FILE PHOTO: In this photo taken on June 27, 2021, visitors walk in their traditional costumes and umbrellas at the 17th century Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple complex in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok. Thailand recorded 24,574,177 international tourist arrivals between January 1 and October 5 this year. - AFP
BANGKOK: Thailand has welcomed more than 24 million international tourists so far this year, with Malaysians topping the list of arrivals.
Permanent Secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Natthriya Taweewong, said Thailand recorded 24,574,177 international tourist arrivals between January 1 and October 5 this year, generating approximately 1.135 trillion baht (US$34.9 million) in revenue from international visitor spending.
She said the top five source markets were Malaysia with 3.53 million visitors, followed by China (3.51 million), India (1.81 million), Russia (1.29 million), and South Korea (1.17 million).
"During the past week, the number of international arrivals increased significantly as the country entered the high tourism season, coinciding with long holidays in several countries such as China’s National Day, Chuseok Festival in South Korea, and Gandhi Jayanti in India,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Natthriya projected that international arrivals are expected to remain stable, supported by several positive factors including the Thai government’s Ease of Travelling measures, which facilitate travel to Thailand, and the exemption of the TM.6 immigration form.
She added that the ongoing high season, which continues to attract long-haul markets, along with efforts to encourage airlines to increase flight frequencies, would further boost international arrivals.
Thailand aims to attract at least 38 million international tourists this year. In 2024, the kingdom welcomed more than 35.5 million visitors, generating 1.67 trillion baht in tourism revenue. - Bernama
