government House, PM Srettha and Australia’s Governor-General, David…

  • Thailand’s newest UNESCO learning cities revealed, Bangkok on the list

    Thailand’s newest UNESCO learning cities revealed, Bangkok on the list

    Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and Yala have clinched spots in UNESCO’s 2024 Global Network for Learning Cities (GNLC), heralding a new era of lifelong learning across Thailand. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob unveiled the exciting news, showcasing Thailand’s commitment to fostering continuous education and development. Joining the ranks of previously listed cities such as Chiang Rai (2019), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chachoengsao…

  • Muscle madness: Strongman showdown set for Pattaya, Thailand

    Muscle madness: Strongman showdown set for Pattaya, Thailand

    Prepare to witness the power and prowess of Thailand’s strongest individuals. An exciting strongman competition, hosted by Bench Fitness Equipment and Thai Strength Club, is set to take place tomorrow, February 17, by the picturesque Mapprachan Lake in Pattaya. This thrilling event will showcase the strength and endurance of 55 robust competitors hailing from 14 different countries, all vying for…

  • Unruly British man goes berserk on Bangkok-London flight (video)

    Unruly British man goes berserk on Bangkok-London flight (video)

    An unruly British man was arrested after his flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow landed following a cowardly attack on a Thai Airways member of staff. The 35 year old unnamed British man went berserk only minutes after the flight from the Thai capital took off on February 7 and proceeded to smash up the aircraft’s toilet. A passenger managed…

  • Soaring travel costs to Phuket spark tourist backlash

    Soaring travel costs to Phuket spark tourist backlash

    The soaring cost of air travel to Phuket has sparked a backlash from local tourists, with low-cost carriers reportedly charging up to 14,000 baht (US$388) for a round trip from Bangkok. Despite making bookings weeks in advance, some travellers reported paying 5,000 baht (US$138) for a one-way ticket. The president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA),…

  • Roses from the Tourist Police on Valentine’s Day in Lopburi

    Roses from the Tourist Police on Valentine’s Day in Lopburi

    Tourists in Lopburi were greeted with an unexpected gesture of goodwill this Valentine’s Day, as the city’s Tourist Police distributed roses to visitors. The act of kindness was part of a broader initiative to ensure safety and spread good cheer among locals and foreigners alike. Patrols were not only focused on maintaining order and safety but also on fostering a…

  • Thailand tourists to get medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht

    Thailand tourists to get medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht

    The Thai government pledged unprecedented medical insurance and compensation packages, promising travellers a worry-free experience. Under the scheme, tourists will receive medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht in case of accidents, along with compensation of up to 1 million baht in the unfortunate event of death. At the campaign launch, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol declared the initiative,…

  • Thailand allocates 50 million baht for foreign tourist insurance

    Thailand allocates 50 million baht for foreign tourist insurance

    The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry has allocated a budget of 50 million baht (US$1.38) for the fiscal year of 2024 to financially aid foreign tourists in the event of accidents or death. The ministry stated that this amount is likely to cover its expected influx of 35 million foreign visitors this year, in accordance with the average annual claims…

  • Thailand set to break records with 2 million bookings predicted, Klook reveals

    Thailand set to break records with 2 million bookings predicted, Klook reveals

    Thailand’s tourism industry is gearing up for a surge, with online travel platform Klook forecasting a staggering two million bookings for holiday packages in the Southeast Asian country this year. Klook’s COO Eric Gnock Fah revealed that Thailand’s tourism sector is bouncing back ferociously, rivalling Japan’s impressive rebound on the platform, and outshining other Asian destinations. “Last year’s record-breaking achievement…

  • Thailand PM drives tourism growth, targets 35 million visitors

    Thailand PM drives tourism growth, targets 35 million visitors

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently underscored the significance of tourism collaboration to elevate Thailand’s travel industry. The announcement comes on the heels of Maya Bay in Krabi province being named the third-best beach in the world by Lonely Planet, a testament to the country’s natural beauty. Prime Minister Office Spokesperson Chai Wacharongkakul revealed that the prime minister, who also serves…

  • Thai government announces five-day weekend for Songkran holiday

    Thai government announces five-day weekend for Songkran holiday

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared Friday, April 12 a special government holiday, amplifying the Songkran celebrations with a five-day weekend. The decision made a full two months ahead of the festival, aims to provide ample time for both individuals and businesses to prepare for the festivities. The 61 year old Thai PM-cum-finance minister expressed his desire for the Ministry of Tourism…

  • CRC projects 9-11% revenue growth driven by tourism boost

    CRC projects 9-11% revenue growth driven by tourism boost

    Central Retail Corporation (CRC) is expecting revenue growth of 9-11% in 2024, with the primary drivers being a resurgence in tourism and increased consumption. However, concerns have been raised about a potential influx of inexpensive imported goods. Yol Phokasub, CRC’s chief executive, articulated that despite the sluggish economic growth, the overall spending confidence in Thailand remains above average for the…

  • Trip.com foresees significant rise in Thailand tourism expenditure

    Trip.com foresees significant rise in Thailand tourism expenditure

    On February 8, Bangkok bore witness to a revelation from Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider. The data released by the company predicts a notable increase in total trip expenditure for inbound bookings in Thailand. A substantial uptick of 44.3% has been projected for this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) festive period compared to the CNY period in…

  • Thai tourism index for Q4 2023 signals risk of deflation

    Thai tourism index for Q4 2023 signals risk of deflation

    The Tourism Council of Thailand’s (TCT) quarterly index has reported a lower-than-normal confidence level for the fourth quarter of 2023, signalling concerns among operators about the risk of deflation and delayed fiscal budget disbursement. The Thai tourism index for the last quarter of the year scored 77, with 100 being the average; this is an increase from the third quarter’s…

  • Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival

    Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor praised the Thai ice sculpting team for their outstanding performance at the 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, held as part of the 74th Sapporo Snow Festival. The Thai ice sculpting team left the world in awe with their breathtaking depiction of the Naga Fireballs at the prestigious 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, earning…

  • Thai govt urges electric incense use during Chinese New Year

    Thai govt urges electric incense use during Chinese New Year

    Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang yesterday shared a statement concerning the upcoming Chinese New Year Celebration, which is to be held from February 8 to 10. The focus of his statement was on the need to monitor the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and the burning of paper money. Karom Phonphonklang expressed the Thai government’s concern over the potential health…

  • Thai Tourist Police enhance Grand Palace facilities ahead of Chinese New Year

    Thai Tourist Police enhance Grand Palace facilities ahead of Chinese New Year

    In a recent endeavour to uplift the image of Thailand’s tourism, the Thai Tourist Police and associated agencies carried out an intensive inspection at the iconic Grand Palace in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, at 10am on February 7. The operation was part of an initiative to gear up for the arrival of tourists, especially considering the upcoming Chinese New Year. In…

  • How the Apple Vision Pro will affect Thailand?

    How the Apple Vision Pro will affect Thailand?

    The much-loved tech legend Steve Jobs himself and the Apple team spent more than 16 years developing the Apple Vision Pro, unveiled on February 2, 2024, based on an iPod pattern concept. The device has gained recognition as Apple’s first foray into “Spatial Computing.” Despite its early success with many exceptional features that set Apple apart from opponents, the Apple…

  • Flight fright: Air Canada-Thailand flight detours to Hong Kong as passenger falls ill

    Flight fright: Air Canada-Thailand flight detours to Hong Kong as passenger falls ill

    An Air Canada flight destined for Bangkok was forced to make an emergency diversion to Hong Kong after a passenger fell ill onboard. The Air Canada Boeing 787, which operates flights between Vancouver and Bangkok, declared an emergency on February 4, prompting its redirection to Hong Kong. Flight AC65, a routine scheduled service, is typically operated between Vancouver and Bangkok…

  • Agoda reveals hotspots: Bangkok heats up rankings

    Agoda reveals hotspots: Bangkok heats up rankings

    Agoda unveiled the hottest must-visit destinations with the Big Mango, Bangkok sizzling in second place. Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam emerged as the unrivalled favourites, igniting a tourism frenzy in the first month alone. Moreover, Malaysia and South Korea are hot on their heels, rounding up the top five inbound markets. According to Agoda’s January 2024 booking rankings, Asian travel destinations have…

  • Thailand’s iconic Maya Bay: From Hollywood glamour to environmental struggle

    Thailand’s iconic Maya Bay: From Hollywood glamour to environmental struggle

    Maya Bay, nestled in Thailand’s Phang-Nga province, clinched third place in the world’s beaches, according to the Lonely Planet travel guide. Dubbed “a slip of a beach hidden by limestone cliffs,” Maya Bay skyrocketed to international fame when acclaimed director Danny Boyle handpicked it as the backdrop for his blockbuster hit The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite its cinematic allure,…

  • Chiang Mai tourism booms as Chinese New Year approaches

    Chiang Mai tourism booms as Chinese New Year approaches

    The northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand is experiencing a tourism bonanza as hotel bookings surge to a staggering 90%, with Chinese New Year reservations already topping 60%. Paisan Sukcharoen, president of the Northern Upper Region Hotel Association of Thailand affirms that Chiang Mai’s tourism scene is on an upward trajectory. The cool embrace of Chiang Mai’s weather further…

  • World Songkran Festival to last from April 1 to 21

    World Songkran Festival to last from April 1 to 21

    In an exciting announcement, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday revealed that plans were underway to organise World Songkran Festival activities nationwide. This decision comes hot on the heels of UNESCO’s recent recognition of the Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has formally acknowledged the significance of the Songkran…

  • Thailand targets 35 million international tourists

    Thailand targets 35 million international tourists

    The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is optimistic about its ability to attract 35 million international tourists this year. This confidence stems from the fact that in the first month of the year alone, the country recorded three million foreign visitors. The encouraging figure was aided by daily arrivals exceeding 90,000 on weekdays and 100,000 during the weekends in…

  • Phuket lights up with lanterns for annual Chinese New Year festival

    Phuket lights up with lanterns for annual Chinese New Year festival

    The popular seaside resort of Phuket has been brightly lit up with lanterns, signalling the start of the Phuket Lantern Festival. This annual event is an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, with this year marking the Year of the Dragon. Saroj Angkhanapilas, the Mayor of Phuket Town, inaugurated the festival on a Saturday night at the Chartered…