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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Phuket rakes in billions but begs for budget help
It may be Thailand’s crown jewel of tourism, raking in nearly 500 billion baht in revenue last year, but Phuket is struggling with crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, and traffic chaos — and local leaders say it’s time the government pays attention. Last year, Phuket welcomed 13–14 million tourists, generating 497.5 billion baht in revenue. Yet, despite the economic windfall, Governor…
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Thai massage steals spotlight at Osaka Expo 2025
Thailand is making waves and easing aches on the global stage, as the ancient art of Thai massage steals the spotlight at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. With expert therapists, soothing techniques, and herbal traditions on full display, visitors are lining up in droves to experience a touch of Thailand’s healing magic. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative…
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Punches and passports: Bangla Road fight goes viral (video)
It was less of a beach holiday and more of a boxing match in Patong, as a shocking video of foreign tourists brawling on Phuket’s infamous Bangla Road has gone viral, drawing heavy criticism and fuelling online debate about visa policies and foreign gangs in Thailand. The drama unfolded in the heart of Patong’s nightlife zone, where two men were seen…
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Indian women steal the spotlight with viral Pattaya dance
Who needs a stage when the streets of Pattaya will do just fine? Two Indian women have taken the Internet by storm after a video of their impromptu dance performance on a Thai street went viral and the world can’t stop watching. Decked out in traditional Indian attire, the duo lit up the streets of Pattaya with sheer joy, rhythm,…
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Phi Phi Islands reopen snorkelling and diving after coral recovery
Tourists can once again dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Phi Phi Islands and this time, with a mission to protect paradise. After a year-long ban due to severe coral bleaching, snorkelling and scuba diving have officially resumed at 10 designated sites within the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi. The decision comes after promising…
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Songkran 2025 boosts Thai tourism revenue by 26.5 billion baht
Thailand’s tourism and sports minister, Suwong Thienthong, announced that the Songkran festival in 2025 generated an estimated revenue of 26.5 billion baht, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. The festival attracted approximately 470,000 foreign tourists, a 6.5% rise from last year, with visitors hailing from Malaysia, China, India, Russia, Taiwan, Europe, and South Korea. Social media buzz surrounding…
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Thailand dangles 30% rebates to lure big-budget film crews
The Thai government is rolling out the red carpet for foreign film producers, dangling increased rebates and support as global interest in the country as a shooting destination surges. A recent surge in major international productions, led by HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3, which was filmed in Thailand, has sparked renewed interest in the kingdom’s tropical locations and generous…
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Thailand sees 10.7 million tourists, 510 billion baht in revenue
Thailand has seen approximately 10.7 million international tourists arriving this year, with over 666,000 visiting during the Songkran festival alone, as reported by the government yesterday, April 15. Tourism-related revenue from these visitors has exceeded 510 billion baht. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong shared yesterday that the figures demonstrate the success of the government’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival…
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Lost in the woods: Italian tourists rescued on Koh Pha Ngan
Police on Koh Pha Ngan in Surat Thani province successfully located two Italian tourists lost in the forest for over three hours yesterday, April 11. The incident was reported by Police Lieutenant Vinij Bunchit after coordination with the Italian embassy, leading to the activation of local search and rescue teams. The two tourists, Maria Florencia Abaca and Linda Rattero, found…
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British woman lives rent-free on Koh Samui with dogs (video)
Dreaming of a tropical escape without breaking the bank? A British traveller has revealed how she’s living the dream on Thailand’s Koh Samui — and it won’t cost you a penny in rent. The young woman, known only as Iona, who often shares travel hacks online, shared her secrets in a viral TikTok clip that’s racked up over 100,000 views.…
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Thai tourists flock to China for Songkran deals, beating Japan
The Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) revealed that China has surged to the top of the list for Thai travellers heading abroad during this year’s Songkran holiday, from April 12 to 16. According to TTAA advisor Thanapol Chewarattanaporn, the shift is being driven by airlines slashing airfares to China amid a slump in incoming Chinese tourists. “China has become the…
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Thai travellers offered 50% off flights to China for Songkran
Chinese travel agents are pulling out all the stops to fill planes over the Songkran holiday, offering Thai tourists cut-price tickets to the mainland in a desperate bid to claw back losses after a dramatic drop in Chinese visitors to Thailand. Some tour operators are slashing fares by up to 50%, flogging unsold flight tickets at bargain rates rather than…
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Air India in hot water again after Bangkok in-flight pee incident
Business class on an Air India flight to Bangkok turned into a piddle palace after a sozzled passenger allegedly whipped it out to pee on a fellow traveller mid-flight, despite the loos being in full working order. The Air India high-flyer is now being probed by police after taking the pee, literally, on a fellow business class passenger just before…
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Phuket launches gateway project to boost tourism and conservation
Phuket unveiled a new initiative designed to boost local tourism, support community businesses, and protect the island’s environment. The Phuket Gateway project, launched by the Governor of Phuket, aims to connect tourists with authentic local experiences while focusing on ecological sustainability. Naraphat Plodthong, the Governor of Phuket, presided over the official launch of the Phuket Gateway ceremony, marking the beginning…
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Bangkok’s Wat Arun nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status
Thailand’s iconic Wat Arun temple is one step closer to global recognition, as the Cabinet has just approved its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The move highlights the temple’s rich architectural history and its significance to the Rattanakosin Kingdom. In a pivotal Cabinet meeting yesterday, Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Phra Prang of Wat Arun…
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Pattaya thrives as other Thai destinations struggle this Songkran
As Thailand gears up for the Songkran Festival, Pattaya is making waves while other major tourist destinations struggle to keep up. Amidst a national decline in hotel bookings and a challenging economic landscape, Pattaya has emerged as a beacon of success, defying the odds and seeing a surge in tourism activity. While the overall outlook for Thailand’s tourism industry has…
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Booze cruise: Drunk foreign man rescued from drowning in Pattaya
Locals safely rescued an drunk foreign man from drowning yesterday after he swam out into the sea at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. According to a report by Channel 7, the rescue took place last night, April 6, near the Dong Tarn booth of the Mueang Pattaya Police Station. Locals observed the foreign man walking into the dark waters and appearing…
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Hua Hin set to soar: Runway makeover aims to lift tourism fortunes
After years stuck on the tarmac, Hua Hin could finally be cleared for international take-off, with a long-overdue runway revamp set to bring in global jet-setters and breathe new life into the coastal city’s flagging tourism trade. The sun-soaked resort town may soon welcome international flights for the first time in years, as Thai officials look to upgrade the sleepy…
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SRT confirms high-speed rail steel meets safety standards
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has confirmed that the steel used in the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project complies with all engineering and quality standards. This assurance follows detailed inspections initiated due to public concerns after an earthquake in Myanmar on Friday, March 28, which sent tremors to Bangkok, resulting in the collapse of the State Audit Office building in…
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Earthquake fears rattle Songkran hotel bookings by 25%
Thailand’s most festive time of year is shaping up to be a major letdown—hotel bookings for Songkran have taken a nosedive, thanks to shaky nerves over last month’s earthquake. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) revealed on Thursday, April 3 that reservations across seven major tourist destinations have dropped by 25% compared to last year’s festival, spelling bad news for the…
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Brits told to log on or bog off as Thailand rolls out digital arrival card
British travellers planning a Thailand getaway next month are being told to fire up the laptop before packing their flipflops because from May 1, every foreign visitor must register online before setting foot in the Land of Smiles. The UK government issued a fresh travel warning to Brits heading to Thailand: don’t get caught out by the country’s new Thailand…
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Pattaya gamble: Entertainment complex bets big on tourism boom
Pattaya is on the brink of a major transformation as plans to introduce a sprawling entertainment complex gain traction, promising a bold boost to tourism and the local economy but not without stirring debate among residents. Yesterday, April 2, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet revealed that the proposed law for the entertainment complex has already passed Cabinet review and is now…
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Holiday horror: Australian teen killed in Thai motorbike crash
In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, an Australian teenager’s Thai getaway has ended in tragedy. Known for his “beautiful soul,” Carlos Guirguis, of Melbourne, tragically lost his life in a motorbike crash on the holiday hotspot of Koh Samui. The apprentice plumber was riding without a helmet when he attempted to overtake a local motorist in the early hours of…
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Thailand’s tourism strategy to restore confidence after earthquake
In the wake of the recent earthquake, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has called a crucial meeting with government officials and private sector leaders to tackle the impact on the country’s tourism industry. The primary focus? Restoring both domestic and international tourist confidence while ensuring the continued safety of visitors. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Tourism and Sports…
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Pattaya’s new Bali Hai Pier to boost access to Koh Larn
Pattaya City is making waves with the announcement of a major development, the construction of a new pier at Bali Hai, South Pattaya. Designed to offer a safer and more efficient boarding point for small boats, this new facility promises to enhance access to popular destinations like Koh Larn and other nearby islands just in time for the busy summer…
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Tourism sector urges Thai government to ensure hotel safety
Private sector organisations are urging the government to issue safety certifications for hotels and lift the disaster area declaration to restore confidence in tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong discussed the impact of recent earthquakes on tourism with various stakeholders, expressing concern over potential declines in tourist numbers. Efforts are underway to communicate that Bangkok is the only truly…
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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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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 seeks UNESCO status for Loy Krathong festival
Thailand is set to propose the inclusion of the Loy Krathong festival in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, as announced by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The Loy Krathong festival was officially declared a national cultural heritage in 2011. Minister Sudawan…
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