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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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Frozen in time: British expats losing out on pensions in Thailand
Three British expats reveal their nightmare experiences of having their UK pension frozen, thanks to a government policy that leaves them with unadjusted savings, sparking widespread outrage. David McConkey believed he was heading for paradise when he retired to Bangkok in May this year. After 40 gruelling years as an electronics buyer, the 72 year old Scot was ready to…
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Thailand bad weather: Chinese tourist influx expected to fall short
The anticipated influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand during the Chinese National Day holiday is expected to fall short due to adverse weather conditions and evolving travel behaviours, as shared by Sanphet Supabornsatien, an advisor to the Eastern Thai Hotels Association (THA). Thai hotel operators had been hopeful for a significant number of Chinese visitors from October 1 to 7.…
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Maya Bay reopens after two-month environmental rehabilitation
Maya Bay, the iconic destination in Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands, will welcome visitors once more after a two-month closure for environmental rehabilitation. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), led by its Director-General Attapon Charoenchansa, confirmed the reopening of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Lor Kor Bay, marking the end of their temporary closure from August…
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Phuket feasts: Peranakan flavours go global at culinary festival
Phuket hosted the Phuket Peranakan Menu to the World festival yesterday, featuring more than 50 booths serving traditional Peranakan dishes. This event, part of the World of Peranakan Food Art Exhibition & Festival 2024, aims to bolster local tourism and achieve recognition in the Guinness World Records. An official report highlighted the festival’s role in boosting the local economy by…
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Thailand’s local businesses get a global boost: It’s time to trade up
Strengthening Thailand’s local businesses to compete on the global stage could be a game-changing strategy for revitalising the national economy, according to Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput. Sethaput is advocating for the implementation of “globally competitive localism,” a concept that leverages the strengths of local entrepreneurs, such as cultural assets, to create value-added products and services. This, he believes,…
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Phuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge
Phuket grapples with a mounting waste crisis as tourism surges post-pandemic. The island’s waste disposal plant now receives 1,100 tonnes of garbage daily, a significant rise from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes last year, according to deputy governor Norasak Suksomboon. Norasak highlighted these challenges at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, where 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers…
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Thai tax riddle: Elite Visa holders off the hook?
Whispers on Facebook’s Elite/Privilege Group suggest that holders of the controversial five to 20 years visa could dodge the Thai Revenue Department’s (TRD) new tax ruling. Starting January 1 this year, assessable income sent from abroad by Thais or foreigners residing in Thailand for at least 180 days will be subject to personal income tax. A group member claimed, after…
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Flooding devastates Chiang Mai tourism, occupancy drops to 50%
Flooding in northern Thailand has severely impacted tourism in Chiang Mai, with many visitors cancelling their plans, according to the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai. The Ping River recently reached its highest levels since 2011, causing significant flooding in Mueang Chiang Mai, including its key business and tourism districts. Outer districts, such as Mae Rim, known for its natural parks…
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Thailand’s top hotels get the Michelin treatment
The Michelin Guide has just upped the ante in Thailand’s luxury hotel game, unveiling the first-ever “Key” ratings for 58 of the country’s most outstanding hotels. If you thought Michelin was all about fine dining, think again. Now, the world-renowned guide is here to tell you where to stay too. After four years of revamping its hotel selection process, Michelin…
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Golden weak: Chinese tourists to Thailand dip as baht bites
Chinese tourist numbers during the upcoming Golden Week holiday are anticipated to be lower than expected, influenced by a strong baht and China’s sluggish economy, which are limiting tourist spending. This trend is also prompting other international visitors to negotiate lower service prices. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation President, highlighted concerns about the appreciating baht’s adverse…
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US embassy in Thailand launches new visa support system
A new online support system for US visa services will be launched by the US Embassy and Consulate General in Thailand this Saturday, September 28. As the transition takes place, several services, including the online appointment system and call centre, will be unavailable today and tomorrow, September 27. Additionally, fee payment services are temporarily suspended from September 25 to 27.…
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Pattaya: Bali Hai Pier walkway roof finally taking shape
Pattaya’s ambitious project to build a 310-metre roof over the Bali Hai Pier walkway is finally approaching completion but not without drama. Initially set to finish in March, the 8.8-million-baht project hit a series of delays, leading to hefty fines for the contractor. The roof, designed to protect residents and tourists from the relentless sun and sudden downpours, has been…
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93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry
Soon, Singaporeans and travellers from 92 other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before their trip to the Land of Smiles. Reports suggest a pilot programme might kick off in December, with full implementation expected by June 2025. However, The Straits Times has learned that the exact launch date is still up in the…
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Bangkok bonanza: Chinese tourists ‘Agoda’ crazy for Golden Week
A popular travel booking platform, Agoda, reported that Bangkok is one of the top five destinations among Chinese tourists for the upcoming Golden Week from October 1 to 7. Agoda revealed the number of searches for overseas accommodations by Chinese nationals on September 23. The report showed that the number of searches increased by 137% compared to the same period…
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Domestic tourism makes tracks but misses 1 trillion baht mark
Domestic tourism is on track to achieve 200 million trips this year, though revenue is anticipated to fall short of the 1 trillion baht (US$30 billion) target, reaching only 965 billion baht (US$29.3 billion). The private sector is urging for the promotion of second-tier cities through a loyalty programme to bolster local tourism. From January to July, domestic tourism receipts…
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Condor resumes direct flights from Frankfurt to Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Condor flight DE2368 from Frankfurt, Germany, to Phuket International Airport yesterday, September 22, marking the resumption of direct flights by Condor after a pandemic-induced hiatus. This significant event is expected to contribute to the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector, with TAT predicting over 979,000 German tourists to visit Thailand this year, generating an…
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Pattaya vows to fast-track construction in Chon Buri: Public outcry
Fed-up locals and tourists have finally had enough. Complaints have been pouring in over the ongoing roadworks near Wat Mai Samraan and Tawaen Beach Pier, prompting city officials to spring into action. With mounting frustration, city bosses have now cracked the whip on the sluggish construction project, demanding faster progress. Officials have ordered contractors to ramp up their workforce and…
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Bangkok travel fair promises to unlock your ‘travel DNA’
Bangkok is buzzing this weekend with the DNA Travel Fair & Festival, where the hottest new trends in Thai tourism are on full display. Running until tomorrow, September 22, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, this event promises an unforgettable experience for travellers seeking fresh, innovative holiday ideas. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool revealed that the…
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New rules at Bali Hai Pier promise smoother sailing for tourists
Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Pier has finally received a much-needed makeover after years of chaotic operations and tourist headaches. In a bid to overhaul the pier’s reputation, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced yesterday, September 19, a bold set of regulations to put an end to the disorder. Serving more than 10,000 visitors daily, the pier has long been plagued by fierce…
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AirAsia MOVE unveils exclusive discounts for Visa cardholders
AirAsia MOVE has identified three major travel trends gaining popularity: sustainable tourism, experiential travel, and domestic tourism. These travel styles align with the preferences of modern travellers who seek value-for-money deals, such as flight and hotel packages with special discounts, credit card perks, and eco-friendly destinations. AirAsia MOVE promptly offers exclusive discounts with no minimum spend for Visa cardholders, encouraging…
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Thai hotels back new co-payment scheme amid fraud cases
Hotel operators in Thailand have embraced a proposal to revive the co-payment scheme for hotel expenses, viewing it as a potential boost for domestic spending. However, concerns have been raised regarding 1,400 unresolved fraud cases from the scheme’s previous phases. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong discussed the matter with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who agreed in principle to reintroduce…
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Krabi closes marine attractions until Sunday due to rough seas
Krabi’s Marine National Park has temporarily closed its marine tourist attractions for four days, from September 19 to 22, due to strong winds and rough seas. The National Park raised red flags across various tourist spots in the area. Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi announced that red flags have been placed at all marine tourist…
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Thailand unveils destination visa to attract remote workers
The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to promote its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract foreign nationals who wish to work while travelling in the country, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Maris announced that the ministry is playing a significant role in promoting the DTV, which is anticipated to generate revenue for Thailand. He emphasised that…
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TAGTHAi and Google Cloud to transform tourism in Thailand
TAGTHAi, Thailand’s official travel app, has partnered with Google Cloud to create a ground-breaking solution that simplifies travel for tourists. Their AI-driven feature, Design My Trip, promises to revolutionise how visitors experience Thailand. Thiratida Kuvantharai, CEO of TAGTHAi, revealed the cutting-edge technologies used to offer curated travel experiences tailored to each individual. “This aligns perfectly with the Tourism Authority of…
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Pathum Thani to host food festival to boost tourism
Pathum Thani will host the Amazing Pathum Thani Food Festival, highlighting the region’s culinary creativity to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy. The event will take place from September 25 to 29, featuring unique food and cultural activities. The press conference for the festival was held yesterday, September 18, at Tinidee Hotel Bangkok Golf Club in Pathum Thani. Pathum…
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Royal Thai Navy rescues 143 tourists stranded on island off Phuket
Sailors from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Third Area Command successfully rescued 143 tourists stranded on Racha Yai Island due to severe weather conditions and returned them safely to Phuket. Heavy rain and strong winds had created waves up to 4 metres high, making it impossible for tourist boats to reach the island, according to the Third Area Command based…
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Pattaya Beach set to rock: Chon Buri music fest waves in the tunes
Pattaya Beach is about to be transformed into a musical paradise as the Chon Buri International Music Festival kicks off this weekend and continues the next. From 5pm to 11pm, Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22, music lovers can revel in a beachfront bonanza of sound and spectacle. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Expect a star-studded lineup…
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Capella Bangkok named World’s Best Hotel 2024
Capella Bangkok has taken the hospitality world by storm, claiming the coveted top spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list. Leaping from No.11 in 2023 to No.1 this year, the hotel not only tops the global rankings but also secures the title of Best Hotel in Asia. Since its 2020 opening, the riverside retreat has charmed guests with…
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Thailand launches halal app to boost Muslim tourism
Muslim tourists in Thailand can now explore the country without a hitch, thanks to the newly launched Halal Route app. Developed by the Halal Science Centre at Chulalongkorn University, this game-changing app offers a comprehensive guide to halal-friendly restaurants, hotels, mosques, and even prayer locations. As Islamic tourism booms globally, with a predicted 168 million Muslim tourists this year, Thailand…
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Phuket tourists engage in steamy street show on tuk tuk
In a jaw-dropping scene that left locals stunned, two foreign couples were caught engaging in intimate acts aboard a tuk tuk near Phuket’s Patong Beach during a traffic jam caused by heavy rain. Despite the crowd of onlookers, the couples carried on brazenly, seemingly unfazed by the attention. The scandalous incident took place yesterday morning, September 17, when a 40-second…
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