PATTAYA — A foreign tourist, reported by witnesses to be Russian, assaulted a 29-year-old Thai delivery rider on Pattaya beach in the early hours of May 4, 2026. The victim had only just politely warned the man not to smoke cannabis in a public area. The incident has since caused widespread outrage online and renewed […]
PATTAYA — Tourism operators in Pattaya and Chon Buri are struggling under the weight of the government’s work-from-home policies during the low season, with hotels expecting occupancy rates of just 30 to 40 percent this month — far below the usual 60 to 70 percent — as they compete for Chinese and Indian tourists by […]
PATTAYA — A group of eight foreign tourists, believed to be Russian nationals, has sparked widespread outrage after being filmed engaging in sexually explicit behaviour in the sea off Pattaya beach in the early hours of May 6, 2026 — an incident that reportedly lasted nearly an hour and continued despite repeated verbal warnings from […]
PHUKET/SURAT THANI — Police have arrested five Russian nationals across two southern provinces for illegally operating tourism-related businesses, including leading guided fishing tours and renovating a building intended to become an entertainment venue — jobs that are legally reserved for Thai citizens. Russian Illegal Tour Guide Arrested in Phuket In Phuket, a 37-year-old Russian man […]
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Interior Ministry has ordered provincial authorities nationwide to take firm action against unruly foreign tourists, warning that offenders could face visa revocation and immediate deportation following reports of visitors breaking laws, intimidating local residents and misusing tourist visas in several provinces. Phuket AI Cameras Catch Nigerian, Ivorian Overstayers Interior Permanent Secretary Arsit […]
BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew has signaled that the government is moving forward with a proposal to reduce the visa-free entry period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, citing concerns about misuse of the current arrangement and the need to strengthen border security and immigration oversight. Thailand Launches Crackdown […]
BANGKOK, Thailand — The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has presented Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul with a comprehensive four-year strategic plan aimed at shifting the country’s tourism model toward attracting high-spending visitors, emphasizing quality over quantity as regional competitors accelerate their own tourism investments. Thailand Prepares To Halve Visa-free Stay For Tourists From 60 To […]
BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the pre-travel 60-day visa exemption scheme for citizens of 93 countries, a policy introduced two years ago to stimulate tourism and economic recovery, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul following the Cabinet meeting. Thailand Prepares To Halve Visa-free Stay For Tourists From 60 […]
BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand is considering raising its long-planned foreign tourist entry fee above the initially proposed 300 baht, citing inflation, increasing insurance costs, and the need to extend medical coverage at private hospitals, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. Thailand Ends 60-day Visa-free Scheme For 93 Countries The tourism tax, first proposed […]
BANGKOK, Thailand — Tourism operators in Phuket and Pattaya have expressed support for the government’s decision to restore 30-day visa-free stays for foreign visitors, stating that the measure will help address concerns regarding illegal business operations and low-spending long-term visitors, according to industry representatives and verified media reports. Thailand Ends 60-day Visa-free Scheme For 93 […]