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 12Go introduces Japan Rail Passes to enhance travel accessibility for international travellers
For those who have travelled throughout Thailand, 12Go is a well-known provider of various trips, though the platform itself has a much wider reach. Ranging from buses to planes, 12Go is undoubtedly a leading booking platform for travel throughout the...
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Thailand’s growing spa industry (video)
President of the Thai Spa Association, Sunai Wachirawarakarn, or Nai, talks about the secrets behind Thailand‘s spa industry meteoric rise and unveils the trends reshaping the wellness landscape. The Thai Spa Association, a non-profit powerhouse dedicated to propelling Thailand’s spa industry, boasts 200 privileged members relishing perks like exclusive newsletters, seminars, and high-profile networking events. Across the Middle East, spa…
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Honesty prevails: Seafood restaurant staff’s noble act returns lost fortune to tourists
In a heartwarming twist of fate, a group of tourists, seemingly from the Middle East, narrowly escaped a financial catastrophe after leaving behind a bag loaded with 9,275 Dirhams and 105 US Dollars, totalling around 100,000 baht at the renowned Moom Aroi seafood restaurant in the Na Kluea area. On the evening of December 13, two women and two men…
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Thai tourism revolution: Duty-free ditch and booze bonanza
In a bold move set to redefine Thailand‘s tourism landscape, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to propose changes that could reshape the way tourists spend their cash. The Finance Ministry is set to pitch a revolutionary plan to Cabinet today, December 19, aiming to suspend duty-free shops in the arrivals section of all airports. Lavaron Sangsnit, the ministry’s permanent…
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Visitors to explore the depths of heroism in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave
A handful of thrill-seeking visitors now have the golden ticket to explore the hidden depths of chambers 2 and 3 in Tham Luang Cave, nestled within Chiang Rai province. Renowned for the sensational 2018 Wild Boar football team rescue, this daring escapade promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of heroism. Registration kicked off on December 15, granting access to…
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Indian tourist influx in Thailand surpasses expectations due to visa exemptions
A significant influx of Indian tourists has been recorded in Thailand, reaching an impressive 1.5 million so far this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This figure surpasses the authority’s initial target, thanks to a newly introduced visa exemption scheme for Indian travellers. TAT’s Executive Director of ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Region, Patsee Permvongsenee, disclosed…
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Uzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor
Fakhriddin Sultanov, the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, yesterday, December 14. The visit marked a momentous occasion for Sultanov as it was his 36th trip to the popular Thai island. The delegation was warmly greeted, and the meeting was aimed at discussing potential cooperation between Phuket and…
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Thai tourism boom: 9,000 Chinese flock to Bangkok for game-changing conference
Thailand played host to a jaw-dropping 9,000 Chinese entrepreneurs, propelling the country into the limelight as the ultimate business and leisure destination. Amid the glitz and glamour of Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a conference on agricultural products and technology. Chinese agricultural and technology experts, as well as economic professionals, attended the…
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Thailand’s tourism recovery under threat from safety concerns and sluggish Chinese economy
The future of Thailand tour packages hangs in the balance as safety concerns plague the minds of tourism operators in China. They forecast that tourism levels might only return to pre-pandemic figures by 2025. Tourism bookings take an immediate hit whenever safety incidents occur in Thailand, and Chinese social media plays a significant role in the rapid dissemination of such…
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Bangkok’s Red Cross Fair at Lumpini: Where the fun never ‘cross’-es the deadline
The renowned Red Cross Fair, held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, is still going strong after it kicked off on December 8. Don’t miss out on the fun and frolics before the fair ends on December 18. A golden location within the event sees vendors bidding for the best spots. With a theme of Joyful Happiness at the Place of Giving,…
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Green dreams soar as TAT’s ESG extravaganza takes flight with Air Canada’s Bangkok bonanza
In a display of environmental commitment, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolled out the green carpet for 48 jet-setting delegates at the Air Canada Asia Pacific Sales Summit. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, nestled on the majestic Bangkok riverside, hosted this groundbreaking ESG activity in Thailand, marking the triumphant return of Air Canada’s Bangkok-Vancouver service on December…
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Why Chinese tourists snub Thailand: New favourites revealed
After 26 years of catering to Chinese tourists, a tour guide finds himself amid a revolution as travellers from Taiwan, India, and beyond take centre stage. Thailand, hopeful for a Chinese tourism resurgence post-pandemic, faces an unexpected plot twist as a surge of Taiwanese visitors, in particular, reshapes the narrative. Saichon Chounchou now handles a 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists.…
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Thai PM unleashes bold tourism overhaul: Second-tier provinces take centre stage
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shook the foundations of Thailand‘s tourism strategy, revealing a radical shift during a high-stakes meeting at Government House. The Thai premier, flanked by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool, unveiled his masterplan to propel the nation into a perpetual high-season destination, leaving traditional hotspots like Chiang Mai…
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Thai-Saudi economic extravaganza: Mega Fair 2023 takes Riyadh by storm
The Thailand Mega Fair 2023 descended upon the Arena Riyadh, heralding a four-day fiesta of premium Thai products and services that has the Saudi Arabian capital buzzing with excitement until Saturday, December 16. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, doubling as deputy prime minister, kicked off the festivities with an inauguration that not only marked the start of the grand event but…
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Nightly temples extravaganza: Bangkok’s spiritual spectacle lights up the sky
In a dazzling celebration of tradition and spirituality, Bangkokians are set to bask in the mesmerising glow of the city’s temples after dark. The much-anticipated Illuminated 10 Temples and National Museum event promises a spiritual journey like no other, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to bid adieu to the old year and embrace the dawn of the new…
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Thailand’s tourism authority plans strategy revamp to boost visitor spending
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting its sights on revamping its strategies to rejuvenate tourist spending, which has experienced a notable decline since the onset of the pandemic. Foreign tourists’ expenditure has dipped from an average of 50,000 baht to 42,000 baht. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday urged TAT executives and domestic offices to reignite tourism expenditure. He…
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2.4 million lights transform Bangkok cityscape into magical wonderland
In a luminous extravaganza set to rival the stars, over 2.4 million enchanting lights are casting their glow upon Bangkok‘s cherished Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Rattanakosin Island. This breathtaking spectacle, unveiled by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, promises to be a visual feast for locals and tourists alike. The dazzling campaign, inaugurated yesterday, December 12, at the Ministry’s headquarters on Atsadang Road,…
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Vietnamese jetsetters flock to Thailand and Taiwan as domestic airfares soar
In a year-end revelation, Google’s search engine trends have unveiled a surprising travel trajectory for the Vietnamese populace, with overseas destinations topping the charts amid escalating domestic airfares. The search giant’s findings disclosed a fervent interest in international getaways, presenting a shift in travel preferences for 2023. Taiwan, with its captivating allure, emerged as the undisputed leader, dominating the list…
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Malaysia and Singapore lure Chinese travellers with visa-free policies
The Chinese traveller market could see a significant rise to 7 million arrivals next year as Malaysia and Singapore become increasingly attractive due to reciprocal visa-free policies. Thailand, however, has yet to secure such an agreement with China. Following the introduction of a visa exemption for Malaysians, Beijing is speculated to extend a 30-day visa exemption to Singapore in the…
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Thailand extends visa-free entry for Japanese business visitors
Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to extend the 30-day visa-free entry privilege for Japanese visitors. The update, effective from January 1 next year, now includes Japanese business travellers. The Cabinet, convening today, December 12, waved the magic wand on a proposal brought forth by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang spilt the beans, sharing that…
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Highs and lows in Pattaya as marijuana shop puts its foot on the illegal laughing gas peddle
In Pattaya, a shop selling legal marijuana products was discovered to be selling laughing gas to tourists too. A discreet investigation revealed that the shop, operating under the guise of a legal enterprise, was surreptitiously selling nitrous oxide balloons to an unsuspecting clientele, comprising both Thai locals and curious foreign tourists. The audacity of the operation was epitomised by a…
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Tourists evicted from makeshift camp on Patong Beach, Phuket
An unexpected event unfolded on the sandy shores of Patong Beach when a group of international tourists found themselves in a bit of a pickle with the local authorities. Having set up a makeshift camp, complete with a tent on the beach, they were informed by the Phuket Tourist Police that such arrangements were simply not allowed. The incident came…
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Thai outbound tourism recovery slower than expected due to high costs
This year has been bleak for both inbound and outbound tourism in Thailand, with a weaker recovery than anticipated. Only 60-70% of Thais who travelled abroad in 2019 are expected to do so present year. High living costs, household debt, and a slump in the stock market have made most Thais prefer saving over spending on outbound trips, which usually…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport unveils speed passport checks: No more immigration queues
In a move set to transform the travel game, Suvarnabhumi International Airport unveiled an upgrade to its passport control system. In an exclusive revelation, Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, the visionary commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, disclosed that a groundbreaking shift is underway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Effective from December 15, the airport will extend its automatic passport channels to include…
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China’s outbound tourism surges due to strategic visa policies and AI use
The increase in China‘s outbound tourism can be linked to the strategic visa policies and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel assistants, as stated by Trip.com Group, China’s leading online travel platform. The group’s vice president and managing director of international markets, Boon Sian Chai, highlighted the significance of visa waivers introduced in September in the revival of…
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Thailand’s nightlife gets green light: Entertainment venues now open until 6am
The Interior Ministry today gave the green light for entertainment venues across Thailand to remain open until 6am in a move to bolster tourism and add extra sparkle to new year celebrations. Interior Ministry Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said the temporary extension of the closing time at entertainment venues across Thailand was aimed at promoting tourism and new year celebrations. Traisuree…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport opens automated channels to foreign travellers
The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced that Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s automated channels are now accessible to foreigners to alleviate congestion for outbound travel. This decision, effective from December 15, aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive, enforced by Srettha Thavasin, to enhance the outbound immigration system. The move is aimed at reducing the density of passengers who need to rush to catch…
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Surat Thani’s hidden gems captivate American tourists
Tourism operators within the southern province of Surat Thani are pivoting their attention to the US market, showcasing the distinctive local attractions. Atirat Danpattaraworawat, who heads the Cheow Lan Lake Tourism Promotion Association, disclosed on Sunday that their recent networking expedition to the United States, spearheaded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), garnered considerable interest from the US market.…
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China positions Guangxi as Southeast Asia’s primary gateway
Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, bordering Vietnam, is being positioned by China as the primary gateway for businesses and tourists from the ASEAN region. Its southern China location and connectivity to Vietnam through land, sea, and air routes make it a strategic point for Southeast Asia. The region is equipped with three international airports and three deep-sea ports which collectively host…
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Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown
Chao Phraya cruise operators are keeping prices level due to sluggish tourism and high competition. While tourism is taking its time to recover, business-oriented charters are sailing towards a stronger comeback. Poowadee Kunpalin, Vice-President of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, talks about the resurgence. “Business travellers, especially from South Korea and European countries, are leading the charge. These high…
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China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less
China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…
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