travel

  • Phuket News“Sandbox” tourism scheme for foreign travellers in the works for Phuket

    “Sandbox” tourism scheme for foreign travellers in the works for Phuket

    Tourism officials are working on what they’re calling the “sandbox,” a new pilot program to reopen Phuket and other destinations by the Andaman Sea to foreign visitors. The sandbox is like the “travel bubble” idea and would allow quarantine-free travel to certain areas. The sandbox model will be pitched to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration next Friday, Tourism and…

  • Thailand NewsThailand tourism officials talk of potential travel bubble with China

    Thailand tourism officials talk of potential travel bubble with China

    With restrictions in Beijing easing and plans to issue digital Covid-19 vaccination certificates to Chinese nationals, there may soon be a travel bubble between Thailand and China, allowing those vaccinated against the coronavirus to travel between the countries without quarantine. Just yesterday, the Chinese government announced it would issue the digital certificates to help citizens travelling overseas, a move that…

  • Covid-19 NewsTravellers undergoing yacht quarantine to wear wristbands to track location and monitor health

    Travellers undergoing yacht quarantine to wear wristbands to track location and monitor health

    Foreign tourists travelling to Thailand by yacht and undergoing the mandatory quarantine period onboard the vessel will be asked to wear a smart wristband to monitor their health and track their location. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency teamed up with Advanced Info Service, known as AIS, and Phuket tourism operators to launch the so-called “Digital Yacht Quarantine” programme. Apparently, tourist…

  • Covid-19 NewsQuarantine for vaccinated travellers to Thailand reduced to 7 days

    Quarantine for vaccinated travellers to Thailand reduced to 7 days

    For the past year the mandatory quarantine period in Thailand has been 14 days, sometimes up to 16 days and 15 nights. Now the Thai government has reviewed the quarantine period and announced changes. If you’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus, the mandatory quarantine period will be reduced from 14 days to 7 days. The announcement was made by Thailand’s…

  • Transport News“Sealed route” set at Bangkok airport for international transfers

    “Sealed route” set at Bangkok airport for international transfers

    Thailand is now allowing international transits and transfers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport by using a so-called “sealed route” arranged at the airport to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has now set guidelines for passengers who have a layover at the Bangkok airport. Passengers will not be allowed to leave Concourse E. A “sealed route”…

  • Thailand NewsThailand tourism sector seeks to reopen the country by July

    Thailand tourism sector seeks to reopen the country by July

    The following was submitted by Open Thailand Safely, a campaign pushing the Thai government to reopen Thailand to international tourism by July 2021. Leading international tourism companies in Thailand have launched a campaign to reopen the country’s borders from 1 July 2021. The #OpenThailandSafely campaign was launched 2 March with the support of over 15 major companies including YAANA Ventures,…

  • Tourism NewsCovid-free Samui, Phangan, Tao offer tourism discounts until end of April

    Covid-free Samui, Phangan, Tao offer tourism discounts until end of April

    The Covid-free gulf islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao are offering special discounts and privileges to tourists until the end of April. Over 80 tourism operators are taking part in the scheme which can be accessed by clicking on www.samui-phangan-tao-speciallink.com. Surat Thani, which includes Koh Samui, is 1 of 4 provinces to receive the first delivery of…

  • Tourism NewsThailand’s most exclusive Beach Club | BaBa Beach Club Hua Hin | VIDEO

    Thailand’s most exclusive Beach Club | BaBa Beach Club Hua Hin | VIDEO

    Nothing speaks more ‘private’ and ‘vacation’ than enjoying the beachfront view with a balcony pool and luxurious room. Follow Chris, as he (along with his family) takes you on a private get away in Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations on the Gulf of Thailand coast, for both tourists and locals. *our vlogger’s stay at the BaBa…

  • Thailand NewsThai Airways president says “no,” they’re not buying more airplanes in 2025

    Thai Airways president says “no,” they’re not buying more airplanes in 2025

    After news that the bankrupt airline was planning to buy 20 to 30 more passenger jets in 2025, the Thai Airways International acting president says “no,” there is no plan to purchase more aircraft, and if flight demand goes up, the strapped-for-cash company will consider renting first. Nation Thailand reported that the airline was planning to buy up to 30…

  • FoodIn search of Cat & Dog Cafés in Phuket Town | VIDEO

    In search of Cat & Dog Cafés in Phuket Town | VIDEO

    Nimz, our Thaiger Vlogger takes you on a weekend tour of Phuket Town, in search of cat and dog cafés. Stroke the cats, tickle the cat’s tummy, pat the cats, take selfies with the cats. Whilst Phuket has a number of registered cat and dog cafés, only one appeared to open during Nimz’s search through the streets of Phuket Town,…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya mayor pushes to vaccinate residents and become an “area quarantine”

    Pattaya mayor pushes to vaccinate residents and become an “area quarantine”

    The Pattaya City mayor is pushing for the city to become a “safe bubble” for tourists and residents. The idea is to vaccinate all residents and workers in the tourism industry, designating Pattaya as an “area quarantine,” Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem says. He adds that the city has prepared a proposal for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. The mayor says…

  • FoodFlying high and fine dining in a re-purposed old jet in Bangkok | VIDEO

    Flying high and fine dining in a re-purposed old jet in Bangkok | VIDEO

    This could actually be the only time you enjoy dining on a plane. Na-Oh Bangkok re-purposed a decommissioned L-1011 Lockheed aircraft, turning the old jet into a fine dining restaurant located within the ChangChui Project, just a few minutes away from downtown Bangkok. With it’s eclectic interiors and their signature Thai-fusion courses, the restaurant offers quite a memorable experience. Chris,…

  • Thailand NewsThai PM walkout, easing of covid restrictions | February 19

    Thai PM walkout, easing of covid restrictions | February 19

    Thailand News Today Police have arrested a man in Samut Prakan, southeast of central Bangkok, for allegedly possessing war weapons and attempting to sell assault rifles online through Instagram. The “dewaffen” Instagram page for “Oz John Woo” has an eclectic combination of cat photos and gun photos. The bio says “military support/ small arms import/export service. Life is limited, please…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | PM parliamentary rebuke, ‘OnlyFans’ Covid alternative | February 17

    Thailand News Today | PM parliamentary rebuke, ‘OnlyFans’ Covid alternative | February 17

    Thai airlines and hotels say that the tourism crisis in the year ahead is set to dwarf last year’s in terms of its impact, a lack of customers, and an absence of government aid. Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder in Thai AirAsia, is warning that when international tourism eventually does resume, there may not be enough suppliers to meet demand…

  • Tourism NewsTurbulence ahead for Thailand’s aviation industry | VIDEO

    Turbulence ahead for Thailand’s aviation industry | VIDEO

    When the airlines, in particular, were asking the government to put their hands in their pockets for some relief funding in August last year, it was genuinely thought that international tourists would be coming back for the high season in December and January. At the very least local tourists and expats would head back to the skies over the traditional…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid lockdown in Pathum Thani district, just north of Bangkok | VIDEO

    Covid lockdown in Pathum Thani district, just north of Bangkok | VIDEO

    Whilst migrant dormitories and parts of the seafood markets in Samut Sakhon remain either in complete lockdown or as restricted areas, and the affected gambling dens in Rayong have magically disappeared, the focus of the current Covid outbreak has now turned to Pathum Thani… just north of Bangkok and probably better known as the province that hosts the Buddhist Dhammakaya…

  • Covid-19 NewsWorld Tourism hotspots re-opening – success or failure? | VIDEO

    World Tourism hotspots re-opening – success or failure? | VIDEO

    The world of tourism has been turned upside down, not just in Thailand but around the world. Globally, it’s certainly the hardest hit industry from the coronavirus pandemic, shutting down hotels, tour companies, grounding aeroplanes and putting millions out of work. Before we look at the latest situation, and predictions for Thailand, let’s take a quick tour of some of…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Thai surrogacy ring, vaccine-passport | February 8

    Thailand News Today | Thai surrogacy ring, vaccine-passport | February 8

    An alleged illegal transnational surrogacy ring, posing as a cleaning company, has busted by Thailand’s cybercrime police after surrogate mothers were unable to deliver the children to buyers overseas due to the current travel restrictions. Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau raided 10 locations suspected of being involved in the underground transnational surrogacy network, arresting 3 alleged agents and…

  • Covid-19 NewsThai health officials brush off “vaccine passport” idea for travellers

    Thai health officials brush off “vaccine passport” idea for travellers

    Thai health officials aren’t onboard with the idea of a “vaccine passport” which would potentially allow travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter Thailand without undergoing quarantine. Health officials in Thailand say there isn’t enough evidence to prove that the vaccine is totally effective in preventing transmission of the virus. While the vaccines are considered to be effective…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Week In Review | February 6

    Thailand News Today | Week In Review | February 6

    Thailand News Today covers five days of the news week. Now we have a weekend edition which goes over the biggest, or best stories, from the past week. Out every Saturday afternoon, catch up with Jett and Tim’s major Thai news stories. Welcome to the Thailand News Today Weekend Edition.

  • Phuket NewsSingapore Airlines to offer flights to Phuket next month

    Singapore Airlines to offer flights to Phuket next month

    Singapore Airlines plans to offer flights to Phuket starting on March 4. Singapore-Phuket flights operated on the B737-800 aircraft which have 12 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The new route follows a merger with the airline’s subsidiarity Silk Air. The Silk Air routes will progressively be transferred and 9 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft will be reassigned to…

  • Visa InformationVisa extensions in Thailand for stranded tourists, February 2021 | VIDEO

    Visa extensions in Thailand for stranded tourists, February 2021 | VIDEO

    Stranded foreign tourists, either genuinely stuck in Thailand since April 2020, or stuck here by choice, are able to stay in Thailand until May 30. The order from the immigration department empowers local officers to grant a 60 day visa extensions from January 29 up to May 30. The order coincides with the world’s Covid-19 situation getting worse and more…

  • Transport NewsTaxis and tuk tuks ask Thai government for help

    Taxis and tuk tuks ask Thai government for help

    Unions of Thai Taxi workers and Thai automobile drivers have handed over an official request to a government labour committee to file a request to the government seeking financial support. Thai Taxi workers passed over their requests to Suthep Yoo-on, the chairman of the Labour Committee officially seeking industry support. Just about all sectors of the country’s transport infrastructure have…

  • Bangkok NewsNorwegian man arrested at Bangkok airport for allegedly faking Certificate of Entry

    Norwegian man arrested at Bangkok airport for allegedly faking Certificate of Entry

    Thai immigration police arrested a Norwegian man at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly faking his Certificate of Entry, a document issued by the Thai Embassy to allow foreigners to enter Thailand during the Covid-19 pandemic. The man presented the document to immigration officers at the Bangkok airport. Officers were suspicious and contacted the Royal Thai Embassy in Oslo, Norway who then…

  • Thailand NewsHotels and restaurants raided, 50 arrested for allegedly cheating “We Travel Together” subsidy scheme

    Hotels and restaurants raided, 50 arrested for allegedly cheating “We Travel Together” subsidy scheme

    Several hotels and restaurants in Phuket and Chaiyaphum were raided this morning and 50 people were arrested for allegedly stealing from the government subsidy scheme “We Travel Together.” The scheme was launched to help businesses that were financially hit by the lack of tourists during the Covid-19 pandemic and to stimulate the battered economy. Last month, the Tourism Authority of…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Survey shows a third of tourism businesses are broke or shut down | January 25

    Thailand News Today | Survey shows a third of tourism businesses are broke or shut down | January 25

    For those who need to extend their tourist visa, the Thai Immigration Bureau is asking that applicants make an appointment online to reserve their spot. The bureau says the online appointments will help with preventing the spread of Covid-19 by reducing overcrowding and making sure people abide by social distancing practices. And you thought it was about increasing efficiency. Applicants…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Gambling crackdown, Seafood market to reopen, Vlogger challenge | Jan 21

    Thailand News Today | Gambling crackdown, Seafood market to reopen, Vlogger challenge | Jan 21

    In a nationwide crackdown on gambling, police in the Isaan province Khon Kaen raided a warehouse and seized more than 400 slot machines. Acting on a court warrant, police searched the warehouse. The locks on the door had been changed and police had to break into the warehouse. Inside, canvases covered 418 slot machines. Police say the machines were “plug…

  • Thailand NewsTower Of Babble – Have your say on The Thaiger – January 21

    Tower Of Babble – Have your say on The Thaiger – January 21

    Tower of Babble is where we read some of your comments made on The Thaiger YouTube videos, as well as our website thethaiger.com and Facebook page. Some are insightful, some are interesting, some need to be shared! And some are just plain funny. If you leave a comment under any of our videos it may be shared on our Tower…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Weekend Bangkok bombs, Thailand fires, Covid update | January 18

    Thailand News Today | Weekend Bangkok bombs, Thailand fires, Covid update | January 18

    369 new Covid-19 cases were reported today during the daily briefing. Most cases were detected in Samut Sakhon in a mass testing campaign. Thailand currently has 3,147 active Covid-19 cases under treatment and investigation. 12,423 infections have now been detected since the start of 2020 – 8,186 of them reported since December 20 last year… just a month back. 12…

  • Tourism NewsThe road less travelled – trekking to the Kalim Viewpoint

    The road less travelled – trekking to the Kalim Viewpoint

    There are two well known ways to get from Kathu to Kalim or Kamala – one is across the Patong Hill, and the other is much longer, through Srisoonthorn and along the coastal road from Surin the Kamala (very scenic too). But there’s also another way. Also very scenic but will take you about 2 hours through dense forest although…