The Latest Breaking News from Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn

Phiphat eager to address outrage

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says the controversy involving the Thai police and Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) has damaged the reputation of law enforcement and tourism organisations, with his ministry aiming to clarify the allegations before a cabinet meeting next week.

Bangkok Post · Jan 27, 2023

Cabinet approves revised hotel subsidy

The cabinet yesterday approved a revised subsidy scheme to stimulate domestic tourism, expecting 112,000 eligible people to exercise their rights and generate 12.5 billion baht worth of spending.

Bangkok Post · Jan 24, 2023

Thailand plans to charge tourist tax from June

Proposed tourism fee will cost air travellers just under £7.50

The Independent UK · Jan 12, 2023

Proposal limits 4am closing time to one area

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is proposing only one pilot area, Bangla Walking Street in Phuket, to extend operating hours of nighttime entertainment venues until 4am after previous proposals were rejected by the Public Health Ministry.

Bangkok Post · Dec 19, 2022

Cabinet to review 2am limit

The Tourism and Sports Ministry will seek cabinet approval for its proposal that would see night entertainment venues in selected areas allowed to operate beyond the 2am closing time in an effort to boost the tourism industry and local economies.

Bangkok Post · Dec 5, 2022

Visa waiver, sports to lift Saudi travel

Thailand is hoping to boost tourism cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including offering visa exemptions and promoting Muay Thai after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

Bangkok Post · Nov 22, 2022

Tourism ministry seeks B8.7bn economic 'booster shot'

LONDON: The Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning to ask the cabinet this month for a budget of 8.7 billion baht to support the tourism industry, saying a "booster shot" is required for Thailand to attract 18-20 million tourists next year.

Bangkok Post · Nov 14, 2022

Drunk driving victims slam push for 4am nightspot closing

A proposal to allow entertainment venues in tourist areas to stay open until 4 am is running into fierce opposition from anti-drunk driving activists amid worries that longer drinking hours would lead to more deaths on roads.

Bangkok Post · Nov 11, 2022

Ministry sets B40bn sports tourism target

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has set a target of 40 billion baht in revenue from sports tourism next year, promoting Muay Thai as part of the country's soft power.

Bangkok Post · Nov 1, 2022

Organisers urged to strictly regulate Loy Krathong events

The Tourist Police Bureau is exploring the number of Loy Krathong events around Thailand and asking organisers to limit the number of participants to avoid overcapacity, while it aims to co-develop software to detect density in communities and tourism areas.

Bangkok Post · Nov 1, 2022