Tourism boom: Thailand clocks in 14.3 million visitors

Thailand welcomed 14.3 million international tourists in the first five months of this year, generating nearly 683 billion baht (US$18.7 billion) in revenue. The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, announced these figures, highlighting the significant economic impact of foreign visitors from January 1 to May 26.

The top five countries contributing the most tourists to Thailand were China, with 2.9 million visitors, followed by Malaysia with 1.9 million, Russia with 836,868, India with 810,513, and South Korea with 785,600 arrivals.

Notably, there has been a substantial increase in tourists from short-haul markets such as Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Indonesia, with an overall rise of 7.3%. Specifically, the number of Malaysian tourists increased by 36,242 individuals or 44.49% from the previous week, contributing to a total of 596,552 foreign tourists in the past week alone, which is an increase of 4.30% or 24,595 people compared to the prior week. On average, 85,222 international tourists arrive in Thailand each day, with the numbers expected to rise in the coming week.

The upcoming public holiday in Malaysia for Agong’s Birthday and the Thai government’s relaxed travel measures are likely to further boost tourist numbers.

One significant measure is the visa waiver agreement between Thailand and China, designed to enhance tourist confidence, facilitate travel, and encourage airlines to increase flight frequencies.

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Additionally, Thailand has waived visa requirements for tourists from India, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan. The removal of the TM.6 immigration form at eight land checkpoints for Malaysian and Laotian tourists also aims to streamline the entry process, reported Khaosod.

Thailand’s tourism sector is crucial to the national economy, and the increase in tourist numbers is a positive sign of recovery and growth.

The focus on easing travel restrictions and visa requirements with other countries is expected to sustain and further boost these numbers, reflecting Thailand’s strategic approach to bolstering its tourism industry.

The data indicates a robust rebound in tourism, with significant contributions from key markets, suggesting a promising trend for the rest of the year.