Thailand Welcomes 2.14 Million Foreign Tourists in January

According to figures issued by the tourism ministry on Monday, the tourist sector in Thailand enjoyed a small uptick in January, with 2.14 million international visitors. Its development was aided by the return of Chinese visitors following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing, although this marks a minor reduction from the previous month.

Compared to January 2022, when Thailand’s entrance restrictions were in force, the number of tourists skyrocketed. In December and November, the corresponding numbers were 2.24 million and 1.75 million.

Before COVID-19, tourism was a vital source of employment and an economic driver for Thailand, accounting for around 12% of the country’s yearly gross domestic product (GDP).

The tourism industry began to revive last year, with a total of 11.15 million international tourists, surpassing the government’s goal. Yet, this number is a long cry from the record high of over 40 million tourists who spent $1.91 trillion baht ($54.37 billion) in 2019 before the pandemic.

Recently, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed optimism that this year’s foreign visitors might surpass 30 million.

According to the ministry, the top three source markets for tourists in January were Malaysia, Russia, and South Korea.

The administration anticipates 7-8 million Chinese visitors in 2023, compared to 11 million in 2019, as a result of China’s reopening its borders.

The ministry reported that there were 91,841 Chinese tourists in January, a huge rise from 3,110 during the same month a year ago and 54,146 in December.

SOURCE: Reuters

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