Thailand Tourism

BANGKOK (AP) — Xinyu Wen traveled to Thailand in June, planning a two-week vacation around Bangkok’s Pride parade. Instead, the 28-year-old stayed a month and a half, as her experience at the parade gave rise to discussions and discoveries in the Thai capital’s thriving LBGTQ+ community.LGBTQ+ people from China, frequently scorned and ostracized at home, are coming to Thailand in droves, drawn by the freedom to be themselves. When Wen walked along the parade on the streets in Bangkok, “I felt like I was in a big party or a huge amusement park. We could forget all upsetting things and...

BANGKOK -- The Thai economy expanded 1.8% in the April to June quarter from a year earlier, according to data released by the National Economic and Social Development Council on Monday.Thailand's gross domestic product grew at a slower pace than the 2.6% expansion in January to March and fell short of the median forecast for 3.1% growth in the second quarter in a Reuters poll of economists. Read further.

Move Forward Party supporters gather outside the Parliament in Bangkok on Wednesday, ahead of the second round of the parliamentary vote to decide on the country's next prime minister. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Tourism operators have expressed concern over the unsettled political situation, urging all parties to find the best solution to avoid large-scale demonstrations.Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the holding company of Thai AirAsia, said the economy will be affected if the setting up of the new government is prolonged. As the general election was held two months ago, this represents a long delay for the country, given that...

Picture courtesy of AP. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) in Thailand recently announced a forthcoming impact study concerning a proposed coastal road project linking the provinces of Ranong and Satun to boost Andaman tourism. The proposed two-lane highway, covering a distance of 600 kilometres, is designed to notably enhance the ease of access for tourists to key attractions spread across six different provinces – these being Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, relayed Punya Chupanit, who is at the helm of OTP. In addition to providing smoother travel, the proposed project also intends to...

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. Central Retail Corporation Limited (CRC) in collaboration with Ant Group has introduced Alipay+, a comprehensive international digital payment platform. The service launched by Piyawan Leelasompop, Deputy Managing Director of Marketing at CRC, facilitates seamless transactions for Asian tourists from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Korea through their existing local mobile wallets. The tie-up with Ant Group will enable visitors to pay for purchases at CRC-partnered retailers all over Thailand, without the need to carry cash or exchange for Thai currency. With over 3000 payment points in the country backed by CRC, customers can conveniently pay...

Taking place from 9-13 August 2023, the event is conceptualised to inspire invited influencers and travel writers to illustrate and share their impressions of the ‘Amazing New Chapters’ tourism experiences in Thailand. BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding a ‘Write Your Own Amazing New Chapters’ in Thailand event bringing in 60 influencers and travel writers from around Asia and the Pacific to network with 50 Thai tourism industry professionals and experience new and wonderful meaningful travel and sustainable tourism activities in established Thai destinations. Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said...

Iranian tourists arrive in Phuket, as the TAT targets US and Middle Eastern travellers. (via Phuket Info Center) In an effort to boost tourists visiting, Thailand‘s government will be establishing additional tourism offices in the United States and Saudi Arabia, stated the deputy spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek. The proposition comes as part of a refreshed approach to meet international market demands, as directed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is now concentrating on attracting long-haul travellers, primarily from Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. The projected revenue from such endeavours is expected to reach...

By Hoang Phong Sat, 8/5/2023 | 20:18 (GMT+7) Immigration authorities on Thailand’s Phuket Island have arrested a Nigerian for overstaying his visa as part of efforts to crack down on foreigners staying illegally in the country. Travelers arrive at the airport in Phuket, Thailand, July 1, 2021. Photo by Reuters He was accused of overstaying by three years and 10 months and faces deportation, Bangkok Post reported citing a source from the Phuket immigration police.The police said the man was also found having cocaine and would be charged with illegal possession of drugs.Under the current law, those who illegally possessed...

During the five-day event, TAT estimates that the TTF 2023 would generate around 80-100 million Baht. It is expected that 80,000-100,000 visitors will come to the event spending about 800 Baht per person. BANGKOK – The 41st Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF 2023) officially opened and will run until Sunday, 6 August, at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, showcasing an exciting array of tourism products and services from around Thailand, including up-and-coming Unseen New Chapters attractions along with fascinating culture and heritage, and delicious regional cuisine. Presiding over the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and...