Tourism to limit Thai economic pain amid political noise

Strong support: Tourists on the Mai Khao Beach as a plane lands at the Phuket International Airport. The influx of visitors – totalling 6.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared with 498,000 a year ago – is aiding greater business activity in Thailand. — AFP

BANGKOK: Thailand hasn’t been spared the political uncertainty that usually comes with elections, yet foreign tourists returning by the millions this year are counted on to help shield South-East Asia’s second-largest economy.

The influx of visitors – totalling 6.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared with 498,000 a year ago – is aiding greater business and consumer activity in Thailand.