Showing 1 - 10 of 272
Govt's visa-free policy 'too easy'
Gary Boyle, Published on 30/03/2026
» The 60-day visa-free entry policy, which was intended to boost tourism recovery, is now under review as authorities weigh its economic benefits against security concerns.
Hotels slash rates to lure Songkran market
Gary Boyle, Published on 25/03/2026
» Concerned by a drop in European arrivals and low confidence due to fuel shortages among local travellers, hotel operators have started to offer discounts of 20-40% to attract tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday.
Fake building permit racket uncovered on Koh Samui
Gary Boyle, Published on 23/03/2026
» Authorities on Koh Samui are widening an investigation into construction permit forgery involving at least 10 projects and potentially involving both municipal staff and outsiders.
Middle East conflict hits tourism in Phangnga
Gary Boyle, Published on 16/03/2026
» The war in the Middle East is affecting the tourism industry, with Phangnga province reporting a sharp decline in European arrivals and estimated losses of nearly 1.7 billion baht, the Phangnga Hotel Association said.
Phuket Airport defends ban on activating ride-hailing apps
Gary Boyle, Published on 09/03/2026
» Phuket International Airport has defended newly installed signs barring drivers from waiting or activating ride‑hailing apps in front of the terminal, following criticism on social media that they restrict passengers’ transport options.
Nude sex workers chase non-paying customer in Pattaya
Gary Boyle, Published on 06/03/2026
» Two transgender women were seen running completely naked after a foreign tourist while swearing and demanding payment for their sexual services near Pattaya beach early Thursday morning.
Thailand reviewing visa-free stays as local complaints pile up
Gary Boyle, Published on 19/02/2026
» Thailand’s caretaker government is considering a reduction of the 60‑day visa‑free stay period, following numerous complaints that foreigners have been exploiting the system to engage in illegal activities or exploit local residents, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
'Buy property, get visa' plan upsets Phuket tourism operators
Gary Boyle, Published on 18/02/2026
» Phuket tourism operators oppose the government's policy allowing foreigners who buy real estate worth 3 million baht to qualify for a long‑stay visa, arguing the investment threshold is too low and could attract "non‑quality" visitors as well as risking an increase in property prices.
Tourism associations ask for less police corruption
Gary Boyle, Published on 16/02/2026
» Tourism operators are urging the government to reform law enforcement and regulation, as businesses and tourists suffer from worsening bribery issues, harming the nation's tourism reputation.
Visa-free stays to be cut from 60 to 30 days
Gary Boyle, Published on 12/02/2026
» The Tourism and Sports Ministry insists the government's plan to reduce visa‑free stays from 60 to 30 days should not impact tourism, as most foreign tourists on average stay for less than a month.