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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is enhancing its biometric identification systems to expedite service times at airports. Yesterday, January 8, AoT Director Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed that this system has been implemented at six major international airports managed by AoT, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai. However, the system currently does not…
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British tourists’ speedboat crashes into Thai mangrove forest (video)
A holiday speedboat carrying British tourists on an idyllic island-hopping adventure turned into a nightmare when the vessel smashed into trees in southern Thailand, prompting screams from panicked passengers. The incident occurred on Friday, January 3 during a journey between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta. Shocking footage shows terrified passengers clinging to their seats as the speedboat hurtled off course,…
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Blackpink’s Lisa brings the Thai par-TEA to the US
Pop sensation Lalisa Manoban, better known as Lisa from Blackpink has done it again, proving she’s the ultimate soft power queen by taking Thai tea globally. From promoting Thailand’s iconic meatballs to elevating fried egg rice, Lisa is now bringing the nation’s beloved iced tea to the world stage in a way no one saw coming. Lisa unveiled her latest…
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Thai airports get safety and check-in boost as travellers rise by 14%
The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to enhance measures in support of travellers following more than 14% rise in passenger numbers over the new year period. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, January 7, that from December 27 to January 2, the DoA recorded 319,275 passengers, reflecting a 14.12% increase compared to the previous year. The…
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CNY spending boom: Thailand poised for festive cash splash
Thailand’s economy is set to light up like a firecracker this Chinese New Year, with spending forecast to rise by over 3%, according to the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Buoyed by a recovering economy, government cash injections, and a surge of Chinese tourists, the festival promises to spark a celebratory…
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Thailand steals the spotlight at China’s Harbin Ice Festival (video)
Thailand has taken the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival by storm, dazzling visitors with a spectacular cultural display and an enchanting photo exhibition. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has pulled out all the stops at this year’s Nihao! China: China Ice and Snow Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2025, making waves with its Thai Charm showcase. The festival, which kicked off…
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Thai AirAsia crowned Thailand’s punctuality king – again
Thai AirAsia has soared above the competition once more, retaining its title as Thailand’s most on-time airline and securing fifth place in Cirium’s prestigious list of top 10 on-time airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. With a punctuality rate of 77.46%, it’s the only Thai carrier to earn a spot in the rankings. CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya hailed the achievement as a…
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Kayak accidents near Koh Chang highlight tourist safety concerns
Two separate kayak accidents occurred near Koh Chang yesterday rompting swift action from the Koh Chang Marine Safety Centre. The incidents unfolded near the picturesque islands of Koh Yuak and Koh Suwan, leaving tourists in perilous situations due to challenging sea conditions. At 12.30pm, yesterday, January 5, four Czech tourists faced a harrowing experience when their kayak capsized near Koh…
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Tourists get intimate on tuk tuk despite driver’s warnings (video)
A video involving tourists engaging in intimate behaviour on a tuk tuk has sparked widespread online criticism. Despite being cautioned by the driver to stop, the tourists continued, leading the driver to let the incident unfold. The incident was shared on social media yesterday, January 3, by a Facebook user named Somnuck Chanagune who posted a 34-second clip with the caption,…
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Phuket boosts marine safety with smart pier inspection
Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri spearheaded an inspection at Ao Por Pier in Pa Khlok yesterday, January 2, as part of efforts to enhance marine safety and instil confidence among tourists during the busy new year season. Joining him were officials from both government and private sectors, who evaluated the safety protocols and the ongoing transformation of the pier into…
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Travel deals galore: 30th International Travel Fair boosts tourism
The Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) is back with a bang, promising to be bigger and better than ever. From January 16 to 19, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok will transform into a bustling hub of global tourism as the 30th edition of this iconic event unfolds. Organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), TITF#30 is…
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Thailand tourism earns 1.66 trillion baht from 35 million visitors
Thailand welcomed over 35 million travellers in 2024, with visitors contributing more than 1.6 trillion baht (US$46.8 billion) to the economy, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that from January 1 to December 29, a total of 35.32 million people visited the country, spending 1.66 trillion baht (US$48.5 billion). Chinese tourists led the influx…
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Thailand’s top destinations gear up for new year surge
A jaw-dropping wave of tourists is set to descend on Thailand’s favourite hotspots this new year, with Phuket leading the charge and Chiang Mai hot on its heels. Here’s how the Land of Smiles is gearing up for the festive frenzy. Phuket is bracing for an influx of over 230,000 visitors between December 28 and January 1, projected to inject…
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Thailand brings out its elephants to add Christmas cheer
Thailand’s holiday celebrations are giving Lapland a run for its money with elephants donning Santa suits, flower-studded gardens, and dazzling star parades lighting up the nation. At Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Christmas cheer came with a floral twist as tens of thousands of blossoms transformed the space into a vibrant winter wonderland. Sacred figures like Ganesha and Guan…
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Thai restaurant sales to soar 15% over new year period
Central Restaurants Group (CRG) anticipates a significant increase in sales within the Thai restaurant industry during the new year festive season, driven by a boost in dining out and a rise in foreign tourist numbers. This optimism comes as Thailand records approximately 33.5 million foreign visitors from January to mid-December. Leading the arrivals are Chinese tourists, numbering 6.4 million, followed…
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Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn
A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs. Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources…
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Japan dethrones Thailand as top tourist spot
Japan’s rise as a favoured tourist destination over Thailand is attributed to a weaker currency and its preparedness to welcome independent travellers. In response, tourism operators in Thailand are urging the government to enhance attractions and improve service quality to achieve the target of 40 million visitors. For the first eleven months of this year, Japan received over 33.3 million…
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Phuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight
Phuket rolled out the red carpet for the first-ever direct charter flight from Bucharest, Romania, marking a new milestone in Thai tourism. Operated by Romania’s HiSky airline in collaboration with top tour operators Dertour and Karpaten, the inaugural flight, H4 7467, landed at Phuket International Airport on Thursday, December 19. Passengers were greeted with a warm ceremony hosted by the…
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Thailand rolls out the red carpet for Polish tourists
Thailand has turned on the charm for Polish holidaymakers, welcoming 294 tourists on a landmark charter flight from Warsaw to Krabi. LOT Polish Airlines‘ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down at Krabi International Airport yesterday, December 19, marking a high-flying milestone in Thai-Polish tourism. This inaugural seasonal service, organised by leading tour operator ITAKA, is set to run until March 19,…
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Indian passengers turn Thai AirAsia plane into party zone (video)
A flight to Thailand turned into a scene of mid-air mayhem, sparking outrage online after a viral video showcased the unruly behaviour of Indian passengers. Shared by Ankit Kumar, a content creator aboard the Thai AirAsia flight, the footage reveals groups of Indian men standing in the aisle, chatting loudly, snacking, and blatantly ignoring air hostesses’ repeated requests to return…
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Bangkok crowned Christmas travel top spot, beating Tokyo
Move over Tokyo, Bangkok is stealing the spotlight this festive season! Agoda’s latest insights reveal that Thailand’s bustling capital has clinched the title of the world’s top destination for international travellers this Christmas. With a 14% surge in accommodation searches compared to last year, Bangkok has overtaken Tokyo and is proving irresistible to holidaymakers. Bangkok also ranks as the second…
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Illegal foreign tour guides threaten Thailand’s tourism industry
The growing issue of illegal foreign tour guides in Thailand, exacerbated by extended visa-free stays and lax enforcement, is concerning industry experts. The Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand has raised alarms about foreigners illegally managing both tour companies and guide services in major tourist destinations. Recent social media reports highlighted an incident involving an unauthorised Russian guide leading a…
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Leopard sighting amazes tourists at Kaeng Krachan National Park
A rare sighting of a leopard calmly sitting on a road in Kaeng Krachan National Park left tourists in awe as the big cat appeared unbothered and at ease. The encounter, which occurred yesterday, December 19 at around 6.50am, was recounted by Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of the national park located in Phetchaburi province. Kritsiphong Ngamjing, a tourist, was fortunate enough…
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Thailand goes high-tech: New E-Visa set to transform travel
Thailand is taking a leap into the digital age with the launch of its revolutionary Thai E-Visa system, simplifying life for globe-trotters everywhere. From January 1, 2025, international travellers can kiss goodbye to cumbersome paperwork and apply for their visas online with ease. This slick new development promises to make the visa process faster, safer, and more convenient, ensuring the…
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Ministry and LINE MAN offer free delivery for Thai SELECT dining
The Ministry of Commerce has joined forces with food delivery app LINE MAN to launch a special promotion for Thai SELECT restaurants, offering free delivery from December 16 until January 31, 2025. The initiative, announced by Oramon Supthaweetham, Director General of the Department of Business Development, aims to boost awareness and encourage locals and tourists to explore Thai SELECT certified…
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Bangkok gets ready to get a taste of the Jurassic era
Bangkok’s iconic Asiatique night market is undergoing a jaw-dropping transformation. A massive 6,000-square-metre section of the bustling riverside hotspot will soon transport visitors back 145 million years to the Jurassic era, complete with roaring dinosaurs and thrilling attractions. Wallapa Traisorat, CEO of Asset World Corporation (AWC), revealed that The World’s Largest Immersive Experience of Its Kind will open by the second…
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Chinese tourists set to keep Thailand’s travel market cruising
The outlook for the Chinese inbound market to Thailand next year is expected to remain steady, with projected arrivals hovering between seven to eight million, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). This forecast arises amidst China’s persistent economic difficulties and the anticipated tariff hikes from the incoming Trump administration. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn expressed scepticism about Thailand…
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Living the Thai life: Kingdom rolls out red carpet for big spenders
Thailand is upping the ante in its tourism game, spotlighting the allure of luxury and high-spending travellers to power up the economy post-pandemic. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and world-class attractions, the nation is seeing a surge in plush hotels and branded properties to cater to this elite crowd. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights…
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Beach wars: Kata’s shores overrun by chair chaos
Kata and Kata Noi beaches, once postcard-perfect stretches of Phuket paradise, are now under siege—by a sea of sunbeds and umbrellas. Locals are outraged as beach chair operators sprawl unchecked, with one resident calling Kata Beach “the world’s ugliest beach” and lamenting over 10,000 umbrellas crammed from the road to the waterline. The infamous “10% rule,” meant to cap commercial…
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Pattaya flower seller boosts sales in Santa suit
A flower garland seller in Pattaya has been spotted donning a Santa Claus outfit, capturing the curiosity and admiration of both tourists and locals. At around 12.30pm yesterday, December 12, the festive figure was seen under the motorway overpass on Sukhumvit Road, engaging with drivers who paused at the traffic lights. The flower vendor, 37 year old Kritsada Boonsopa, shared…
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