Tourism News

Get your daily dose of Tourism News in Thailand with the latest updates on exciting destinations, events, and travel industry developments. We provide relevant and insightful information about Thailand’s diverse travel scene, which includes innovative hospitality trends, cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism practices. Stay informed on various tourism-related matters, including visa policies and major infrastructure projects, to ensure you’re always one step ahead in the vibrant world of travel.

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    5 best restaurants in Sukhumvit with English menu on GrabFood: Tried and tested

    So you’re in Sukhumvit, Bangkok, you want to explore its vibrant food scene and order delivery, but you’re feeling lost in translation? We understand. As an expat living in Thailand, figuring out how to order food delivery can be a...

  • Thai tourists injured in bus crash in Turkey’s Denizli province

    A tour bus carrying 26 Thai tourists crashed into a roadside signboard in Denizli, Turkey, resulting in injuries to all onboard. Four of the tourists were critically injured, while the remaining 22 suffered other injuries. The accident took place yesterday (November 23) while the tourists, travelling with the Doraku Tours company, were exploring the popular tourist province. The injured tourists…

  • Chinese tourists still prefer Thailand despite visa exemptions

    Despite increasing competition from countries offering visa exemptions to Chinese tourists, Thailand’s tourism industry remains secure due to its dominant market share and increased expenditure per trip, according to the country’s Tourism and Sports Ministry. Countries such as Kazakhstan, Maldives and Sri Lanka have started offering visa exemptions for Chinese tourists, yet Thailand continues to be the preferred destination, said…

  • Loy Krathong chaos at Chiang Mai Airport: 160 flights shuffled, travellers beware!

    With the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival in sight, Chiang Mai Airport is set to experience a whirlwind of changes, with a staggering 160 flights facing disruptions from November 27 to 28, post 7pm. Chiang Mai Airport Deputy Director Wisut Khamyod revealed today a jaw-dropping 101 cancellations and 59 rescheduled flights, creating a turbulence level hitting 47% of regular air traffic.…

  • Former TAT governor urges government to boost Chinese visitor numbers

    The former Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor urged the government to reconsider its tourism strategy to improve the dwindling Chinese market. Predictions for this year suggest that arrivals from China will only total 26.8% of the 2019 level. Former TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn suggested that the government should negotiate with China to secure more flight routes and slots for Thai…

  • Bangkok ranked 9th in 2023 best cities for expats, down from 6th last year

    One of the globe’s leading expat networking and guide websites ranked the Big Mango, Bangkok, as the 9th best city to live and visit for expats in 2023. The ranking is down from last year when Bangkok was ranked 6th. InterNations said it conducted an online survey from February 1 to 28 this year, with 12,065 expats from 172 countries…

  • Thailand’s visa exemption policy for Chinese unaffected despite low flight demand

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday announced that the government’s visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens remains unaffected amidst the cancellation of flight slots by several Chinese airlines due to low passenger demand. These airlines had previously secured slots for flights to Thailand, inclusive of ground handling services for their aircraft, only to relinquish their landing and take-off rights due to…

  • Northern Thailand: Gate to Heaven stirs debate due to similarity to Bali temple

    A recent opening of a new tourist spot in Nan province, Thailand, named Gate to Heaven sparked widespread criticism for its striking resemblance to the famous Lempuyang Temple in Bali, Indonesia. The site’s replication of the iconic Lepuyang Temple ignited a heated online debate about cultural appropriation and originality in tourism. The Gate to Heaven became a trending topic on…

  • Panda Lab exposes travel scam causing loss of 50 million baht to tourists

    Prominent medical technician Panda Lab raised the alarm over a popular travel scam that has caused hundreds of victims to lose over 50 million baht. The Consumer Organisation Council has outlined channels for filing complaints. Today, Panda Lab’s Facebook page revealed that several hundred people have been victims of a prominent tour page. The victims had initially booked a tour,…

  • Thailand’s festive frenzy: Airbnb searches soar by 17% as global travellers flock to the Land of Smiles

    Tourists are flocking to Airbnb in search of the ultimate Thailand experience during the upcoming Loy Krathong festival, set to light up the local waters on November 27 and 28. Data reveals a staggering 17% spike in searches for Airbnb stays, unveiling Thailand as the go-to destination for the festive season. Thailand’s capital Bangkok steals the spotlight as the most…

  • Airlines request more flight slots into Thailand, CAAT reveals

    A request for slot redistribution has been lodged by several airlines as they plan to increase flights into Thailand, reveals an insider from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This request was presented to CAAT’s top executives at the 153rd Slot Conference that took place in Dubai from November 14 to 17. This biannual gathering, arranged by the International…

  • Pink Line monorail: Thailand’s consumer council pushes for 20 baht fare cap

    The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is pressing for a fare cap of 20 baht per trip on the impending Pink Line monorail. This monorail, whose commercial service launch is planned for December 18, would then comply with the current Red and Purple Line services’ rates. This is part of the government’s strategy to alleviate living costs. During the trial phase…

  • Sea-rious splash: Russian tourist makes waves with daring swim between Pattaya’s viewpoints (video)

    A Russian tourist sent shockwaves through the local community when he was found swimming in the sea between Pattaya’s Khao Phra Tamnak viewpoint and Koh Larn. The incident occurred around 1pm today. Asadakorn Bangsi, also known as Copy, the owner of Koh Larn’s accommodation, reported the event to the Khaosod Online after sharing the story on TikTok. Asadakorn revealed the…

  • Thailand PM temps European tourists with longer visa incentive

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is making bold moves to boost the nation’s economy by unveiling plans to waive visa requirements for European tourists. Thailand also plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles by lining up hundreds of cultural and sporting events, to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more. The Bangkok-born Thailand PM sees tourism…

  • Temperature plummets to 11 degrees in Huai Nam Dang National Park

    Huai Nam Dang National Park in Mae Hong Son Province is experiencing a rapid drop in temperature, reaching as low as 11 degrees Celsius. The park’s head anticipates the temperature may soon dip into single digits, possibly leading to frost. Buncha Ramsiri, the head of Huai Nam Dang National Park, disclosed that the lowest temperature recorded this morning was 11…

  • Thailand sees surge in airfares despite low travel season

    Airfares in Thailand witnessed a substantial increase in the third quarter of this year, despite it traditionally being a low season for travel. This surge was driven by a robust travel demand. Thai AirAsia, for instance, observed a 22% year-on-year rise in its airfares during this period, while Bangkok Airways’ rates saw a 15% hike. The average fare price for…

  • Phuket’s Patong beachfront to host air-sea rescue exercise

    The beachfront of Patong in Phuket is set to become a stage for an elaborate display of emergency preparedness. The impending air-sea rescue exercise, initially slated to take place later this month, is part of a series of events aimed at showcasing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists, announced Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday. The mock disaster scenario…

  • Thailand tourism council to allocate visitor fees

    The Tourism Council of Thailand plans to allocate a tourism fund, garnered from fees collected from foreign visitors, predominantly for the improvement of the tourism sector by state agencies. The fund, according to Surawat Akaraworamat, the Vice-President of the Tourism Council, is being prepared for implementation as soon as the government greenlights the project. Three subcommittees have been working relentlessly…

  • Thailand sees 5% tourism expenditure rise despite high living costs

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a 5% surge in tourism expenditure during this year’s Loy Krathong festival, amounting to a total of 6.1 billion baht. The anticipated increase comes despite the country’s locals exercising caution due to escalating living costs. TAT forecasts that the festival will witness around 2.04 million domestic journeys, a 10% rise from the previous…

  • Tourists travelling less but spending more in luxury Thai tourism

    The luxury travel sector is witnessing a peculiar trend: tourists are travelling less but spending more, according to the observations from Pimalai Resort and Spa, a hospitality establishment located on Koh Lanta. The resort has also noted that Krabi tourism is grappling with the dearth of international flights, especially from China. The resort’s owner, Charintip Tiyaphorn, revealed that despite the…

  • Amorous retreat rumble: Resort guest’s unwanted vibrato experience sparks amusement (video)

    A resort guest documented her discomfort during her stay as her accommodation vibrated due to the amorous activities of a couple in the neighbouring room. The vibrations continued from 8pm to 2am and resumed in the morning, leaving her and her friend unable to sleep. The guest, known as @bella_cutecute, shared her experience on TikTok and urged all resorts to…

  • EVA Air announces major fleet upgrade with Airbus A350s and A321neos

    EVA Air, a leading global airline, is excited to announce a significant upgrade to its fleet with the acquisition of new, next-generation Airbus aircraft. This strategic move is set to enhance the airline’s operational efficiency and passenger experience. EVA Air has outlined plans to purchase 18 Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2030. Additionally, the airline…

  • Amazing Seafood Festival 2023: Si Racha gears up for shell-ebration

    The coastal town of Si Racha is ready to host the highly anticipated Amazing Seafood Festival 2023, taking place from November 25 to 27. This gastronomical extravaganza is expected to be a major draw for food enthusiasts, with a smorgasbord of sea-derived delicacies being prepared for the attendees to savour. From the freshest of sashimi to succulent squid, shrimp, richly…

  • Northern Thailand: Tourists flock to Doi Mae U-Kor for stunning blooming Mexican sunflowers

    The Doi Mae U-Kor mountain is currently attracting a throng of tourists eager to admire the sprawling fields of blooming Mexican sunflowers. These golden blooms, stretching across 500 acres of hillside, have become a significant draw for visitors, both Thai and international. It is expected that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will receive no less than 100,000 visitors this…

  • Doi Inthanon’s chilly spell boosts tourism in Chiang Mai

    Tourist activity is bustling in Chiang Mai as visitors flock to experience the chilly weather of Doi Inthanon, witness the sunrise, and admire the beautiful sea of mist. Doi Inthanon National Park, located in Jomthong, Chiang Mai, reported the cool morning atmosphere at 7am, with temperatures plunging to a low of 9 degrees Celsius at the peak of the mountain. Temperatures…

  • Thailand PM denies rumours of inviting Chinese police for tourist patrols

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours about inviting Chinese police to patrol the nation’s tourist hotspots. The clarification comes in light of a recent uproar following remarks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding such an arrangement. PM Srettha, during a visit to San Francisco, revealed that the country’s interest lies solely in collaborating with Chinese police for…

  • Thai tourism minister rejects proposal for Chinese police to protect tourists

    Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol stressed there will be no policy allowing Chinese police to participate in the protection of Chinese tourists in Thailand. She firmly believes in the potential of Thai police to instil confidence and does not anticipate any negative impact on the number of Chinese tourists. At 9.20am this morning, at the Government House, Sudawan, the Minister of…

  • European tourists decline by 50% in Koh Kut amid global tensions

    A drastic 50% drop in the number of European tourists visiting the Koh Kut district in Trat has been witnessed this year, as reported by the chairman of the Koh Kut administrative organisation. The chairman, who also operates a resort on the island, revealed that around 160,000 to 170,000 tourists visited the district last year, contributing to a revenue of…

  • Shade crusaders: Phuket’s Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback

    The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume…

  • Family tourism rises in Pattaya despite extended nightlife hours

    In Pattaya, Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, who operates as the Executive Director of Sunshine Hotels & Resorts, made a public announcement on November 10 about the rise in family tourism trends, despite the extended service hours till 4am in four pilot provinces. Thanet recounted how, in the past, over 90% of overseas visitors were drawn to Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife. They would congregate…

  • French President Macron supports establishment of Wat Pho Paris

    French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly thrown his support behind the establishment of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram, colloquially known as Wat Pho Paris, in the French capital. This announcement was made during a reception at the Elysee Palace for Somdet Phra Maha Theerajarn, the abbot of the original Wat Pho in Thailand, who is currently in France for the…