Robust baht and travel trends rattle Thai tourism market

Cause for concern: Travellers preparing to board a tuk tuk outside a hotel in Bangkok. Last year, total visits to Thailand from all countries rose more than 7.5% compared to 2017. But after the first half of this year, the increase was only climbing towards 1.5%. — AFP

Bangkok: A strong Thai baht and a slowdown in arrivals from China are battering the kingdom’s moneymaking tourism machine even as the country hopes to welcome a record 40 million visitors by the end of the year.

Most travellers to Thailand are from China and other countries in the region, but millions also come from Europe and the US and currency conversion rates impact decisions when budgeting for trips.