Visitors to Thailand - Tourist Information in Thailand

25/03/2024

Although no one can predict the long term weather, here is an indication of what to expect in each province.

18/12/2023

🇹🇭 Announcement for International Departing Passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport:

The Immigration Bureau has announced that starting from December 15, 2023, passengers of all nationalities holding an electronic passport (e-passport) can now utilize the Immigration Auto Channel at the International Departure, Passport Control, Suvarnabhumi Airport.

📌 Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yUwoSvqK3B7jvmRF/
Immigration Bureau (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068925981064)

16/12/2023

https://www.tatnews.org/2023/12/thailand-events-calendar-for-countdown-2024/?fbclid=IwAR3gIw4NhAcKYbLCnXcQFbMzLZTKOizlk5VtsG7-n_XCTnOt77cQaacR-Ro

Countdown 2024 in Thailand promises to amaze and delight visitors from around the world with memorable spectacles. Leading the chart are the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024’ at Wat Arun in Bangkok and the ‘Korat Winter Festival and Countdown 2024’ in Nakhon Ratchasima - both organised by th...

06/12/2023

🎊 Exciting news for the people of Thailand! UNESCO has officially designated 'Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival', as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition highlights the cultural significance and enduring value of Songkran, adding to Thailand's list of intangible cultural heritage alongside Khon (2018), Thai massage (2019), and Nora (2021).

Learn more at 👉 https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/songkran-in-thailand-traditional-thai-new-year-festival-01719

🎊 ข่าวดีของคนไทย ยูเนสโกขึ้นทะเบียน 'สงกรานต์ไทย' (Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival) เป็นมรดกโลกภูมิปัญญาทางวัฒนธรรม ประจำปี 2566

สงกรานต์เป็นประเพณีไทยที่ถูกสืบทอดมาอย่างยาวนาน เป็นประเพณีที่มีคุณค่าและสะท้อนเอกลักษณ์ความเป็นไทย ทั้งนี้ ประเทศไทยเคยได้รับการขึ้นทะเบียนมรดกโลกภูมิปัญญาทางวัฒนธรรมมาแล้ว 3 ครั้ง ได้แก่ โขน (2561) นวดไทย (2562) และ โนรา (2564)

06/12/2023

🇹🇭 All entries in the new MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024 have been unveiled today, just a week prior to the official announcement scheduled for 13 December 2023 at The Capella Bangkok.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is the proud supporter of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand since its first edition in 2018 to its latest, seventh edition (2024).

The 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand will cover entries from two new destinations – Ko Samui and Surat Thani mainland – in addition to Bangkok, Phuket, Phang-nga, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Isan (Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen).

✳️ The MICHELIN Guide Thailand Announces 32 New Bib Gourmand Selections: https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/bib-gourmand-thailand-2024

28/03/2023

Nora drama dance recognized internationally by UNESCO

The official page of UNESCO, with more than 1.7 million followers from around the world, has been displaying the image of Nora, a dance drama from southern Thailand, on its banner, with the message “We are .” Many Thais and foreigners visiting the page have admired the image and have congratulated Thailand on having such beautiful traditions. This will help the Nora become more recognized globally.

“Nora” is a community-based ritual and artistic form of Dance Drama with deep cultural and social significance for southern Thais, with its unique style of singing and dancing, especially with the signature long, curled metal fingernail tips.

In Thailand, the Nora drama dance has been safeguarded by praising the Nora performers and masters as national artists of Nora, as well as promoting the stages of performance, practice, and knowledge transfer of the cultural heritage for the next generation.

To date, Thailand has three elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, namely, Khon Masked Dance Drama (2018), Nuad Thai (2019), and Nora, Dance Drama (2021).

28/03/2023

🇹🇭 PRESS RELEASE: The biggest and most important of Thailand’s annual festivals, the world-famous Songkran Thai New Year is a time when family comes first, respect is paid to seniors, and people visit the temples to take part in traditional ceremonies.

✳️ Where to celebrate Songkran: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/03/april-2023s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand

28/03/2023

🇹🇭 PRESS RELEASE: April 2023’s festivals and events in Thailand https://www.tatnews.org/2023/03/april-2023s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand

20/03/2023

Phanaeng curry, ( #พะแนง) was listed as the best curry in the world by latest ranking of the world's best stews & curries released Sat time. Japanese curry (kare カレ) came second, followed by Sichuan Hot Pot at # 3.
Thai green curry, or kaeng khiew wan (แกงเขียวหวาน), came at Number 8, followed by massamun curry (มัสมั่น) at Number 9. That means three Thai dishes was listed among the top ten.

03/03/2023

Thailand promotes 16 Thai festivals for international appreciation

The Ministry of Culture has selected 16 outstanding Thai traditional festivals to continue, promote, and develop their potential to gain international attention and praise.
The festivals help drive Thailand's 5F (Food, Fight, Film, Fashion, Festival) soft-power policy to spread Thai traditions, which will attract the notice and appreciation of tourists, and generate income for communities around the country.

The 16 selected festivals are as follows:
1. Mahasomphot Chao Mae Lim Ko Niaw, Pattani province;
2. Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival, Udon Thani province;
3. Hok Peng Tradition Worship Phra Mahathat Chao Phu Piang Chae Haeng, Nan province;
4. Festival of Garlands of Khao Tok, “Maka Bucha, Isan Civilization,” Yasothon province;
5. The tradition of parading the royal robes presented to Phra Borommathat Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Si Thammarat province;
6. Korat City of Art and Street Art Festival, Nakhon Ratchasima province;
7. Ancient Khmer Civilization Tracing Festival, Prasat Sila “Sdok Kok Thom,” Sa Kaeo province;
8. Kram & Craft Sakon Festival, Sakon Nakhon province;
9. Phuket Delicious Food Festival, Phuket province;
10. Merit in the middle of the house of Phanat City, Chonburi province;
11. "Dance of Faith, Kara King Bow to Worship Visakhapurami" Festival, Mae Hong Son province;
12. Flower Offering Ceremony in Buddhist Lent, Saraburi province;
13. Phaya Si Sattanakarat Worship Tradition, Nakhon Phanom province;
14. Tai Lue Festival "Hom Heet Toi Hoi Roi Jai Tai Lu," Phayao province;
15. Arts and Crafts Festival, Phetchaburi province;
16. Saen Duang Lantern Festival, Lamphun province.

For more information, please visit
https://www.tatnews.org/2023/02/16-distinctive-thai-festivals-to-be-promoted-internationally/

25/02/2023

Thai tea was ranked seventh among the top 100 Best Rated Non-alcoholic Beverages in the world by TasteAtlas, a travel guide platform.

TasteAtlas is an online food atlas that offers information about authentic and traditional dishes from various parts of the world. It allows users to explore interesting dishes by region, country, or ingredient, and also provides a platform for users to suggest dishes, recipes, and recommendations.

On Sunday, February 19, the website released its list of 100 Best Rated Non-Alcoholic Beverages in the World, and Thai Tea, also called Thai Milk Tea, was ranked seventh on the list.

Thai Tea, known as Cha Thai or Cha Yen in Thailand, is a popular drink made by combining black tea with condensed milk and topping it with evaporated milk. This orange-colored drink is typically served cold with ice, and it is commonly presented in a tall plastic glass with a straw at local beverage shops.

Read more: https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/48/iid/161628

19/02/2023

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 14 February 2023, gave the green light to the opening of the third Honorary Consulate of the Swiss Confederation in Thailand, following a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana stated that the new Swiss Honorary Consulate is located in the eastern province of Chon Buri to provide consular services and facilitate the Swiss people and their families staying in this province and nearby areas.

Ms. Tipanan said that the Swiss Honorary Consulate would be a mechanism to develop people-to-people relations and promote cooperation between Thailand and the Swiss Confederation at the local level. Switzerland has expertise in economic development and innovation, which would contribute to the capacity-building of local agencies and organizations.

The Cabinet decision was based on the reciprocity principle, as Thailand has established its Royal Thai Embassy in Bern and three consulates in Basel, Zurich, and Geneva.

Apart from its embassy in Bangkok, the Swiss Confederation is also well represented in Thailand by the Swiss Honorary Consulate in Chiang Mai and the Swiss Honorary Consulate in Phuket.

Mrs. Esther Kaufmann has been appointed Honorary Consul of the Swiss Honorary Consulate in Chon Buri, which is located at 489/9 Mu 12, Hat Chomthian Soi 5, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. The area of jurisdiction of this consulate covers four provinces, namely Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

Thailand and Switzerland established their diplomatic relations on 28 May 1931, with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce in Tokyo. Since then, the two countries have fostered and strengthened their bonds, and they have close people-to-people relations and robust trade and investment, as well as cooperation on education and human resource development.

In 2021, Thailand and Switzerland organized many commemorative activities to mark the 90th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Infographic design : Royal Thai Embassy, Bern

15/02/2023

Thailand's Cabinet has given the green light to begin collecting tourist fees of 150-300 baht, with a plan to start on 1 June 2023.
The fee will be 300 baht for tourists arriving by air, and 150 baht for tourists arriving by land or water.
For those who arrive in the morning and then depart in the evening, the fee will be waived.
And the Cabinet confirmed that the tourist fee will be used for expenses related to taking care of tourists.

15/02/2023

Bangkok ranks 13 in Best Food Destinations in the World – Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards

Tripadvisor, one of the most popular travel websites, has ranked the Best Food Destinations of 2023, suggesting that "If eating, snacking, and more eating are at the heart of your itinerary, you’ll find some of the best local flavors in these top spots."
Ranked 1st is Rome, Italy, followed closely by (2) Crete, Greece, (3) Hanoi, Vietnam, (4) Florence, Italy, and (5) Paris, France, and others, joined by Bangkok at 13th.
Tripadvisor provides this review of Bangkok's charms: "Golden palaces, floating markets, majestic porcelain-laid spires… you've never seen a capital city quite like Bangkok. Visit Pratunam or Siam Square for premium shopping, then unwind in the European-style gardens of Dusit. Thon Buri is home to the awesome Wat Arun temple, and over in Phra Nakhon, you’ll find the Wat Pho temple of the Reclining Buddha. Savor mango sticky rice at a food stall before taking in the gilded splendor of the Grand Palace."
The world obviously continues to recognize Bangkok, and Thailand in general, as a place that will satisfy every traveler.

Read more: https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/48/iid/158345

15/02/2023

The Ministry of Transport has instructed Suvarnabhumi Airport to urgently address the issue of long immigration queues and wait times at baggage carousels in order to better facilitate the entry of international travelers amid Thailand’s tourism rebound.

Serving as the country's main port of international arrivals, Suvarnabhumi Airport last month saw a total of 4.3 million passengers at an average of 138,287 daily passengers, representing 317% year-on-year growth.

The airport in January 2023 served 25,690 flights at a daily average of 829 flights. Some 2,000 of the flights that month - or around 80 flights per day - were from China, bringing in a total of 255,000 arrivals, or around 11,000 passengers a day.

The surge in arriving passengers has caused some issues at the airport, particularly congestion at passport control and long processing periods for baggage. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said that while these issues have already been addressed, more work needs to be carried out to ensure the airport's capacity for future growth.

The Ministry of Transport has ordered Airports of Thailand (AOT) to add 60 additional immigration counters at the airport's passport control areas. This expansion, which is in the process of selecting contractors, is expected to expand the processing capacity at passport control to 3,000 people per hour.

On the baggage handling front, AOT has instructed the two ground-handling companies to increase the number of staff members and equipment in order to accommodate more flights. Some airlines have received temporary authorization to manage their own ground-handling at the airport, in an effort to help reduce delays.

The AOT is also in the process of selecting a third ground-handling company to serve flights at the airport, as this would enable the airport to more sustainably increase its growth capacity for flights and passengers.

#ประเทศไทย #ไทย #จีน #สุวรรณภูมิ #สนามบิน #การท่องเที่ยว #ท่องเที่ยว

15/02/2023

🇹🇭 PRESS RELEASE UPDATE: India has dropped its requirements of pre-departure COVID-19 testing for international travellers travelling from/via 6 countries, including Thailand, effective from 11.00 Hrs. today (13 Feb 2023).

In view of this laest development, we have updated the Press Release on the TAT Newsroom website:

✳️ Thailand maintains ‘fully-reopen’ entry rules: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/01/thailand-maintains-fully-reopen-entry-rules/

15/02/2023

🇹🇭 PRESS RELEASE: The Ministry of Culture has identified 16 distinctive festivals from around Thailand to be promoted on the international stage: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/02/16-distinctive-thai-festivals-to-be-promoted-internationally

08/02/2023

08/02/2023

Foreign tourists have expressed dissatisfaction through a survey on overpriced taxi fares, waste management, and airport facilitation during their stay in Thailand.

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) conducted a survey during the final quarter of 2022 on 200 foreign tourists during their visit to the country. The survey showed that taxi services received the lowest rating of 3.5 out of 5 as tourists felt like they received unfair treatment. They explained that drivers would only agree to provide service at an agreed price without using the meter, resulting in tourists having to pay more money.

Other major complaints are the entry process at the airport upon arrival and waste management issues at tourist locations. Tourists also expressed concerns about air pollution which poses health risks as they travel around the country.

In regard to the issue of taxi services, TCT President Chamnan Srisawat advised the government to work with private taxi companies to offer transport services that guarantee equal fares using the meter. If these new services become popular among tourists, traditional taxis will face competition, resulting in better service and fairer treatment for all taxi customers.

The TCT also suggested the government allocate more budget to tourist destinations on public works to provide better management of waste disposal and environmental preservation. The TCT suggested that capacity restrictions be implemented to reduce overcrowding while also providing guests with a better experience at tourist attractions.

According to the quarterly survey, around 98% of tourists visited Thailand for leisure, with a majority of these guests choosing Bangkok and Phuket as their destinations. Tourists would spend an average of 1,000-3,000 baht per night on accommodation with a length of stay at around two weeks per trip.

#ประเทศไทย #ไทย #การท่องเที่ยว #นักท่องเที่ยว #กรุงเทพ #ภูเก็ต #แท็กซี่ #ค่าแท็กซี่ #แพง

08/02/2023

The government has approved the use of digital IDs to verify passengers' identities when boarding domestic flights.

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisulee Traisaranakul, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allowed the use of digital IDs for domestic flight travel. Passengers can present their digital ID from a certified state agency, such as D.DOPA or the DLT QR License created by the Department of Land Transport, for authentication. However, the spokesperson warned that screenshots and photos of physical ID cards are not permitted due to the high risk of forgery.

Anyone wishing to validate their digital IDs will need to visit their district office’s registry division and bring their physical ID card. Officials will ask them to open the D.DOPA app, enter their 13-digit ID number and accept the terms and conditions of the app. They will also be asked to scan a QR code and fill out a Personal Data Protection Act consent form.

The move falls under Section 14 of the Digital Public Service Act, which went into effect on January 10th, allowing digital IDs to be used to access government services.

The government stressed that authorities are working to improve the quality and efficiency of government services through the use of cutting-edge technology amid the emerging global trend of digitized government services. Officials aim to register 10 million users for digital ID systems by the end of this year.

#ประเทศไทย #ไทย #การเดินทาง #ดิจิทัล #บัตรประชาชนทางดิจิทัล

08/02/2023

A baby girl has been reportedly rescued from the rubble of her home in northern Syria following Monday’s massive earthquake. The baby, found with her umbilical cord still attached, is the sole survivor of her immediate family, her cousin told Agence France-Presse. https://cnn.it/3lhBP3B

08/02/2023

🇹🇭 PRESS RELEASE: The Tourism Authority of Thailand is pleased to report that Thailand has once again received glittering exposure on the international movie scene, with Phuket and Krabi starring as the prime locations in new Czech film ‘Ostrov’ (The Island) which premiered on 1 February, 2023, in Prague.

✳️ New Czech film ‘Ostrov’ showcases beauty of Phuket and Krabi: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/02/new-czech-film-ostrov-showcases-beauty-of-phuket-and-krabi

04/01/2023

According to Forbes, a leading financial and business magazine, which has written an article on the topic "Quit Your Job And Move Abroad: 10 Cheapest Places To Live," Thailand ranks 9 -- and it is the only place in Asia that made it into the top 10.

There is an interesting passage introducing Thailand: “There is no doubt that the allure of Thailand begins with its sun drenched, warm climate and appeals to those who have a keen sense of adventure and an eye for natural and cultural beauty.”
On the topic "Where to Move," it says, “Its diverse natural beauty means that expats are spread from islands surrounded by emerald waters, the high-rise metropolis of Bangkok or the rice fields and laidback lifestyle of Northern Thailand.”
And as for the cost, "Thailand is affordable, especially when it comes to real estate."
Here are the top 10 countries and their ranks:
1st place - Portugal;
2nd place - Mexico;
3rd place - Panama;
4th place - Ecuador;
5th place - Costa Rica;
6th place - Spain;
7th place - Greece;
8th place - France;
9th place - tie between Italy and Thailand.

11/11/2022

The Ministry of Culture will debut "Hanuman: White Monkey," the movie version of the classic khon story about the great monkey-god.
"Hanuman: White Monkey" is a movie that enacts scenes in the khon style of classical Thai masked play, with inspiration from the original story about Hanuman from the classic Ramakian, the Thai version of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
It displays a combination of traditional performing arts and culture on stage, combined with digital computer graphics and movie-making techniques.
Another unique feature is the background music, which uses music performed by a pi phat Thai orchestra mixed with western music, including rap in some scenes.
This is an introduction of Thai performing arts in a form that has evolved with the times, preserving it so that it will not be lost, and it disseminates Thai performing arts to the world, another way of supporting Thailand's "soft power."

The khon movie "Hanuman: White Monkey" is scheduled for its regular cinema release on 5 December 2022 at Major Cineplex and SF Cinema locations across Thailand.

08/11/2022

The Royal Thai Police have urged the public to avoid certain travel routes during the APEC Economic Leaders' Week (AELW) on 16-19 November 2022.

As Thailand will host the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Week at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), transportation in Bangkok will be modified as follows:

Trains on the MRT Blue Line will not stop at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on 16-19 November;
Ratchadaphisek Road (Asok Intersection – Phraram IV Intersection) and Duangpitak Road will be closed for 24 hours;
“No fly zone” measures will be applied; specifically, flying drones and flying without permit will not be allowed in or around Bangkok from 16 to 19 November 2022.

08/11/2022

🇹🇭 PRESS RELEASE: One of Thailand’s most popular and most visually stunning annual festivals, Loi Krathong is celebrated during the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. This year the festival is on Tuesday, 8 November, with celebrations taking place at various destinations throughout the kingdom.

✳️ TAT holds ‘Amazing Night Light of Loi Krathong’ this 6-8 November https://www.tatnews.org/2022/11/tat-holds-amazing-night-light-of-loi-krathong-this-6-8-november

Loi Krathong Festival 2022
https://www.tatnews.org/2022/10/loi-krathong-festival-2022/

02/11/2022

Floating train day trips from Bangkok to Lop Buri’s Pasak Cholasid Dam start this November

The special “Rod Fai Loi Nam” (floating train) travel route from Bangkok to Pasak Cholasid Dam, Thailand’s largest earthen dam in Lop Buri province, is going to return with its first journey of the year on 5 November 2022. It will run every Saturday and Sunday from 5 November to 29 January 2023 (except 31 December and 1 January).

The train departs from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 06.00 hr and reaches Pasak Cholasid Dam at 10.35 hr. The train will stop here for 20 minutes to give passengers some time to enjoy the scenery. It will continue to the last station at Khok Salung, where it will stop for 30 minutes to let everyone go shopping for local products before returning to the dam, where passengers can have leisure time or lunch. The return trip departs the dam at 15.30 hr to arrive at Hua Lampong Station at 18.50 hr.

The fare for the round-trip journey from Hua Lamphong station to Pasak Cholasid Dam is 560 baht per person (air-conditioned carriages) and 330 baht per person (regular or fan carriages).

Those who are interested can book tickets in advance at train stations nationwide or via the D-Ticket System at www.dticket.railway.co.th.