Foreign visitor arrivals to Thailand are estimated at 13.6 million, down nearly 7% from 14.6 million last year, due largely to local political strife and the global recession, according to the latest forecast by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata).

Pata chairwoman Phornsiri Manoharn said political havoc in April and periodic protests were to blame for the slump of foreign arrivals to Thailand this year.

According to a former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), foreign visitors remain concerned over their safety travelling in Thailand and have shifted to safer destinations.

Wary Chinese tourists in particular, who were expected to flood to Thailand this year, changed their destination to Taiwan.

Pata projected foreign visitors to Thailand in 2010 would grow by 4% to 14.1 million. The best case is 14.3 million or a 6% increase from this year’s estimate.

via Arrivals seen falling by 7%.

About the author

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You May Also Like

Thailand Grants Visa Exemption to Chinese and Kazakhstani visitors amidst Declining Tourism

As a result, Thailand’s decision to grant visa exemption to Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists starting from September 25th is seen as a strategic move to attract more visitors and counter the decline in Chinese tourist numbers.

How Thailand Benefits from China’s Post-Pandemic Boom

Besides tourism, Thailand also benefits from China’s post-pandemic boom in terms of trade and investment. China is Thailand’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI).

Thailand welcomed 19 million foreign visitors since January

Tourism is a vital driver of Thailand’s economy, and the government aims to see 28 million arrivals this year, with a focus on attracting more Chinese tourists.