Thailand Tourism News — Koh Lanta & Andaman Travel Updates
Thailand Kicks Off Nationwide Vegetarian Festival 2026 Celebrations
Thailand celebrates Vegetarian Festival 2026 this October with vegetarian cuisine, merit-making, shrine ceremonies and processions rooted in Chinese-Thai traditions. Visitors can experience festivities in Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan, Tak, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chumphon, Songkhla, Trang and Phuket, with events across the country running from 8 to 19 October at shrines and venues.
UK Influencer Releases Music Video Filmed on Thailand's Koh Talu
Top UK Influencer and producer Will Robinson” of “The Isan Project” is launching a new music video called “I love my life in the sun” filmed on a tiny small paradise island in the Gulf of Thailand called “Koh Talu”, the island is home to beautiful coral reef, white beaches and a turtle sanctuary. Hawksbill Turtles come to lay their eggs on the quite sandy beaches and the sanctuary helps the turtles in their early days following birth until they are strong enough to live in sea in the Gulf of Thailand.
Thailand Launches Layover Tours for Transit Passengers
BANGKOK: The Ministry of Tourism and Sports ‒ represented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ‒ has joined forces with the Ministry of Transport (Department of Airports) to spearhead an initiative allowing eligible transit and transfer passengers to leave airports during longer connections and explore nearby destinations before returning for their onward flights.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Names Two New Deputy Governors
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has appointed two new deputy governors and reassigned three leadership portfolios, effective from 1 October 2026. The annual management reshuffle supports TAT’s 2027 transformation agenda, aligning administration, marketing, digitalisation and tourism development with priorities for quality, competitiveness and a wider distribution of tourism benefits nationwide.
The Mall Group Launches Vegetarian Food Zones Across Thailand
The Mall Group has launched "Vegetarian Festival Zones" in its malls, featuring authentic vegetarian food from four renowned Thai districts—Yaowarat, Talat Noi, Talat Phlu, and Phuket—to boost traffic and spending in the fourth quarter. The initiative, part of its 27th‑year THE MALL LIFESTORE TASTE OF J campaign, aims to draw over 92% of consumers who still prefer buying vegetarian food themselves and taps into a market worth over 45.9 billion baht. The event runs from October 9 to 18, 2026 at The Mall Lifestore locations.
Siam Piwat Unveils 10‑Billion‑Baht ICONPHUKET Development Set for 2029
PHUKET — Siam Piwat has announced plans to invest 10 billion baht in ICONPHUKET, a retail, entertainment and tourism destination scheduled to open in 2029 in Thalang district. An overhead map showing the master plan for Synthesis Ark The project will form the centrepiece of Synthesis Ark Phuket, a 50-billion-baht mixed-use development by CV Group […]
Rare Bryde’s Whale Spotted Feeding Near Koh Si Chang
A rare Bryde’s whale was spotted feeding near Koh Si Chang in Chonburi on October 5, 2026, delighting locals and tourists who captured photos and video of the animal surfacing and lunging at fish schools. The sighting, recorded by Facebook users Jutarad Chaipakdee and SAKda Yasawut, highlights the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Bryde’s whales are protected reserved wildlife in Thailand, and their appearance underscores the importance of marine conservation.
Shake Shack Thailand Launches Thai Seafood Menu with Jimmy James
Shake Shack Thailand has partnered with influencer Jimmy James to launch a new seafood-inspired menu featuring four exclusive items. The collaboration, dubbed ‘Sea Heart New York’, blends Thai seafood flavors with classic New York burger concepts using 100% locally sourced seafood. Jimmy James said the project is an honor and highlights the quality of Thai seafood on an international stage.
Phuket Warns Businesses Against Overcharging US Navy Personnel
PHUKET: Phuket commerce officials are warning businesses not to exploit the arrival of more than 5,000 US Navy personnel by raising prices unfairly or failing to display prices for goods and services.
Soho Pool Club Offers Free Access and Food in Phuket
The pool is free. That is worth stating clearly before anything else, because pool clubs in Phuket usually come with a minimum spend, a day-pass fee or a wristband system that makes you feel watched. At Soho Pool Club, none of that exists. Entry is free, the pool is open to anyone, and ordering a … The story Why the Soho Pool Club at Boat Lagoon is one of Phuket’s most useful spots to spend a day as seen on Thaiger News.
Researchers Identify Over 118 Bryde's Whales in Gulf of Thailand
Marine researchers from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources have identified and named over 118 Bryde's whales in the Gulf of Thailand using photo‑identification techniques. The team reported seven new calves this year but also recorded six deaths, including a calf lost to a boat strike, while highlighting how the whales’ near‑shore appearances signal a recovering coastal ecosystem.
Stelliers Announces 2026 Asia Awards, Launches Maison Stelliers
Stelliers announced the winners of its Asia 2026 awards for hotel professionals at a ceremony in Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, supported by NORDAQ. The event also saw the launch of Maison Stelliers, a year‑round community platform designed to connect hotel staff across Asia and foster leadership. Winners were recognized in categories ranging from general manager to CSR, with awardees coming from hotels in Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and elsewhere.