how many american tourists visit thailand each year

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54+ thailand travel & tourism statistics [fresh for 2024].

Thailand is a tropical and cultural paradise.

With magnificent beaches, iconic markets, delicious cuisine, and tons of temples, it’s definitely one of the world’s most famous travel destinations!

But how many tourists does Thailand get each year?

How much does tourism contribute to the Thai economy?

Whether you’re a travel aficionado or simply planning a trip to this Southeast Asian country , you might want to know some of these Thai travel facts!

If you’re visiting Thailand soon, you won’t want to miss our handy 3-week itinerary too .

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Sources : We will mention where we got the source for each statistic, or you can scroll down to the end of this post for all the references and research data used.

Travellerspoint

How many people travel to Thailand?

In 2022, Thailand had 11.2 million inbound arrivals, a 72% decrease from 2019, when it received 39.8 international arrivals.

What is the rank of Thailand in tourism?

Thailand is the 8th most visited country worldwide. It recorded 39.8 million overseas arrivals in 2019.

Meanwhile, Bangkok is the second most visited city in the world, with 21.2 million visitors. This should be no surprise considering the myriad of activities and attractions in Bangkok .

Which country travels to Thailand the most?

• Between January and October 2023, the country that visits Thailand the most is Malaysia (3.65 million visitors).

How much does travel and tourism contribute to Thailand GDP?

• The latest figures are yet to be found out, but in 2019, travel and tourism contributed 21.9% to GDP of Thailand.

In total in 2021, the the tourism industry's contribution to Thai GDP was approximately 356 billion Thai baht.

At a glance: Thailand travel and tourism statistics

• In 2022, Thailand had 11.2 million inbound arrivals, a 72% decrease from 2019.
• The most visited region in Thailand for foreign visitors is Bangkok, with 17.36 million visitors from January to August 2023.
• Bangkok is the second most visited city in the world, with 21.2 million visitors.
• In September 2023, Thailand received around 19.51 million local tourists, a slight derease from August 2023.
• The number of outbound travelers in Thailand increased steadily from 2013 to 2021, from 6 million to 9.1 million.
• In 2021, the tourism industry directly contributed to around 136 billion Thai baht to the country’s GDP.
• In 2019, hotels were the most preferred accommodation for international tourists when visiting Thailand, with 34.46 million tourists staying in hotels. 
• From January to August 2023, the most popular region in Thailand for domestic tourists was central Thailand, with 55 million domestic visitors during that period.

Thailand inbound tourism statistics

How many tourists visit Thailand every year?

1. In 2022, Thailand had 11.2 million inbound arrivals, a 72% decrease from 2019.

2. in total from january to october 2023, thailand welcomed 22.2 million foreign tourists, a significant increase from 7.1 million international tourists between january to october 2022..

[Ministry of Tourism and Sports]

3. The most visited region in Thailand for foreign visitors is Bangkok, with 17.36 million visitors from January to August 2023.

4. bangkok is the second most visited city in the world, with 21.2 million visitors..

Bangkok is just behind Hong Kong (26.6 million visitors) and ahead of London ( 19.2 million visitors ).

In 2021, Bangkok was in the first place but has since been replaced by Hong Kong.

5. Thailand is the 8th most visited country worldwide. It recorded 39.8 overseas arrivals in 2019.

[World Population Review]

Demographics of tourists in Thailand

6. between january and october 2023, the country that visits thailand the most is malaysia (3.65 million visitors)., 7. the second leading foreign tourist market in thailand is china, with 2.78 million chinese tourists visiting thailand from january to october 2023., 8. the republic of korea and india follow close behind, with 1.32 and 1.3 million visitors respectively from january to october 2023., 9. the us is the ninth country with the highest number of tourists in thailand..

Between January and October 2023, 711,669 American tourists visited Thailand .

10. The top 10 country in terms of foreign tourists in Thailand is rounded up by the UK, with 623,638 visitors between January and October 2023.

Between January and October 2023, 623,638 British tourists visited Thailand .

11. Between January and October 2023, 72.7% of international visitors in Thailand came from Asia and the Pacific region (16.14 million).

Meanwhile, as a continent, a total of 4.48 million European tourists came to Thailand from January to October 2023.

12. French residents also visited Thailand a lot, with over 425 thousand coming between January and October 2023.

There were a total of 425,750 tourists from France in Thailand between January and October 2023.

Thailand domestic tourism and outbound tourism

What is the outbound tourism of Thailand?

13. In September 2023, Thailand received around 19.51 million local tourists, a slight derease from August 2023.

14. the number of outbound travelers in thailand increased steadily from 2013 to 2021, from 6 million to 9.1 million..

15. In Thailand, the number of outbound travel trips as a percentage of total number of households was 40.1% n 2016. This was predicted to grow to 50.2% in 2021.

The outbound trips-to-households ratio in Thailand was projected to grow but did not take the Covid-19 pandemic into consideration. Unfortunately, the latest figures have yet to be updated by official tourism boards.

16. In 2022, 42.63 thousand Thai residents travelled to Indonesia.

17. based on 2021 numbers, the average thai tourist in indonesia spent $5,100 per visit. this is higher than the average $3,100 spent by international tourists in indonesia., 18. in 2022, thai airports registered 38.78 million domestic passengers. domestic passengers made up 61.8% of all air traffic movement in the country that year., 19. according to the european travel commission, 52% of thai nationals who travel are female..

Just over half (52%) of Thai travellers are female .

20. The peak travel month for outbound travel among Thais is October (19%), while the least popular month is September (2%).

21. the majority of thais visiting europe stays in a 4- or 5-star hotel (52%)..

31% stays in 3-star or budget hotels, while only 7% stay in an Airbnb while visiting Europe.

22. 53% of Thai holidaymakers travel with family, while an additional 22% do so with family and friends.

Interestingly, family travel is a huge trend among Thai holidaymakers, with 53% travelling with family .

Only 7% of Thai who travels is travelling alone .

Economic impact of tourism in Thailand statistics

23. in 2021, the tourism industry directly contributed to around 136 billion thai baht to the country’s gdp..

This was still significantly lower than its pre-pandemic figures, which was at 1,243 billion Thai baht in 2019.

24. Meanwhile, the tourism industry indirectly contributed around 220 billion Thai baht to Thailand's GDP. 

25. in total in 2021, the the tourism industry's contribution to thai gdp was approximately 356 billion thai baht., 26. the latest figures are yet to be found out, but in 2019, travel and tourism contributed 21.9% to gdp of thailand..

This equalled to 4.9% of GDP growth in Thailand.

27. In September 2023, international tourism receipts in Thailand were 92.06 billion Thai baht, a decrease compared to August 2023.

28. meanwhile, the tourism receipts from domestic tourism in september 2023 amounted to around 62.5 billion thai baht..

29. In 2023, the total revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry in Thailand is expected to hit US$ 3.1 billion.

This is higher than the pre-pandemic figure of US$ 2.82 billion.

30. Tourism in Thailand is projected to reach a yearly revenue of US$ 4.02 billion by 2027.

31. hotels contribute to the largest share of tourism revenue in thailand, generating us$ 1.34 billion in 2023 alone..

This is a significant increase from the US$ 624 million in 2020 , and slightly above the 2019 figure of US$ 1.31 billion.

32. Hotel revenue in Thailand is projected to reach a yearly revenue of US$ 1.76 billion by 2027.

33. In 2023, the second largest contributor to tourism revenue in Thailand is package holidays with US$ 1.09 billion of revenue.

34. Although it doesn’t take up the largest share of revenue, camping has been experiencing a significant growth in revenue, reaching 318% in 2022 and 95.4% in 2023.

35. In terms of average revenue per user (ARPU), the segment contributing the highest figure is cruises, which generated US $635.50 revenue per tourist.

Employment in Thai tourism industry

How many people are employed in the Thai tourism industry?

36. In 2021, the tourism sector in Thailand employed nearly 4 million people, a slight decrease from 2020.

37. in 2022, thailand ranked seventh worldwide in terms of country with the highest number of people employed in the tourism industry., travel accommodation in thailand statistics.

What is the occupancy rate of hotels in Thailand?

38. In 2019, hotels were the most preferred accommodation for international tourists when visiting Thailand, with 34.46 million tourists staying in hotels. 

Apartments were also highly preferred by foreign tourists in Thailand.

39. In 2022, international visitors represented 8.23% of the total guests of accommodations in Thailand.

40. In South Thailand, international visitors accounted for 21.8% of all guests of accommodations in 2022.

This shows that the southern region in Thailand was the most popular for foreign tourists in 2022.

41. In 2022, around 17.2% of guests booked their accommodations in Thailand for three months in advance, an increase from 2021.

42. the average daily rental rate of accommodations in thailand was 1063 thai baht in 2022, higher than the previous year., 43. in 2022, accommodations within the central region of thailand had an occupancy rate of 49.3%., 44. in 2023, the sales value of the accommodation business in thailand is expected to hit 2.3 billion u.s. dollars., 45. in 2020, the average length of stay for international hotel guests in thailand was around 12.54 days. .

However, this data was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns worldwide, which left tourists stuck at their vacation destinations.

Travel behavior & trends in Thailand statistics

What is the trend of tourism in Thailand?

46. From January to August 2023, the most popular region in Thailand for domestic tourists was central Thailand, with 55 million domestic visitors during that period.

47. the southern region of thailand had the highest influx of international tourists in 2022., 48. in 2022, the southern region has the highest income from foreigners in all provinces at 143,595 million baht..

[Thailand Government]

49. Meanwhile, the northern region received a total income of 6,756 million baht from foreign tourists

Chiang Mai with the highest income at 4,246 million baht, followed by Chiang Rai at 1,585.4 million baht.

Chiang Rai has a lot of interesting things to do , and attracts many tourists every year.

Another beautiful destination in Northern Thailand is Pai, which although is not the most popular, is home to incredible spots and activities .

50. In June 2022, 74% of Thai respondents preferred personal cars as their means of traveling in Thailand, compared to 8% that chose public transportation.

51. the same june 2022 survey revealed that 76.4% of respondents who didn’t want to travel in thailand was due to the expensiveness of fuel. only 41.1% stated that they were still afraid of covid-19., 52. in 2022, airports in thailand recorded a total of 62.8 million passengers..

24 million were international passengers.

53. According to the Price of Travel Backpacker Index 2023, Chiang Mai, Thailand is the fifth cheapest destination for backpackers, with a $21.45 daily rate.

[Price of Travel]

Chiang Mai costs an average of $21.45 daily, making it a great destination for budget travel!

The daily rate inclues a dorm bed in a hostel, 3 budget meals, 2 public transport rides, 1 paid cultural attraction, and 3 cheap beers as an “entertainment fund”.

Bangkok sits on 14th place of cheapest backpacking destination with a $27.01 daily rate.

54. In 2023, 64% of all sales in travel and tourism in Thailand are made online.

Online booking and sales makes up 64% of all sales in travel and tourism in Thailand, and this is expected to reach 72% by 20207.

55. In 2023, 90.42% of all tourists in Thailand visit for leisure purposes.

Only 9.58% of all visitors in Thailand come for business purposes.

That wraps up the latest, most relevant statistics about Thai tourism…

Did we miss any important aspect about travel and tourism in Thailand?

Drop a comment down below!

Oh, if Thailand is next on your travel list, you might want to check out our island hopping guide !

In the meantime, here are some more insightful travel stats:

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• Thailand Government

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5 million people can't be wrong

Tourism In Thailand Statistics 2023: All You Need To Know

by GoWithGuide travel specialist: Ajitsa A.

# travelthailand

Ah, Thailand. The enchanting country that inspires visions of crystal blue waters, vibrant cuisine, awe-inspiring temples, and dizzying information spread across several tabs? Wait, one of these doesn't belong. 

Planning a tour of Thailand shouldn't be rocket science. That's why we're cutting to the good stuff with everything you need to know about the Land of Smiles. Give your search engine some much-needed rest and discover what awaits whether you decide to visit bustling  Bangkok  ,  stay tucked away in the fields of  Chiang Mai , or have a  Thai tour guide   handle your itinerary. As they say in Thailand, pai kan (let's go)!

 The Land Of Smiles: Thailand By The Numbers 

At A Glance: Top Ten Tourism Statistics In Thailand 

Thailand is the 8th most popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and breathtaking landscapes. It's no wonder why they received 39.9 million tourists in 2019. Though they suffered a dip in 2022 with only 11.8 million tourists, they're recovering quickly.  In fact, tourism in Thailand is set to make a comeback in 2023 with an estimated 25 million tourists projected to flock to the peninsula. ​

• 25.8 million - The number of tourists that visited Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city
• Thailand   is the   8th most   popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and breathtaking landscapes. It's no wonder why they received   39.9 million   tourists in 2019. Though they suffered a dip in 2022 with only 11.8 million tourists, they're recovering quickly. 
• In fact, Thai tourism is set to make a comeback in 2023 with an estimated   25 million   tourists projected to flock to the peninsula.
• 167 USD - The average amount of money a tourist spends per day
• 9 days - the average time tourists spend in Thailand
• 117.5 billion   USD - The amount in dollars that tourism contributed to Thailand’s GDP for 2019  
• 21.9% - The percentage that tourism and travel contributed to the nation's GDP
• 40,000 - the number of temples in Thailand 
• 3000 - The number of elephants used for tourism purposes  
• 71.8 million - Thailand’s current population, an increase 
• 0.56 - the number of tourists per resident in Thailand
•   513,115 square km (198,115 sq m) - The size of the country, meaning you've got a lot to explore! 

Why We Love Thailand   

So what makes Thailand a popular tourist destination? Let’s find out.  

The Sites - as one of the world's most visually stunning countries, Thailand's cities have the perfect blend of outdoor enchantment and architectural awe. What's Thailand's most distinctive trait? Let's take a look. 

• Bangkok - the capital city is home to amazing structures like the Grand Palace, the Wat Arun temple, and our Damnoen Saduak floating market tour   where 10,000 boats are masterfully navigated by vendors selling fresh Thai ingredients. 
• Phuket - Thailand's largest island drifts along the Andaman Sea, with nearby beaches drawing in visitors thanks to its thriving  water sports   culture. 
• Chiang Mai - Welcome to the largest city in Northern Thailand! Millions flock to this province for various reasons, including the 117 temples, and vibrant  nightlife . 
• Chon Buri - Not too far from Bangkok (80 kilometers), this seaside settlement is a  seafood lover’s   dream.
• Ayutthaya - This UNESCO  World Heritage center   is home to several ruins of the Siamese Kingdom. Touring this archaeological site takes you back to the 14th-18th century.

Travel Q&A : What is the number one best tourist destination in Thailand? The Grand Palace in Bangkok, also known as the former residence of Thailand's royal family, is one of the most frequented structures in the world, drawing in  8 million visitors   yearly.

The Food - It's no secret that Thailand is the King of street food. It's so beloved that most residents prefer eating out to cooking at home. Here are some Thai treats to add to your culinary bucket list;

• Pad Thai (Thai fried noodles) - This world-famous dish has its roots in Thailand. With tender flat rice noodles, sweet sauces, umami flavor, and crispy fried eggs, it's often considered Thailand's signature meal. 
• Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) - Popular throughout the country, this Northern Thai classic highlights the crunchy and sharp green papaya mixed with carrots, chilies, lime juice, green beans, and so much more!  
• Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Thai green curry) - Coconut is a beloved Thai ingredient that shines bright in this savory, slightly sweet, and fragrant curry.  
• Khao Niew Mamuang (mango with sticky rice) - Cleanse your palate with this traditional sticky rice dessert. Thailand’s staple grain is enhanced with creamy condensed milk and fresh mangoes. 
• Satay (skewered meat) - You'll find some form of skewered, fire-roasted meat on every corner. From sweet and sticky pork to chicken heads, there are enough flavor combinations  to last a lifetime.  

Travel Treat : You may have seen dramatic videos on the internet highlighting Thailand’s exotic snacks, but it’s all true! Thai people take pride in knowing how to transform critters like cockroaches and grasshoppers into savory delights. Talk to your private guide about an in-depth GoWithGuide f ood tour. 

The Nature - Nowhere else will you find a landscape so diverse it houses both the second largest land mammal (Asian elephant) and the smallest one (the adorable bumblebee bat). Looking to enjoy Thailand's beautiful nature? Here's how.

• Jet Skis and Beach activities at Saigaeo
• Elephant Trekking in Phuket 
• Catamaran Yacht Ride in Pattaya
• Waterfalls & Caves in Chiang Mai  

Travel Q&A : Is Thailand one of the most visited countries? Yes! Thailand was ranked  the 8th most visited country in the world in 2019, beating out Germany and the United Kingdom. 

Who Else Loves Thailand

Okay, so everybody loves Thailand, but who can you expect to run into while touring this brilliant country? Here’s the tourist breakdown by nationality (pre-pandemic).  

• China - The Thai  Ministry of Tourism and Sports   reported that in 2019, over 11 million tourists came from mainland China, contributing to 28% of Thailand’s tourism. 
• Malaysia - Coming in is Malaysia, Thailand’s border mate with 4.2 million visitors and 10% of the tourism share. 
• India - Over 1.9 million Indian residents visited the Southeast Asian jewel in 2019. Indian visitors made up 10% of tourist shares in 2022 due to China's total lock down. 
• Korea - 1.8 million Koreans touched down in Thailand throughout 2019. 
• Laos - Neighboring Laos brought in 1.8 million visitors. 
• Japan - 1.7 million 
• Russia - 1.4 million 
• Singapore - 1.1 million 
• The United States - 1.1 million  
• Hong Kong - 1 million  

Travel Bonus : Is Thailand visa-free for U.S. citizens? Yes! No need to book appointments or go through long processes for a visa. You can travel for  up to 29 days   without one!   

Quick Thailand Travel Trends 

A speedy look at Thailand’s monthly tourist visiting trends 

• January to February - The Chinese new year is set to attract  30,000 Chinese   visitors and 500,000 international travelers (2023).
• March & April - 543,000 guests   flew in for The Songkran Festival. Most of them were from China, looking to splash in the traditional Thai new year with plenty of lighthearted water fights (2019).
• May - Thailand's monsoon season starts, decreasing tourist activity significantly, and some hotels along the coast shut down.
• June-September - This is Thailand's low season, with heavy trains affecting most day-to-day activities and tour highlights.
• October-December - As monsoon season wears off, travelers flock to enjoy Thailand's cool breezes and steady weather patterns. The peak season ranges from November to March drawing in visitors to Chiang Mai to celebrate the floating candle festival.   

This vs That - Thailand's Tourism Recovery (2019 vs 2022)  

Has tourism in Thailand recovered from the pandemic? Yes and no. Tourism was the industry hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Thailand went from 40 million tourists in 2019 to just over  11 million   tourists in 2022. Though that's a drastic drop, it’s a rapid improvement, as the previous year saw only 428,000 visitors. Though around  25 million   travelers are expected in 2023, it will take some time before Thailand sees record highs again.

Travel Truth : The Land of Smiles is enchanting, but what are the disadvantages of tourism in Thailand? The  Thailand Development Research Institute   cites coral pollution due to littering from excessive beach parties, environmental strain from over-tourism, and troubling practices within Thailand's controversial sex tourism industry as some of the few pitfalls of the highly successful tourism industry.  

Explore Thailand responsibly and avoid adding to the negative side of tourism by hiring a  local private guide   who tailors your itinerary to match your desires while keeping local travel standards at the forefront.

Life in Thailand: What To Expect in The Land of Smiles 

You might be a guest, but Thailand is the best place to experience local living. Here are some things to keep in mind while living within this Southeast Asian jewel;

Getting Around -Transport can be tricky in bustling metropolitan areas like Phuket or Bangkok, but these methods are sure to get you where you need to go. 

• Tuk Tuk - this staple of Southeast Asian travel is so prevalent in Thailand that there are over 35,000 three-wheelers in operation. Keep your guide close as foreigners can sometimes be tricked into paying high fare prices. 

Travel Bonus - Want to add some fun to your Thai transport experience? Try our night time  Tuk Tuk tour filled with tasty street food stops along the way  

• Taxi - Taxis are plentiful in nearly all major cities, but they can be quite expensive.  
• Motorcycles - Strap in and make sure you have a helmet because these guys are fast, especially when zipping through traffic.  

Weather Check: Your Guide To Thailand’s Climate

Thailand is known for its diverse climate and blooming ecosystems that give us unique wildlife and weather. So what is the best time to visit Thailand? Let's look at what the  weather   has to say. 

• April tends to be the hottest month for those arriving in Bangkok, with average highs of 30.5°C (87°F). Overall, Thailand has annual highs of 37°C (98.6°F). This is considered the peak of Thailand’s March-May  hot season . 
• December brings about the year's lowest temperatures at 21°C (69.8°F). This is the lowest stage in Thailand's November to February cool season. 
• June-October is when the rainy/monsoon season kicks off with highs of 252 mm rainfall in September. 
• January holds the highest average for sunshine with Bangkok recording 273 hours of sunshine . 

Do’s & Don'ts  

Is Thailand friendly to tourists? Yes! There's a reason why they're known as the land of smiles. Thai people are hospitable and kind, but if you want to keep your trip hassle-free, consider these daily practices.

What To Avoid: Red Flags For Travelers

As friendly and accommodating as this nation is, the Thai government has pointed out several  safety gaps   that need attention. Here are some  red flags   you should look out for. 

• Join the Thai nightlife with caution - Though it can be an amazing experience, night touring opens you up to several tourist traps and threats, such as drug/sex trafficking, both of which have serious legal consequences. 
• Large, rowdy crowds - With civil unrest becoming common, it’s best to stay away from large, energetic crowds. A mild skirmish can become violent quickly, especially in political hot zones. Talk to your guide about where to go and where to avoid.  
• The taxi scam - As you leave your hotel, some taxi drivers might offer special tours but instead take you to places where you can purchase items from vendors. Don't get into any vehicle that your tour guide hasn't cleared as legitimate. 

Okay, if that last bit overwhelmed you, don’t freak out. You can still have a wholesome Thai adventure without the scary safety concerns and dizzying public transport maze to conquer. 

That’s where we come in. GoWithGuide’s selection of local private guides who know the nation’s ins and outs will help you bypass any confusion and avoid annoying travel downers like;

• Large tour groups 
• Unsafe tour areas 
• A rushed schedule influenced by strangers
• A heavy language barrier
• Getting lost at hectic or crowded venues  
• Embarrassing or legally damaging cultural missteps     

Ready to leave the stress behind and plan your personalized Thailand adventure? Get in touch with a Thai tour guide and put the smile back into travel planning. 

P.S. Looking to travel with companions? The more the merrier! Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Thailand as you are.

Popular Thailand Tour Guides

Ladies & Gentlemen, Please feel free to call me "Tom". Being a native Bangkokian, I was born, has grown up and worked in longer than 30 years. The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is mixed together between new and old, modern and traditional. No matter what kind of tourists you are, people watching lovers, history/culture learners, shopping paradise, gourmet tasty foods…, Bangkok is for sure the right spot for you to land and enjoy it, then I’m pleased to show you around and guide through it, sharing its background story not only its well-known attractions but also off the beaten paths and hidden gems. If you need to find something unique, I’m ready in taking you to its suburb and vicinity, for example, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan and many more. Come with me and let’s marvel at the world famous Thai temples or wander among world heritage sites, breathe the fresh air along the white-sandy beach, view Thai local ways of life or visit charming old china town- or scary museum in the hospital. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group and any other criteria possibly have is based on what you informed me. If this is your first visit, Bangkok certainly will log you in with its magic spell and I’ll try every ways possible to let you want to come back, so let me be a part of your great journey in my hometown today. Drop me your words in need and I’ll generate a tailor-made tour according to your own interests and conditions. Thanks a lot and see you soon, Tom, ………………………………………………………………………… Credentials; - Certified and Licensed Tour Guide from The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) : A qualified tour guide, who’s legally able leading tours in Bangkok and all over Thailand since 2013. - Master Degree in Communicative English from the public university in Thailand since 2005.                                                                                                                                  

We have 12 years of experience in food guiding tour in Bangkok. Our tour only conduct in English and our clients are mainly from English speaking countries. We bring our customers to taste 7 different kind of dishes.                                                                                                                                  

Chatthabhol J.

Sawadee everyone. i'm petch, and i am a local guide from chiang mai, north thailand. i am fluent in english and also have a tour guide license. i really enjoyed traveling and making new friends. while i travel.  i was born in ching mai, and i got to experience the tourist attractions in chiang mai and chiang rai provinces: exp, temples, national parks, local restaurants,local people, hill tribe villages, coffee shops, etc. i would love to travel to new places in thailand, explore the world, and share my experiences to help others make the right decision or schedule when they want to visit a new place. thank you so much                                                                                                                                   .

Pattaranin P.

I love to drive because i want to travelling and see what it waitting for me at the destination but i will be cool to have someone share great moment together                                                                                                                                  , plan your trip to thailand.

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

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Thailand Tourism Statistics for 2021

The Ministry of Tourism of Thailand has published the latest Tourism Statistics for the past year 2021 . As you know, Thailand started the Phuket Sandbox program on 1st July 2021 and later on, on 1st November , started the Test and Go program. Those 2 options allowed tourism to travel back to Thailand.

Feel free to use the search box to find some specific nationality:

Some interesting data from the Thailand Tourism Statistics 2021

▪️ The total of tourists that arrived to Thailand on 2021 was 427,869 people. Far from the 39.9 million of 2019.

▪️ 54% of them arrived in December.

▪️ 75% of them arrived after the Test and Go was approved.

▪️ 58% of them were from Europe.

▪️ Only 13,043 tourist were from China. In 2019 they were 10.9 million.

▪️ 24,899 tourists were from Germany, making it the country’s largest source of visitors, followed by United Kingdom (21,311 pax) and Russia (21,205 pax).

Let us design your trip to Thailand. Find out more!

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Tourism Statistics Thailand 2000-2023

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Last update this page : Januari 2024.

See graph of quarterly arrivals updated at bottom of page, updated till last quarter of 2023.

Thailand has restarted its tourism industry for real in the middle of 2022, which showed arrivals of 11,153,026 people by the end of that year. Expectations were very high for 2023. Arrivals were steadily above 2 million visitors each month of the year and even passed the three million mark in December 2023. A total of 28,150,016 visitors arrived. This was an increase of 152.4% over the previous year. In the last year before Covid (2019) there were 39,916,251 visitors, so the present number is still 29.5% lower.

Despite this renewed interest in Thailand (despite geopolitical and financial crises abroad) was splendid. Nevertheless, the Thai government was not fully impressed. The revenue from tourism seems to be needed, and various measures were taken to promote the country for foreign tourists. Mainly it has become easier to get visas and allowed length of stay for citizens of many countries has been extended. See quarterly arrivals at the bottom of this page. Arrivals in the last quarter of 2023 surpassed 8 million visitors. The top 5 of countries whose inhabitants visited Thailand in 2023 (between brackets arrivals in 2019, and % change) : 1. Malaysia : 4,626,422 (4,274,458 ; + 8.2 %) : lots of day trips from the country bordering Thailand. 2. China : 3,524,095 (11,138,658) ;: - 68.4 %) 3. South Korea : 1,660,042 (1,880,465 ; -11.7 %) 4. India : 1,628,542 (1,961,069 ; -17 %) 5. Russia : 1,482,611 (1,481,837 ; +0.0005 %) Europe : 5,962,234 (6,531,220 ; -8.7%) Notes : China is clearly lagging other countries. We suspect Chinese people are traveling less in general, maybe because of the local economic situation. There was also a shooting incident in Bangkok, where a Chinese visitor was killed in a shopping mall, but we do not think this can have been a major factor. Anyway, visa are now easier for Chinese (and other) people to obtain. When reading local newspapers and listening to local news, Thailand is swamped by Russian visitors. In effect, there are about exactly the same number of visitors as before the pandemic (so relatively speaking...). European tourists have resumed visiting more than Asian tourists on average.

Tourist Arrivals last few Years before the Covid-19 Pandemic :

The number of tourists visiting Thailand increased from 35.35 million in 2017 to 38.28 million in 2018 and then 39.92 million in 2019. The increase in visitors from 2018 to 2019 was limited to 4.24 %, which actually was less than Thai authorities expected. The ever rising number of tourists arriving came to an abrupt end from March 2020 onwards. 2020 saw only a total of 6,702,396 tourists, almost all arriving in the first three months of the year. From March 2020 to end August 2020 no tourists were allowed in. Thereafter in the last three months of 2020 a total of 10,822 tourists arrived under very special stringent conditions.

Lots of people in the hospitality sector lost their jobs and/or are in dire straits. As 2020, 2021 was a dismal year with hardly any visitors arriving, but we had the 'opening' of the country as from 1 November 2021. This appears to have been an audacious move, since at the time of the announcement of the initiative, a new wave of Covid-19 (the delta strain) was hitting the country hard, much more so than during the initial infections during 2020. But it likely needed to be done, since lots of people (and a lot of smaller SME companies) have a significantly reduced income, and the government has limited resources to continue providing for them. However the impact of this relaxation of travel conditions was limited, with little effect on number of arrivals. Except for the last three months of 2021, monthly arrivals were between 5,000 and 20,000 each month, which for Thailand is a very low number. As seen in the graph before, some more tourists started coming during the last quarter of 2021. Things improved especially from the middle of 2022, when most restrictions were lifted.

In usual circumstances, tourism plays an important role in the Thai economy. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC, recently renamed from NESDB) stated begin February 2019 that Tourism accounted for 18.4 % (or close to one fifth) of the GDP of Thailand. It had risen from a level in 14.2 % of GDP just four years earlier. Thailand expected ever more income from its tourism sector. It was never enough. However, as we know now, the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to that, at least for the last few years.

A relatively recent development has been the ever increasing number of Chinese mainland visitors. They surpassed 10.5 million visitors in 2018, making up 27.5 % of the total. Their number increased further to 10.99 million in 2019, and the increased number of Chinese visitors was quite obvious on Bangkok's streets and in its shopping malls.

2022-2023 : TAKE-OFF ?

There were modestly more visitors during the first quarter of 2022. 497,693 tourists arrived. As a result of reduced restrictions for travel, both in Thailand and worldwide, the number of visitors 'skyrocketed' to 1,582,257 in the second quarter of 2022. The number of arrivals further increased to 3,608,135 in the third quarter (when travel to Thailand for all practical purposes was unrestricted) and to 5,464,991 in the fourth quarter. The 4th quarter saw a reemergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in China, but soon after restrictions in China suddenly were lifted. The 4th quarter saw only 54,146 Chinese visitors. However, they started coming in earnest during the 1th Quarter of 2023, with 517,270 arrivals. Their reappearance is already quite visible in Bangkok. Nevertheless, since December 2022 till September 2023, the number of arrivals has been a stationary or slowly increasing. However, the last quarter (especially arrivals in December increased) saw more than 8 million arrivals.

Long-Term View : Boom Years for Thai Tourism Industry

In 2001 Thailand received 10.13 million visitors. In the early years of the millenium there was a slow rise, later a very fast increase in tourists arrivals. 18 years later in 2019, we had 39.8 million visitors, so the number quadrupled in that time period.

With 10,994,721 visitors in 2019 China provided the largest number of tourists (27.6% of total), while the country hardly provided any visitors in the first years of this millenium.

Along the way, since the turn of the century there have been a number of temporary setbacks for the Thai tourism industry. You can sometimes see their effect on the number of visitors for a certain year in the graphs on this page. After a health scare, a political uncertainty, or a natural disaster, 'traditionally' the number of visitors decreases during just 2 or 3 months, and then picks up again. Memories from travelers are short.

The following occurred the past 2 decades :

• Post-Tsunami 2004
• Global recession and riots in Thailand 2009
• Riots and political uncertainty in 2010. Major flooding of a large part of Thailand and northern Bangkok end 2011.
• Political demonstrations end 2013 and ongoing into 2014. Anti-goverment demonstrations occupied most of the first half of 2014, and were followed by declaration of martial law, and a military (bloodless)
• Coup d'Etat on 22 May 2014. Bombing of the Erawan Shrine on 17 August 2015.
• Crack-down on zero-dollar (Chinese) tour groups at the end of 2016 had a significant effect on Chinese arrivals. This persisted during the first quarter of 2017, but overall the number of visitors kept on rising in 2016 and 2017.
• 2018 : boat accident in July in Phuket with 47 Chinese casualties. Chinese arrivals decreased during the subsequent months.
• Covid-19 Pandemic from early 2020 till 2023 (?)

It is safe to say that health scares and the global recession had a more pronounced impact than local political uncertainly, riots and demonstration. Thailand experiences an unstable political scene, but overall fortunately the tourism industry continued to grow with only a moderate hick-up during the first three quarters of 2014.

Tourism Industry in Thailand. Domestic Component

Data on tourism income in 2019 and arrivals by nationality and region for the same year.

Interestingly, the tourism sector does not only depend only on foreign visitors. The number of domestic tourists may actually dwarf the number of foreign tourists,but domestic tourists do spend much less per day and their trips are shorter.

Some numbers :

As noted above, the number of international arrivals increases year by year till 2019, bringing in lots of revenue. Averaged over three years from 2017 to 2019 (before Covid), the international traveler earned Thailand 49,661 Thai baht per person (let's say 50,000 baht).

The number of domestic travelers is actually much higher, and reached almost 167 million in 2019. Averaged over the same three years, a domestic traveler spends 6.389 Thai baht on his trips.

When looking at the larger picture, it is obvious that domestic travel is a very important component. From 2017 to 2019, revenue from domestic travel amounted to 35.8 % of total revenue gained from tourism. Effects are underway to revive the Thai tourist industry, after the Covid-19 crisis, by encouraging domestic travel, and giving government sponsored promotions, however with only modest success.

Quarterly Arrivals from 2013 to 2023 :

Thailand has a tourist season when more visitors arrive. As you can see below, the number of visitors is almost consistently higher during the first quarter and the last quarter of each year. This coincides with a more pleasant climate in the country ('cold' season), and less favorable weather conditions in Europe, and large parts of Asia, like China and Japan.

From the graph you may see that the beginning of 2014 (political uncertainty) saw less than expected arrivals.

A military coup was staged and martial law was declared by the Royal Thai Army on 20 May 2014. The above contributed further to a decrease in travel arrivals during 2014, spread over the first three quarters of the year. During the first 9 months of 2014 around 2,000,000 less tourists arrived in Thailand, or a decrease of -10.28% when compared with the same period of 2013. But afterwards, the tourism industry had a very good period, with substantial increases in the number of arrivals. Military rule continued for 5 years, without further adverse effects on the tourism industry. The military government was followed by a 'civilian' government under the same prime minister in 2019.

The first quarter of 2020 saw a dramatic decrease in the number of visitors. This was totally linked to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. A dramatic decrease to ZERO occurred in the second quarter and also in the third quarter of 2020. As mentioned, a very limited number of tourists arrived during the 4th quarter under stringent conditions.

As noted above, from the second quarter of 2020, till the third quarter of 2021 (this covers no less than 18 months), hardly any visitors came to Thailand. We estimate loss of income for the country at 75+ billion U.S. Dollar. It was decided (as in many other countries around the same time) to open for tourists again, still under stringent conditions, as of 1 November 2021.

As can be viewed below, there was a modest increase in visitors during the last quarter, especially during the month of December, which looks promising for 2022. Of the 427,869 visitors to Thailand in 2021, no less than 250,948 (58.6 %) came from Europe. Europeans may be simply dumber, less infomed, or more audacious, than people from other regions ?

The first quarter of 2022 saw further very modest improvement in the number of tourists arriving in Thailand. A total of 497,693 tourists arrived, the highest number since the first quarter of 2020, but still a far cry of the number of visitors in the years before (between 8 and 10 million visitors per quarter). The number of arrivals further improved to 1,582,257 in the second quarter of 2022. At least during the 3rd and 4th Quarter of 2022, we saw marked improvement in the arrival numbers, measuring 3.608 million visitors in the 3rd quarter, and 5.465 million visitors in the last quarter of 2022. The first quarter of 2023 saw 6,477,538 arrivals. Recovering of tourism to Thailand is on track. Possible negative factors : higher prices of airline flights, higher prices of hotels (promoted by some), poor air quality, especially in the North of Thailand, and in Bangkok, mostly in the period between December and April.

Interestingly, the second quarter usually has less visitors to Thailand than the first quarter. This trend is not clearly visible in 2023 , with visitors in the first quarter numbering 6,477,538 and in the second quarter slightly lower at 6,437,153. The third quarter saw a further modest increase in visitors to 7.09 million visitors, and in fourth quarter we passed the 8 million mark (8.095 million visitors).

Numbers show number of tourist arrivals per quarter of each year (in millions). Source data : Department of Tourism, Thailand. Since a few years data are available at website of Ministry of Tourism and Sports .

P.S. : Wikipedia has a dedicated page covering the Covid-19 Pandemic in Thailand , which we surely can not improve upon.

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Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign tourists in 2023

Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign tourists in 2023 The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand has revealed its statistics on the number of international tourists visiting Thailand in 2023 (from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023), which amounted to over 28 million. According to the figures, the top five nationalities were Malaysia, with approximately 4.5 million, followed by China with 3.5 million, South Korea with 1.7 million, India with 1.6 million, and Russia with 1.5 million. In 2024, the ministry has set a target to attract both domestic and international tourists through the promotion of lesser-known tourist attractions and the country as an all-season tourist destination.

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How Many Tourists Visit Thailand Each Year?

Published: November 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Sophia Bash

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Introduction

Thailand, known for its exotic beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. With its diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and warm hospitality, Thailand has something to offer every traveler. From ancient temples to bustling street markets, from serene islands to vibrant nightlife, this country has a unique charm that attracts millions of tourists each year.

The tourism industry in Thailand plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing a significant amount of revenue and creating employment opportunities for the local population. The Thai government has been proactive in promoting tourism and developing infrastructure to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting the country. In recent years, Thailand has seen a steady increase in the number of international tourists, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

This article explores the tourism industry in Thailand, providing insights into the number of tourists visiting the country each year, the top tourist destinations, and the factors that contribute to its popularity. Whether you’re planning a trip to Thailand or simply curious about its tourism scene, this article will give you a comprehensive overview of the country’s tourism industry.

Tourism Industry in Thailand

The tourism industry in Thailand is a major contributor to the country’s economy. It plays a crucial role in job creation, revenue generation, and infrastructure development. Thailand’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality has made it a sought-after destination for travelers from around the world.

The Thai government has been actively promoting tourism to drive economic growth. It has implemented various initiatives and policies to attract tourists, such as visa-free travel for certain nationalities, the development of tourism infrastructure, and marketing campaigns to showcase the country’s attractions.

One of the key factors that contribute to the success of the tourism industry in Thailand is the country’s geographical diversity. From the pristine beaches of Phuket and Krabi to the lush mountains of Chiang Mai and the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand offers a wide range of experiences for tourists. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Thailand has it all.

In addition to its natural beauty, Thailand is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The country is home to numerous temples, ancient ruins, and historical sites that showcase its heritage and traditions. Tourists can explore iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Ayutthaya Historical Park, immersing themselves in Thailand’s fascinating history.

The hospitality of the Thai people is another factor that sets Thailand apart as a tourist destination. Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand is renowned for its warm and friendly locals who go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. The genuine hospitality of the Thai people creates a positive and memorable experience for tourists.

The tourism industry in Thailand also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Whether you prefer the comfort of a five-star hotel or the authenticity of a local homestay, Thailand caters to all types of travelers.

Overall, the tourism industry in Thailand continues to thrive, attracting millions of international tourists each year. With its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Thailand remains a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable and diverse experience.

Methodology

In order to accurately determine the number of tourists visiting Thailand each year, various methods and data sources are utilized. The Thai government, specifically the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, plays a pivotal role in collecting and analyzing data related to tourism arrivals.

One of the primary sources of data is the immigration checkpoints at airports, seaports, and land borders. Immigration officers record the details of incoming travelers, including nationality and purpose of visit, creating a reliable record of tourist arrivals. This data is then compiled and analyzed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to determine the number of tourists visiting Thailand.

In addition to immigration checkpoints, data is also collected from tourist accommodation establishments, such as hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. These establishments are required to register their guests with the Department of Provincial Administration, providing further insights into tourist arrivals in different regions of Thailand. This data helps paint a comprehensive picture of the distribution of tourists across the country.

Furthermore, exit surveys are conducted at international airports to gather information from departing tourists. These surveys capture details such as purpose of visit, satisfaction levels, and spending patterns, providing valuable insights into the impact of tourism on the Thai economy.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports also collaborates with various industry stakeholders, including travel agencies, tour operators, and airlines, to collect data on international tourist arrivals. These organizations contribute their own data and statistics, which are then consolidated and integrated into the overall tourism data of Thailand.

It’s worth noting that while these methods provide a reliable estimate of tourist arrivals in Thailand, they may not capture every tourist entering the country. There could be instances where tourists enter through non-traditional entry points or small-scale accommodations that are not captured by official data collection methods.

Despite these limitations, the methodology employed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports ensures a comprehensive and accurate representation of the number of tourists visiting Thailand. The collated data is regularly updated and analyzed, forming the basis for key tourism insights and policy decisions in the country.

Total Tourist Arrivals in Thailand

Thailand has consistently seen a steady increase in the number of tourist arrivals over the years. The country’s unique attractions, welcoming culture, and strategic marketing efforts have contributed to its popularity as a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

In recent years, Thailand has experienced record-breaking numbers of tourist arrivals. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in 2019, Thailand welcomed a total of 39.8 million international visitors. This marked a significant increase from the previous year, highlighting the country’s continuous growth in tourism.

However, the tourism industry in Thailand faced a significant setback in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, lockdowns, and border closures led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. The number effectively dropped to 6.7 million as international travel came to a standstill.

As the world slowly recovers and travel restrictions ease, Thailand’s tourism industry is gradually bouncing back. The country is implementing strict health and safety measures to ensure the well-being of both travelers and locals. In 2021, the number of tourists visiting Thailand is expected to gradually increase as travel resumes.

It’s important to note that the total number of tourist arrivals in Thailand encompasses both leisure travelers and business travelers. Leisure travelers make up the majority of the arrivals, seeking to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities. Business travelers, on the other hand, visit Thailand for conferences, meetings, and industry-related events.

The tourism industry in Thailand is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The revenue generated from tourism plays a crucial role in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, retail, and entertainment. Additionally, tourism-related activities create employment opportunities for thousands of people, particularly in areas heavily dependent on the industry.

Thailand’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing tourism trends have allowed it to maintain its position as a top tourist destination. The country continues to attract a diverse range of travelers, from backpackers seeking adventure to luxury travelers in search of indulgence.

As the tourism industry in Thailand continues to recover, it is expected that the number of tourist arrivals will gradually increase in the coming years, bringing with it economic growth and cultural exchange.

Tourist Arrivals by Country

Thailand attracts tourists from all corners of the globe, offering something for everyone. The country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it a popular choice for travelers worldwide. Let’s explore the top countries from which tourists visit Thailand.

China consistently tops the list as the largest source of tourist arrivals in Thailand. Chinese travelers are drawn to Thailand’s diverse attractions, including its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences. The close proximity between China and Thailand, coupled with convenient flight connections, has contributed to the significant number of Chinese tourists visiting the country.

Following China, other Asian countries contribute considerably to Thailand’s tourist arrivals. South Korea, Japan, and India are among the top countries sending tourists to Thailand. These countries have strong cultural ties, historical connections, and close business relationships with Thailand, making it a preferred destination for their citizens.

European countries also contribute a significant number of tourists to Thailand. The United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Russia are among the top European countries from which travelers visit Thailand. These tourists are attracted by Thailand’s tropical climate, picturesque landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.

Moreover, visitors from neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia make up a substantial portion of Thailand’s tourist arrivals. The ease of travel within the region and the shared cultural similarities make Thailand an appealing destination for travelers seeking a quick escape or a longer holiday.

It’s worth noting that the tourist arrivals from each country can vary from year to year due to factors such as economic conditions, currency exchange rates, travel advisories, and geopolitical situations. These factors can influence the affordability, perception, and ease of travel to Thailand for citizens of different countries.

Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination continues to attract visitors from a wide range of countries. The country’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and cater to the preferences of different markets have contributed to the sustained interest and influx of tourists from various parts of the world.

As the tourism industry in Thailand recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts are being made to entice visitors from new and emerging markets. By expanding its marketing strategies and forging partnerships with travel agents, Thailand aims to increase tourist arrivals and secure its position as a leading tourism destination in the world.

Popular Tourist Destinations in Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural gems. The country boasts an array of popular tourist destinations that offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re seeking beachside relaxation, cultural immersion, or urban exploration, Thailand has something to suit every taste. Let’s explore some of the top destinations in the country.

Bangkok, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. The city is home to stunning temples, vibrant street markets, and a thriving nightlife scene. The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) are must-visit landmarks that showcase Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a renowned beach paradise. Its stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife make it a favorite destination for sun-seekers and party-goers. Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Phi Phi Island are among the popular spots that offer a relaxing escape or thrilling water activities.

Chiang Mai, located in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, is famous for its historical temples, traditional markets, and serene natural beauty. The city’s Old Town area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient temples and well-preserved architecture. Chiang Mai also serves as a gateway to the surrounding mountains, where travelers can explore lush forests, hill tribe villages, and take part in adventurous activities.

Krabi, situated on the Andaman Sea, is another popular destination known for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and picturesque islands. Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and Phi Phi Islands are famous for their natural beauty and provide opportunities for snorkeling, rock climbing, and island hopping.

Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the remnants of an ancient civilization. The historical park is dotted with impressive temple ruins that give visitors a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history. Exploring Ayutthaya is like stepping back in time to a bygone era.

Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s largest islands, is known for its palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, and lively nightlife. The island offers a range of activities, from relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring waterfalls and visiting the iconic Big Buddha shrine.

These are just a few examples of the many popular tourist destinations in Thailand. The country offers a multitude of experiences, whether it’s exploring historical sites, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing oneself in vibrant local traditions. Travelers to Thailand can enjoy a diverse and enriching journey that caters to all interests and preferences.

Factors Affecting Tourism in Thailand

Thailand’s tourism industry is influenced by a variety of factors that can impact the number of tourist arrivals and the overall success of the sector. Understanding these factors is essential for stakeholders in the tourism industry to effectively plan and adapt to changing circumstances. Let’s explore some key factors that affect tourism in Thailand.

1. Economic Conditions: The state of the global and domestic economy can significantly influence tourist arrivals. In times of economic downturn, people may choose to cut back on travel expenses, leading to a decrease in tourist arrivals. Conversely, during periods of economic growth, individuals are more likely to have disposable income and are more likely to travel, boosting tourism numbers.

2. Political Stability: The political stability of a country is an important factor in attracting tourists. A stable political environment instills confidence in travelers, reassuring them of their safety and allowing them to fully enjoy their visit. Instances of political unrest or uncertainty can deter tourists from visiting, impacting tourism numbers.

3. Natural Disasters and Health Concerns: Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or health concerns such as pandemics can have a significant impact on tourism. These events can lead to travel advisories, closures of tourist attractions, and a decrease in visitor confidence. It is important for the government and authorities to effectively manage such situations to minimize the negative impact on the tourism industry.

4. Infrastructure and Accessibility: The availability and quality of infrastructure play a crucial role in attracting tourists. Well-developed transportation systems, including airports, road networks, and public transportation, make it easier for tourists to navigate and explore the country. Similarly, the presence of a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, enhances the attractiveness of the destination.

5. Cultural and Natural Heritage: Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes are major draws for tourists. The preservation and promotion of cultural sites, historical landmarks, and natural attractions are vital in attracting visitors. Efforts to maintain the authenticity and uniqueness of these sites contribute to the overall appeal of Thailand as a tourism destination.

6. Marketing and Promotion: Effective marketing strategies and promotional campaigns play a critical role in attracting tourists to Thailand. The implementation of targeted marketing campaigns, both domestically and internationally, helps raise awareness of the country’s attractions and encourages visitors to choose Thailand as their preferred destination.

7. Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact tourism in Thailand. A favorable exchange rate can make the country more affordable for international tourists, potentially leading to an increase in visitor numbers.

8. Seasonality and Travel Patterns: Seasonal variations and travel patterns can affect tourism in Thailand. Certain times of the year, such as national holidays or school breaks, tend to attract more visitors. Additionally, understanding the preferences and travel behaviors of different markets can help in devising targeted marketing strategies.

It is important for Thailand’s tourism industry to continuously monitor and adapt to these factors to ensure sustainable growth and success. By understanding and addressing these influences, stakeholders can work together to maintain Thailand’s position as a top tourist destination in the world.

Thailand’s tourism industry continues to thrive, attracting millions of tourists each year with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. The country’s popularity as a tourism destination is reflected in the steady increase in tourist arrivals over the years, with China being the largest contributor of visitors. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

The success of the tourism industry in Thailand is attributed to various factors. These include the country’s geographical diversity, rich cultural heritage, and the hospitality of its people. The Thai government’s proactive approach in promoting tourism and developing infrastructure has also played a crucial role in attracting and accommodating visitors.

As the world recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand’s tourism industry is gradually making a comeback. Strict health and safety measures are being implemented to ensure the well-being of travelers, and gradual reopening of borders is allowing tourists to once again explore the beauty of Thailand.

Efforts are being made to diversify tourism offerings and attract visitors from new and emerging markets. By focusing on marketing initiatives, strengthening partnerships with travel agencies, and showcasing the unique experiences that Thailand has to offer, the country is poised to welcome a new wave of travelers in the coming years.

In conclusion, Thailand’s tourism industry continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economy, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Thailand offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers from around the world. As the country adapts to changing circumstances and embraces sustainable tourism practices, Thailand is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading tourism destination for years to come.

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Thailand Leads Push for Six-Nation Visa to Lure Moneyed Tourists

(Bloomberg) -- Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travelers. 

Srettha — who’s pledged to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hotspot into an aviation and logistics hub — has discussed the Schengen-type visa idea with his counterparts in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam in recent months. The facility is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travelers among the six neighboring countries.

READ: Srettha Unveils Plans to Revive Thai Tourism, Build EV Hub

With most leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveler and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that’s hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six Southeast Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data . Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about $48 billion in tourism revenue.

The single-visa is the most-ambitious among Srettha’s lineup of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long-term. The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% to the nation’s $500 billion economy. Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying “a common visa could entice long-haul travelers to make an easier decision.” The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she said. 

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. And since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China — Thailand’s largest market for tourists — and offered temporary visa waivers for travelers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan. It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes and event-based tourism will help the country generate more revenue.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel won’t be confined to tourism alone as ease of travel would be a boon for business travelers and trade, according to Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa, which allows free travel around the border-free zone within Europe, may be an uphill task given Asean’s poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework and the group’s standing as a talk shop.

“Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Barnett said. “Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa scheme, approvals have to be coordinated and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations unlike the European Union can pose challenges, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor at Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty. Asean, as a grouping is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Srettha being neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the visa proposal, Thitinan said.

“All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Thitinan said.“Sometimes fruits on the ground are rotten.”

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Monthly foreign tourist arrivals Thailand 2022-2023

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Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

How Many Tourists Visit Thailand Every Year?

One of the questions Thais and foreigners alike often ask is how many tourists visit Thailand every year? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to that question, as the statistics change depending on which Thai agency you listen to and how each agency classifies “tourists”.

What we do know is, according to each successive Thai government, tourism makes up around 7-8 percent of the country’s entire GDP. So, as you can guess, that means a heckuva lot of tourists visit Thailand each year.

In 2016, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), more than 32.59 million tourists visited Thailand, which was an almost 20 percent increase over the year before, and a record number for the country.

However, when you look at the figures closely, TAT is not really counting “tourists” but instead every foreigner that arrives at any airport or land border in Thailand.

As this does include people from neighboring countries who cross over the border for the day just to shop, as well as migrant workers who may be coming to Thailand to work, as you can guess the numbers are not particularly accurate.

Thailand has, however, been in the top 20 most visited countries in the world for several years and, in 2018, was at number 10 .

What is interesting too about the number of tourists visiting Thailand, as western tourists tend to stay around the same levels, Asian tourists from countries like Malaysia, Singapore and China are increasing in number every year.

Malaysia, China and Japan had the most tourists visiting Thailand in 2016, with Australia, the UK and the United States in eighth, ninth and tenth places.

Whatever the real number of tourists that visit Thailand every year, one thing you can guarantee is it is well over 32 million every year and it is increasing by a large percent every year. No surprise there really, though, as Thailand truly is one of the must-visit tourist destinations, at least once in your life.

Now watch the Brand Thailand video below, and learn why Thailand is so popular with tourists, and about the out-of-the-way places all around the country that Thais and non-Thais recommend you visit while you are there.

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Why Do So Many Tourists Visit Thailand?

From 2015 and 2019, about 30 to 40 million tourists visit Thailand each year. However, according to Statista , this number fell drastically to 6.7 million people in 2020 due to the menacing coronavirus pandemic that affected tourism and other activities around the world. Due to the significantly high number of tourists, you may wonder why so many tourists visit Thailand.

Without a doubt, Thailand has everything that most tourists are looking for. From awesome beaches to rich history and culture, great food, exceptional temples, and wildlife, the Land of Smiles doesn’t lack both natural and manmade attractions. Therefore, it is not strange that many tourists are always ready to explore the country.

As noted by Worlddata.info , the tourism industry contributed as much as 65 billion USD to the country’s economy in 2019. As a result of this, the country is always attracting more tourists from different places. For more understanding, we will consider why so many tourists visit Thailand.

Affordable and accessible travel options

Money is the #1 factor that prevents lots of individuals from visiting other countries. This is because lots of hotspot holiday destinations are expensive to live in. Fortunately, Thailand is different from other options as the country is affordable to travel to.

Generally, getting a visa, buying a flight ticket, and living in Thailand are not expensive. Factually, you can live in most parts of the country with less than $1,000 in a whole month. Accommodations, food, utilities, transportations, entertainment, etc. come at relatively affordable costs. As a consequence, tourists that are looking for the best value for their hard-earned money often flock to Thailand.

Magnificent ancient temples

Being the country with the largest Buddhism devotees, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Thailand has more than 40,000 Buddhist temples. Factually, a good number of Buddhists and other religious people visit Thailand specifically because of the ancient temples. These temples come in different architectural designs, sizes, colors, and are found in almost all parts of the country. 

According to Culture Trip , here are some of the most iconic temples in this Southeast Asian nation:

• Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (Bangkok)
• Wat Pho – also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Bangkok)
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)
• Wat Arun (Bangkok)
• Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya)
• Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok)

Thai Beaches

Another factor that draws many tourists to Thailand is the array of beaches available in the country. The country has several islands that have tons of beaches that will keep you engaged for a long period. The white sandy beaches of Thailand are filled with coral shells, palm trees, and other astonishing features.

Thai beaches are available in different forms. If you prefer a quiet place to share a good time with your loved ones, you can visit Lamai (Koh Samui) or Freedom Beach (Phuket). For those that like crowds and buzzing environments, there are various suitable beaches in Pattaya, Chonburi, and other parts of the country.

As long as great delicacies are concerned, only a few countries can compete with Thailand. The country has diverse food choices that offer a wide range of tastes. Although rice is commonly eaten in Thailand, it is often combined with tasty soups, condiments, etc. Notably, many Thai diets contain seafood, fish sauce, pork, chicken, eggs, and so on. Khao tom, Som tam, Jok, Khao rad kaeng, Tom yum goong, Kai jeow, and Moo/gai ping are just a few of the culinary delights Thailand offers.

When in Thailand, you can visit one of the local restaurants to have a taste of your favorite Thai meals. Otherwise, visit one of the street food vendors to enjoy Thai food.

Rich history and culture

The Siam dynasty started more than 20,000 years and went on to become one of the greatest in the history of Southeast Asia. Besides, Thailand is one of the few countries on the planet that were never colonized. Also, there is a lot to learn about the various exploits of the kings and royal families of Thai as well as the Thai people. The unparalleled affiliation with Buddhism contributes significantly to the history of this country. 

Therefore, tourists that want a first-hand experience and knowledge of these things shouldn’t hesitate to visit Thailand.

Astonishing wildlife

With natural forests forming about 25% of the country, Thailand has over 10% of all animals in the world. In addition, 147 national parks are found in Thailand, and each park is home to tons of animals. Therefore, if you want to see some of the animals that may not be found elsewhere in the globe, Thailand is the place to be. Many wildlife lovers often make a yearly visit to Thailand to see the animals.

When visiting Thailand for wildlife watching, you should look forward to seeing varieties of leopards, elephants, deer, tigers, otters, Malaysian sun bears, and other mammal species. Additionally, you can see primate species such as macaques, monkeys, and gibbons. Even if you are a birdwatcher, several birds are available for your viewing pleasures in different parks across the country.

Friendly people

Regardless of the beauties and amenities of a country, her people will determine whether you will enjoy your visit or not. Thais are amazing and friendly individuals. These people welcome citizens of other countries with open arms and also respect them without any discrimination. Therefore, the wonderful experience of meeting these great people is one of the major factors that make some people visit Thailand.

Thai markets

From day markets to night markets and floating markets, Thailand has a wide range of markets. These markets are quite different from what you will find in most other parts of the globe. The sellers and their demeanors and wares make Thai markets a must-visit for every tourist. Lots of tourists spend several hours checking out the souvenirs and other items available in the markets as they enjoy their stay in the country.

As mentioned by Asia Highlights , fantastic Thai festivals, Thai weather, and functional transportation systems are other reasons that make many tourists visit Thailand.

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How Many Times Can I Visit Thailand in One Year?

Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are going to be discussing entry and exit into the Kingdom of Thailand. 

What are we talking about specifically? Well I get a question that comes up every couple of months, routinely, somebody asks me what "how many times can I visit Thailand in a given year?" and my response is oftentimes, "what is your definition of visit ?" that's the first question.  Because there are restrictions on how long one can remain in a given calendar year using 30-day Visa exemption stamps or tourist visas.  The general rule of thumb is 6 months total out of a given calendar year can one remain in the Kingdom in what is ostensibly or could only be described as  "tourist" status; so either a tourist visa or a visa exemption stamp depending on the country of one’s nationality.  That being said, much more than that, there is a very good possibility of being stopped at an Immigration checkpoint and turned away for spending too much time in the Kingdom; effectively utilizing tourist type visas to live here and that is a major concern for Thai Immigration here, recently especially. It is very similar to the concerns many Immigration Officers in the United States have with respect to those who are using a tourist visa to live in the United States and many of those individuals will be turned away and sometimes even put through expedited removal, expedited deportation, basically on the basis that they are an intending Immigrant without proper documentation.

Thailand takes a very similar approach with respect to those who are using tourist like visas to live here and for this reason I think a good rule of thumb is well, ”Why are you asking this question? Are you asking it because you want to live in Thailand and you’re essentially trying to game the system to do that in some sort of tourist visa status, or you simply worried because you do travel in and out a lot?"  I know a lot of people who work offshore and they do spend a significant amount of time in Thailand and they do a lot of entry and exits and unfortunately for those individuals, it can prove problematic because Immigration starts looking at then saying "you are spending a lot of time here. Why is that?" Well they don't live here.  They do spend a lot of time here, but they don't live here in the true sense of the word. They just come when they have time off. There are other people that like a long holiday and I think that that is the reason that the multi-entry 6-month tourist visa was created, was to allow people into Thailand in order to stay fairly long term.  

But that being said, if one is really just asking a question in order to figure out a way to live in Thailand without obtaining a non-immigrant visa such as a non-immigrant O Visa based on marriage, a non-immigrant B visa for business purposes or a non-immigrant OA retirement visa to allow someone over 50 to retire in the Kingdom, if you are simply trying to circumvent the need for one of those visas, then I think the answer that question is "you are probably going to get stopped at some point if you're trying to live in Thailand utilizing a tourist visa or 30 day stamps” 

There is no hard fast rule as to what point at which Immigration is going to turn those individuals away but that being said I think it is safe to say that the reason somebody's asking this question probably goes to the heart of the risk of whether or not that individual is going to be turned away at an Immigration checkpoint here in the Kingdom of Thailand.

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Planning multiple trips to Thailand within a year and wondering about the limitations on tourist visas? Discover the frequency of visits allowed and other key visa guidelines by reading more.

Are you thinking about visiting Thailand and wondering how many times you can go there in one year? The answer is simple: you can visit Thailand as many times as you want in a year! However, there are some things you should know about visas and entry requirements to make sure your trips are smooth and hassle-free.

Visa Requirements

First, let's talk about visas. Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter Thailand. If you are from a country that is part of the visa exemption list, you can enter without a visa for a short stay (usually 30 days if arriving by air or 15 days if arriving by land). Some of these countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries. It's essential to check the latest information for your country before planning your trip.

If you are visiting Thailand more than once in a year, you can use the visa exemption multiple times. However, it's important to note that immigration officers might ask questions if they see you visiting frequently, as they want to make sure you are not working illegally or overstaying your allowed time in the country.

Some travelers who want to stay longer in Thailand might do what is called a "visa run." This means leaving the country for a short period (usually just a day or two) and then returning to get a new visa exemption stamp in their passport. While this is technically allowed, it's not recommended to do visa runs repeatedly, as it might raise suspicions with immigration officers. If you plan to stay in Thailand for an extended period, it's better to apply for a longer-term visa, such as a tourist visa, which allows stays of up to 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Multiple Entry Visas

If you know you'll be visiting Thailand multiple times within one year, you can also consider applying for a multiple-entry visa. This type of visa allows you to enter and exit Thailand multiple times during the validity of the visa, which is usually six months or one year. Keep in mind that each entry usually has a limited duration, so you will need to exit and re-enter to activate a new period of stay.

Plan Your Trips Wisely

To make the most out of your visits to Thailand, it's essential to plan your trips wisely. Make sure to research the best times to visit, popular attractions, and unique experiences you don't want to miss. With so much to see and do, you'll want to make every trip count!

Need Help Planning Your Thailand Adventures?

If you're feeling overwhelmed with all the choices and options for visiting Thailand, don't worry! We're here to help. Contact us at Strictly Thailand for a consultation, and we'll help you plan the perfect trip (or trips) to this beautiful country. We're experts in all things Thailand and can't wait to help you explore the Land of Smiles!

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ASEAN tourists prefer Thailand over Indonesia: Study

The annual survey sought to measure the perceived soft power of several major countries like Japan, Australia and the United States, as well as the ten countries comprising ASEAN.

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outheast Asian tourists are significantly more likely to choose Thailand over Indonesia for their holidays, a new study has found, with travelers citing the lack of accessibility and freedom as reasons behind Indonesia’s lagging tourism appeal.

However, Indonesia remains a popular holiday destination for its own citizens, with half of the population preferring to vacation domestically, the same study found.

In the annual State of Southeast Asia study published last week by Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute think tank, nearly 2,000 respondents from the region were asked a series of questions aimed at probing their perspectives on various regional and global issues.

The survey included inquiries to measure the perceived soft power of several major countries like Japan, Australia and the United States, as well as the ten countries comprising ASEAN.

Soft power, or the perceived economic and cultural influence of a country on the global stage, was measured in the study through questions about preferred holiday destinations and relocation choices. Japan, it found, topped Southeast Asian travelers’ holiday preferences, with 30.4 percent of all respondents choosing Japan as their favorite destination.

Travel to a fellow ASEAN member state was the second-most popular choice with 16.2 percent, or 313 respondents, a significant portion of which named Thailand the best ASEAN nation for vacationing.

Topping the region at 30.6 percent, Thailand was followed by Indonesia (14 percent) and Malaysia (13.9). Among the worst-performing countries were Cambodia (3.9), Brunei (2.8) and Myanmar (0.4), it found.

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