Tourism Figures Reveal 12.4 Million Foreign Arrivals in Thailand Since Start of Year
Thailand welcomed 12.4 million foreign tourists from January to mid-May, generating 607.2 billion baht in spending, though weekly arrivals declined 21% last week due to holiday effects and Middle East tensions impacting flights.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that between January 1 and May 10, Thailand welcomed over 12.4 million foreign tourists, generating approximately 607.2 billion baht in spending. Tourism Minister Surasak Panjaisuwijit revealed that while visitor numbers dipped last week following the long holiday period and amid Middle East tensions affecting flight availability and ticket prices, major markets including China, Malaysia, and India continue to dominate arrivals. Chinese tourists alone have accumulated 2 million visits this week.
Weekly arrivals totaled 472,757 visitors, down 128,853 from the previous week (a 21.42% decline), averaging 67,537 daily arrivals. The top five source countries for the week were China (93,831), Malaysia (69,612), India (46,271), Russia (20,578), and Laos (14,585). Most markets experienced declines compared to the prior week, with Chinese visitors down 30.37%, Malaysian visitors down 25.01%, and Russian visitors down 19.65%.
Year-to-date cumulative figures show China leading with 2.07 million visitors, followed by Malaysia (1.39 million), India (899,000), Russia (895,557), and South Korea (496,437). The ministry expects visitor numbers to stabilize next week, supported by Thailand's improved energy situation, competitive pricing adjustments, security promotion initiatives, streamlined travel procedures, and the government's visa exemption policies.
