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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Holiday horror: Speedboat explosion off Phuket injures tourists
Holidaymakers were left terrified and injured when a speedboat burst into flames and exploded near Koh Mai Thon off the coast of Phuket this morning, April 1, turning a tropical escape into a scene of chaos and panic. The explosion injured six people, including three foreign tourists, a tour guide, and two crew members, one of them the boat’s captain.…
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Thai me down: Bangkok opens new visa expat and investor hub
Thailand is making moves to woo foreign investors and expats, rolling out a brand-new one-stop shop for investment and visa services in the heart of Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cut the ribbon on Monday at the grand opening of the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Centre (TIESC), housed in the sleek One Bangkok building in Pathum Wan. Located on…
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Phuket eyes jackpot as entertainment complex bill hits Parliament
Thailand’s long-debated entertainment complex bill is finally on the table, with Parliament expected to deliberate the high-stakes proposal by April 9, according to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. The bill, greenlit by the Cabinet on March 27, is awaiting a confirmed submission date. If not ready for April 3, it will almost certainly be up for debate on April 9.…
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Quake rumbles Thailand but Phuket stands firm
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat reassured residents and tourists that the island remains untouched by the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar and sent tremors through Bangkok. The quake, which struck Mandalay on Friday, March 28, was felt across northern Thailand, but Governor Sophon confirmed that Phuket, nearly 2,000 kilometres away, has seen no impact on its infrastructure or tourism industry.…
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Thailand’s ditching arrival cards—but the digital fix is a mess (video)
Thailand is finally ditching its notorious TM6 paper arrival form—but don’t celebrate just yet. From May 1, every foreigner entering the country must now navigate the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system. And as usual, it’s already a hot mess. The government has launched an operational website for the TDAC, which is set to replace the old-school blue-and-white forms used…
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ATTA boss calls for boost to Chinese tourism market
The newly appointed president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is urging the government to ramp up support for marketing initiatives and development to revive the lagging Chinese tourism market. Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, elected for a two-year term, welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of the draft entertainment complex bill but emphasised the need for strict casino regulations and meaningful employment…
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Bangkok’s new archways to boost Charoen Krung’s cultural growth
The Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Associations of Thailand (FBPW), under the Royal Patronage, officially handed over the 72nd Birthday Anniversary Archways to Bangkok, anticipating their contribution to the sustainable economic, cultural, social, and tourism growth in the Charoen Krung area. This grand project was initiated to commemorate the auspicious occasion of the 72nd birthday anniversary of His Majesty…
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PM Paetongtarn heads to Phuket to boost sustainable tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is bringing her soft power message to the golden sands of Phuket in a bold bid to reshape the future of Thai tourism. The 38 year old Thai premier is set to jet off to the southern island tomorrow, March 28, as part of her push to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable travel.…
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Thai tourism fears Chinese decline over casino legalisation
Tourism operators have expressed concerns that the Chinese tourism market may experience a significant decline if Thailand proceeds to legalise casinos and online gambling. This issue was highlighted during a censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The opposition People’s Party argued that the legalisation of casinos was not part of the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign promises. They suggested that…
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Thai freelancer bottles Indian tourist after payment row
An Indian tourist fell victim to a brutal beer bottle assault in Pattaya by a freelance Thai woman after he allegedly refused to pay for her services. Consequently, the freelancer reportedly hit the Indian man in the head with a beer bottle and robbed him of 10,000 baht, according to the victim. The incident unfolded in the early hours this…
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Koh Samui real estate booms thanks to ‘The White Lotus’
Koh Samui, the popular resort island in Surat Thani province, is set to see a surge in demand for luxury condominiums and villas this year, according to investment management firm Colliers Thailand. The latest season of the hit American TV series The White Lotus was filmed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, with additional scenes shot at Anantara…
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Park life: Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organised groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol. The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public…
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No vacation panic: Phuket hoteliers stay cool on visa cut fears
Phuket hoteliers are not overly concerned by the government’s potential move to shorten visa-free stays for tourists, despite concerns that it might impact the local tourism industry. According to Suksit Suvunditkul, Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter chief, the average length of stay for European guests is only around two weeks, while those seeking longer stays typically opt for condominiums. “If…
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Thai-speed ahead: PM revs up talks for F1 grand prix in Thailand
Could Thailand be the next country to host a glamorous Formula One (F1) Grand Prix? Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has opened the door to this exciting possibility, holding high-level talks with Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, about bringing the iconic motorsport event to the kingdom. Yesterday, March 18, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab confirmed that the…
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Thailand halves visa-free stay to curb illegal business activities
Thailand plans to shorten the visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days to mitigate the misuse of the visa exemption programme by illegal businesses. This decision follows a principle agreement among relevant government officials, as reported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong indicated that the Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the issue, which has…
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Dope busted: British nationals caught in Kho Samui cannabis caper
Four British nationals were collared in Thailand for their alleged role in a colossal cannabis smuggling scheme. The suspects were apprehended at Koh Samui Airport with a staggering 131 kilogrammes of marijuana as they prepared to jet back to the United Kingdom. The bust, yesterday, March 16, was a coordinated effort by the Surat Thani Immigration Investigation Unit, Koh Samui…
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Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
Following the easing of Covid-19, global tourism has experienced a resurgence, bolstered by the Thai government’s visa-free policy. This has led to a continuous increase in tourists visiting Thailand. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that between January and March, the number of tourists reached 7,021,344, marking a 5.91% increase compared to the same period last…
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Songkran to boost Thailand’s tourism by 26.5 billion baht
The Songkran festival is anticipated to generate 26.5 billion baht, attracting 476,000 international tourists and facilitating 4.4 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that revenue from international markets between April 12 and 16 is projected to rise by 7% year-on-year, reaching 7.3 billion baht. Meanwhile, domestic revenue is expected…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s push for sustainable tourism
Thailand is going green in a big way, with Phuket at the forefront of a bold push to revolutionise sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, a key initiative to raise hotel sustainability standards to global levels. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who chaired the event on Thursday, March 13,…
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Thailand’s tourism target at risk amid competition, safety fears
Thailand’s ambitious goal of attracting 39 million foreign visitors this year is under threat, with industry experts warning that stiff competition and safety concerns could derail the plan. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (TTAA), the country is likely to welcome a maximum of 37 million foreign arrivals in 2025, still an improvement from last year’s 35.54 million.…
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From pink to takeoff: Pattaya’s bus link to Bangkok takes off
Responding to news of a new shuttle bus service linking Don Mueang International Airport to Pattaya, the Transport Company Ltd., unveiled a new bus service connecting the bustling seaside city to the Bangkok airport. The Transport Company Ltd., announced to travellers and tourists alike to look for the iconic pink buses on Sukhumvit Road, directly across from the Father Ray…
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Taxi scam: Grab driver overcharges Phuket tourist
A frustrated tourist in Phuket has once again fallen victim to an overcharging taxi driver: this time through the Grab app. Despite booking a ride at a fixed price of 264 baht, he was hit with an unexpected 100-baht surcharge midway through the trip, leaving him fuming and questioning Grab’s ability to protect customers from exploitation. The incident occurred yesterday,…
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Thai AirAsia offers 30% Songkran discount on direct bookings
Thai AirAsia is offering a 30% discount during the Songkran festival for direct bookings made from March 11 to 20. The airline is supporting the Ministry of Transport’s policy by adding special flights during this peak travel period across five routes from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. The discount applies…
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Nurse on track: Off-duty hero saves passenger on Bangkok BTS (video)
A nurse garnered praise for assisting a passenger who fainted on the BTS train in Bangkok, even though she was on her way to work. Yesterday, March 11, TikTok user @sittiaew shared a video capturing the commendable act, highlighting the nurse’s dedication to her profession. The video depicts the nurse and a BTS security officer helping a passenger who had…
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Thailand revs up: MotoGP talks on track, F1 dream in the fast lane
Thailand is set to enter negotiations with Dorna Sports in the coming months to extend its MotoGP contract for another five years, while also exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula One (F1) race. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the government’s commitment to securing the deal, emphasising Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s support for continuing MotoGP in Thailand. Speaking…
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Swiss tourist in a high-profile jam! Phuket drug bust goes viral
A Swiss tourist found himself in hot water after an alleged roadside drug scandal in Kamala, Phuket, spread across social media like wildfire. Locals were left stunned as the Swiss man, Sascha, was reportedly spotted brazenly indulging in drug taking in a motorbike parking area along the bustling Kamala-Patong road last Thursday, March 6. Eyewitnesses couldn’t believe their eyes as…
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China crisis or Golden Week wonder? Tourism hopes take flight in May
In the midst of a 12% year-on-year plunge in Chinese tourist numbers during the first two months of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding its breath for a revival come May, perfectly timed with China’s Labour Day holiday. TAT Deputy Governor Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, handling international marketing across Asia and the South Pacific, highlighted that safety…
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Full steam ahead! High-speed rail set for Thailand airports
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board is gearing up to put pedal to the metal with the ambitious high-speed rail link that will seamlessly connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. All eyes are on the Cabinet for a green light come May. SRT Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdang revealed that dedicated subcommittees have already given the revamped contract their…
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Phuket generates most revenue for Thailand, but locals question budget use
Phuket ranks at the top among the 77 provinces that generated the most revenue for Thailand’s tourism industry in 2024 but locals are questioning where the money went. The spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Sasikarn Wattanachan, revealed the Thai tourism revenue generated by each province during a press conference, today, March 10. She shared the rankings of the top 10…
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New Don Mueang Airport shuttle links to Thailand hotspots
A brand-new feeder shuttle bus service, linking Don Mueang International Airport to the dazzling shores of Pattaya, is going to make it a whole lot easier for tourists to experience some of Thailand’ most iconic destinations. Launched on Saturday, March 8, under the watchful eye of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, the service is set to transform transport connectivity, seamlessly…
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