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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Thailand aims for 3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue by 2025
Thailand is setting its sights on a tourism boom with a newly launched strategy aimed at bolstering both international and domestic travel. With the tourism sector generating a substantial 1.892 trillion baht (US$56 billion) in 2023, the government is now targeting an impressive 3.4 trillion baht (US$100 billion) in revenues by 2025, aspiring to welcome over 40 million international visitors.…
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Hong Kong hotel bills pile up: Tourism takes a hit amid dollar drama
As Hong Kong’s hospitality sector braces for the new year, a perfect storm of challenges threatens to sour the city’s tourist appeal. With a new lodging tax set to dent visitors’ wallets and geopolitical tensions on the rise, thanks to Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, the city’s once-thriving tourist industry could face an uphill battle. From January, a 3% hotel guest…
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British man’s Thai-high trip goes up in smoke at Manchester customs
Another British man has been nabbed in a high-stakes arrest after being caught returning through Manchester Airport customs with two suitcases full of cannabis from Thailand. The alleged British drug mule, Ahmed Sohail, who claimed he went to Thailand to lose some weight, ended up losing much more than he bargained for. Stopped by eagle-eyed Border Force officials, the 26…
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Naked Russian man rescued by speedboat hero near Pattaya
A naked and exhausted Russian man was dramatically rescued by a heroic speedboat driver headed to Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya. The incident, which unfolded about six kilometres from Pattaya, grabbed headlines due to the man’s dire predicament. Pracharat Satsuk, a 34 year old speedboat operator, revealed how he stumbled upon the struggling swimmer during his regular route,…
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Bangkok named world’s most visited city with 32.4m tourists
Bangkok has been named the world’s most-visited city for 2024, welcoming an impressive 32.4 million international tourists. This announcement was made in a report by Euromonitor International yesterday, December 6. The Thai capital experienced a significant growth of over 30% from the previous year, solidifying its status as a leader in global tourism. The city’s allure is attributed to its…
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Phuket and the Netherlands strengthen ties over tourism and traffic
H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Thailand, met with Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai at Phuket Provincial Hall, alongside Sven Smolders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands in southern Thailand. The gathering highlighted a shared commitment to bolstering ties through tourism, infrastructure development, and citizen welfare. With 500 Dutch nationals residing in Phuket and over 250,000 Dutch tourists…
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Phuket Red Cross urges blood donations as tourist season begins
The Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital have made an urgent appeal for blood donations, particularly as the tourist High Season begins. With the approach of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, which is also observed as Thailand National Day and Father’s Day, special blood donation events are planned for tomorrow, December 5. This date holds significant…
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Cobra causes hiss-teria at Kata Beach in Phuket (video)
Tourists at Kata Beach in Phuket were startled when a cobra was spotted swimming near the shore, leading to a chaotic yet successful capture. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 3, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, causing quite a stir. The video shows tourists at Kata Beach, located on the western side of Phuket Island,…
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Trolley folly: Tipsy tourists’ wild hotel ride in Koh Phi Phi (video)
In the latest wild escapade from the sun-soaked shores of Thailand, two young female tourists were given a ride of shame as local police were forced to wheel them back to their hotel on a shop trolley. In a scene right out of a holiday nightmare, 19 year old Australian Tahli Benson and 23 year old German Sina Baumann found…
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7-Eleven joins road safety battle for tourists in Thailand
In a groundbreaking move to tackle tourist road accidents in Thailand, 7-Eleven is stepping up its game. Yesterday, December 2, CP All CEO Yuthasak Poomsurakul announced a partnership between 7-Eleven, the Tourist Police Bureau, and the British Embassy to launch a road safety campaign aimed at international visitors. Tourists, often unaware of Thailand’s traffic laws and risky road conditions, face…
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UAE and Thailand bilateral agreements to boost trade and travel
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand are poised to deepen their partnership through a series of bilateral agreements, according to UAE ambassador to Thailand Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri. Speaking at a UAE National Day celebration on Thursday, November 28, Aldhaheri underscored Thailand’s importance as a strategic partner beyond traditional oil trade. “We look forward to strengthening bilateral relations…
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German punch: Israeli soldier’s Thai holiday takes a hit
A 22 year old Israeli soldier was allegedly assaulted by a group of German tourists while on a trip in Thailand after the group took exception to his involvement in his nation’s military operations in Gaza. According to PressTV, the Israeli soldier, Ilay, found himself on the wrong side of an altercation in northern Thailand as he walked past four…
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Phuket parade: Carnival rolls out beach carpet for tourists (video)
Phuket is gearing up to roll out the red carpet for tourists worldwide with the eagerly anticipated Phuket Carnival at Patong 2024. This annual spectacle, a hallmark of the island’s high tourist season, promises to be bigger and better than ever with its theme, Phuket Memories of a Lifetime. Taking place from December 8 to 10 at the bustling Bang…
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Australian ambassador visits Phuket to discuss tourist safety
Australian Ambassador to Thailand Angela McDonald visited Phuket on Thursday, November 28, to engage in discussions with Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri. The meeting focused on strengthening economic, political, and safety ties between Australia and Phuket, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust bilateral relations. During the meeting, held at the Phuket Provincial Governor’s Reception Room, McDonald, along with key officials, explored…
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‘Wife for hire’: Inside Thailand’s shocking rental marriage trend
Thailand’s notorious “rental wife” trend is turning heads and sparking heated debates. Dubbed the “black pearl” phenomenon, this controversial practice is thriving in Pattaya’s red-light districts, offering foreign tourists a temporary taste of companionship for a fee. The practice, often called “temporary marriage,” sees women from impoverished rural areas become companions to tourists, offering services ranging from casual companionship to…
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Songkhla floods wash away bookings in Hat Fai wipeout (video)
Flood chaos in Songkhla and the wider Deep South has left the Malaysian market in tatters, forcing a total wipeout of hotel and tour bookings in Hat Yai for the next two weekends. The relentless downpours have thrown travel plans into disarray, causing a domino effect on local tourism, just as things were heating up. Songchai Mungprasithichai, the head chief…
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Koh Samui’s ferry pier gets a much-needed makeover
After a year of soaking rains and blistering sun, travellers at Koh Samui’s main ferry pier can finally say goodbye to their weather woes. The Nathon Pier is getting its roofs back and relief for passengers is just days away. Narobb Tuaycharoen, a member of Nakhon Samui’s municipal council, confirmed today, November 28, that workers had started installing metal sheets on…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Pattaya shoppers flock to market for cold-weather bargains
As a cool breeze swept through South Pattaya, the Grand Hall Market became the city’s ultimate winter shopping hotspot. Thai locals and tourists descended on the bustling marketplace yesterday, November 26, hunting for budget-friendly winter gear as the region braced for the season’s chillier days. With the winter season officially announced by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), a strengthening northeastern…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Nakhon Ratchasima camping site closes after park authority order
Rai Ruay Rin, a renowned camping site in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima province, announced its immediate closure following an order from national park officials. This news has saddened many camping enthusiasts who frequented the site for its stunning green landscapes just a few hours from Bangkok. The unexpected announcement was shared through a TikTok post on the account @rairuayrin,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Fields of flower: Tourists flock to see Phayao’s sunn hemp
A vibrant field of sunn hemp, spread across 5 rai in front of the Phayao Agricultural and Technology College, has become a popular photography spot for tourists, coinciding with the winter season. This picturesque site, located in Mae Na Ruea subdistrict, Mueang district, Phayao province, is drawing attention with its radiant yellow hues. Prasert Phrompa, the Director of Phayao Agricultural…
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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…
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