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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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thai food for thought: Restaurant sector set for festive tourism feast
The Thai restaurant sector is set to experience a significant boost during the new year festive season, largely driven by an increase in holiday travel and tourism. Despite this optimistic outlook, the Thai Restaurant Association expressed concerns regarding a potential decline in total spending on food and beverages due to weakened purchasing power and the concentration of activities in popular…
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Airline industry poised to surpass US$1 trillion despite delays
The global airline industry anticipates surpassing US$1 trillion in revenue due to record passenger numbers, despite facing significant challenges in acquiring new aircraft, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Issues with Boeing and Airbus have caused delivery delays, impeding airlines‘ ability to upgrade their fleets with more efficient planes that could reduce fuel expenses while accommodating increased passenger…
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Thailand targets luxury and niche tourism for growth boost
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting its sights on four niche tourism markets for the upcoming year: wellness, luxury experiences, sports tourism, and honeymoons. This strategic focus aims to tap into the burgeoning trend of high-spending and luxury tourism, with the agency planning to introduce exclusive events across the country. According to Chiravadee Khunsub, the Deputy Governor for…
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Moo Deng unharmed by tissue dropped by monkey, says zoo (video)
Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province has clarified the circumstances surrounding an incident involving Moo Deng, Thailand’s famous pygmy hippo, and a piece of tissue paper. Concerns arose after a video surfaced online showing Moo Deng sniffing and chewing on the tissue, prompting worries about her health. Speculation initially suggested that a zoo visitor had dropped the tissue…
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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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Phuket unveils road safety centre for seven days of danger
Phuket is gearing up for a heightened focus on road and marine safety with the opening of a road safety operations centre on Christmas Day. This effort is in preparation for the upcoming Seven Days of Danger campaign, scheduled to run from December 27 to January 2, as confirmed by Sopon Thongsai, chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and…
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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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Phuket cabaret boosts economy with 200 million baht annually
Phuket’s vibrant cabaret scene is being hailed as a significant contributor to the province’s economy, with the potential to generate over 200 million baht annually. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanrat highlighted the substantial impact of the Simon Cabaret Phuket Show during its reopening in the Kathu district yesterday. This year has marked a resurgence for tourism in Phuket, and the numbers…
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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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Thailand’s tourism triumph as Bangkok tops Agoda charts (video)
Bangkok is stealing the spotlight as Agoda crowns it as the No.1 most-booked destination globally for 2025, while Thailand itself clinches the No.2 spot on the list of top tourist destinations. This thrilling announcement from deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan underscores Thailand’s soaring popularity as a must-visit hotspot. The revered American travel magazine, Travel + Leisure, has also showered accolades…
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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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Thailand’s economy shifts into gear but auto industry hits a bump
Thailand’s economy is on a cautious upswing, buoyed by a surge in exports, a bustling tourism sector, and healthier private consumption. Yet, the road ahead isn’t entirely smooth, with the automotive industry hitting a bump. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has laid bare the mixed fortunes in its recent October economic report, painting a picture of resilience tinged with challenges.…
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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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Loan clouds gather: Thailand’s tourism faces a credit crunch storm
Thailand’s domestic tourism scene is facing stormy weather as concerns mount over rising consumer loans and mortgage defaults, industry insiders reveal. These financial headaches are casting doubts on whether short-term festival and event promos can still work their magic. The latest report from the National Economic and Social Development Council waved a red flag, revealing a troubling uptick in personal…
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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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Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award
In a big win for ethical tourism, the Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai has been honoured with the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024 by TripAdvisor. This recognition places the sanctuary among the top-rated destinations in Chiang Mai, celebrating its commitment to conservation, education, and the welfare of Thailand’s beloved elephants. Siriporn Tanaseth, founder of the sanctuary, said they…
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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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