Tourists eagerly gather at the bustling Tha Tien pier, snapping photos with the majestic Chao Phraya River glistening behind them and the iconic Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) standing tall across the waters in Bangkok. It’s June, and Bangkok is alive with an influx of tourists. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
In a remarkable rebound from the pandemic lull, Thailand has welcomed an astonishing 20 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of this year, marking a significant resurgence but still just around half of the pre-COVID numbers. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced in a recent X post that between January 1 and July 25, the country saw a 34% uptick in international visitors compared to last year.
Prime Minister Srettha expressed gratitude to all parties and sectors involved for implementing effective measures such as visa-free travel, increased flight availability, the establishment of an aviation hub, and enhancements to tourist attractions. These efforts have collectively fueled the surge in tourist numbers.
A noteworthy highlight is the historic influx of tourists from Taiwan and India, a success largely attributed to the visa-free scheme. This initiative allows travelers from 93 countries to enjoy up to a 60-day stay without the hassle of applying for a visa. Initially launched late last year, this scheme has been extended until November 11, becoming one of the cornerstone policies propelling Thailand’s tourism boom.
Srettha emphasized the importance of united efforts in driving this growth. “The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is curating monthly activities to attract tourists from various countries. I urge the tourism sector to be prepared because Thailand’s grand gateway is now open,” he remarked.
Despite this encouraging progress, the Tourism and Sports Ministry highlighted that the projected 35 million visitors generating 3 trillion baht in revenue for this year still falls short of Thailand’s 2019 record, which saw the nation pocket 1.91 trillion baht from 40 million tourists.
Ministry data reveals that from January 1 to July 25 this year, Thailand welcomed precisely 20,001,405 visitors. Leading the pack were tourists from mainland China (3,994,343 visitors), followed by Malaysia (2,784,598), India (1,170,419), South Korea (1,053,077), Russia (987,861), Laos (714,564), Taiwan (610,270), Vietnam (597,695), and the United States (575,268).
On the long-haul front, Russia emerged as the top source, trailing behind were the US, Germany (481,733 visitors), France (420,446), and the United Kingdom (539,884).
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, shared a positive outlook for the long-haul market. He stated that TAT anticipates the number of long-haul visitors and the revenue generated to exceed 2019’s records. TAT’s strategy includes enticing European tourists to Thailand in the year’s second half, leveraging events like the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as an excellent opportunity to attract French visitors.
The Paris TAT office collaborated with Carrefour Voyages, a French tour company, from May 20 to June 16 to promote package trips to Thailand, with prices ranging from €1,469 to €1,849. Simultaneously, in Malaysia, TAT teamed up with tour operators to launch a unique journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai on the “Special Charter Sawasdee Train.” This scenic trip, welcoming Malaysian tourists on board, is happening today and tomorrow.
It’s evident that Thailand is bouncing back with vibrance and enthusiasm, ready to charm the world once more with its cultural richness and stunning landscapes. With strategic initiatives and an open-door policy, the Land of Smiles is set to reclaim its status as one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations.
It’s great to see Thailand making such a comeback! I visited last year and it’s truly a beautiful country worth exploring.
I agree, Alice! But I’m worried about the environmental impact of having so many tourists back. Places like Maya Bay were damaged by overtourism before.
That’s a valid point. Hopefully, the authorities have learned from past mistakes and will manage the influx better this time.
Honestly, the local economy needs it. Tourism drives a huge part of their revenue.
20 million visitors in 7 months? That’s crazy! I wonder how they handle the crowd control.
With visa-free travel and more flights, they must have implemented some effective strategies. But still, it must be overwhelming for the residents.
Perhaps they’ve improved infrastructure? I’ve read they’ve made enhancements to tourist attractions.
Let’s hope that’s true. Nothing ruins a vacation like overcrowded destinations.
Thai government is doing a good job boosting tourism. But what about the cultural impact? Too many tourists can dilute local traditions.
That’s a fair concern, Eduardo. Preservation of culture should go hand-in-hand with tourism. Hopefully, TAT has plans to address this.
Exactly! It’s a delicate balance. They need tourists, but not at the cost of losing what makes Thailand unique.
I’ve planned my trip to Thailand next month. Can anyone recommend must-visit spots?
Bangkok is a must, of course, but don’t miss Chiang Mai and the islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Tao.
I’m concerned about COVID-19 variants. Is it safe to travel there right now?
Thailand has strict health protocols in place. But yes, it’s always good to check the latest travel advisories and health guidelines.
I visited recently and found everything quite well-managed. Just stay updated on the latest health measures.
The visa-free scheme is genius! Makes travel so much more convenient.
Absolutely! It’s one of the main reasons I’m planning a visit. Cutting through red tape is such a relief.
But will this lead to more illegal stays and overstay fines? Not everyone will leave on time.
Over 40 million tourists back in 2019? That’s amazing. They’re still catching up but 20 million already is impressive.
Indeed, but it also shows how reliant Thailand is on tourism. Diversifying their economy might be wise in the long run.
Good point, Leo. Relying too much on one sector can be risky, especially with unforeseen events like the pandemic.
I hope with more tourists, there will be better respect for Thai culture and environment. Education programs could be useful.
I find it fascinating that Russia is the top source of long-haul tourism. I wouldn’t have guessed that!
As much as I love travel, there’s a worry about the pandemic re-sparking with mass tourism everywhere. We need to stay cautious.
Is it just me or does anyone else feel like some places in Thailand are too touristy? Feels like you miss out on the authentic experience.
There are still hidden gems off the beaten path. You just have to know where to look!
True, I’ll have to dig deeper next time I visit.
Events like the 2024 Summer Olympics hosting French tourists sound like a smart strategy to boost numbers even more.
The numbers are encouraging, but I hope they can avoid overtourism issues. A sustainable approach is absolutely necessary.
There’s a lot of history and culture that needs to be respected. Tourists should be mindful of that.
I can’t wait to see Wat Arun and other attractions in person! Photos just don’t do them justice.
Absolutely! Being there is a whole different experience compared to just seeing pictures.
All these efforts to attract tourists are great, but I hope Thailand also invests in local communities and infrastructure. The revenue should benefit locals too.
Curating monthly activities to attract different tourists sounds like a fantastic way to keep the momentum going!
Kudos to TAT for their hard work. Reinventing tourism policies definitely seems to be paying off.
I hope there are more eco-friendly tours and activities being promoted. Tourism should not come at the cost of nature.
The influx from Taiwan and India showcases just how effective the visa-free scheme is. Other countries might want to adopt similar policies.
Will all this tourism lead to an increase in prices for the locals? That sometimes happens and it’s a downside to such large-scale tourism.