# Thailand received over 20 million overseas visitors in first seven months

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/154301-thailand-received-over-20-million-overseas-visitors-in-first-seven-months
- Published: 2024-07-31T15:09:27+07:00
- Author: Daniel Lorenzzo

Thailand received over 20 million overseas visitors in the first seven months of
the year, contributing around 957.31 billion baht to the country’s economy.

 * China, Malaysia, and India were the top three sources of foreign tourists to 
   Thailand between January and July 2024.
 * The number of foreign arrivals in Thailand is expected to remain steady in the
   coming week due to factors such as summer holidays in Europe and the Middle East.
 * The Thai government aims to attract 36.7 million foreign visitors in 2024, following
   a record of nearly 40 million in 2019 before the pandemic.

China was the largest source of tourists, followed by Malaysia, India, South Korea,
and Russia. The number of foreign arrivals increased in the past week, with a notable
rise from short haul and long haul markets. The government anticipates a stable 
level of foreign arrivals in the upcoming week, attributing it to summer holidays
in Europe, relaxation of travel measures, and increased flight options.

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The goal is to attract 36.7 million foreign visitors in 2024, aiming to recover 
from the impact of the pandemic when the country had nearly 40 million visitors 
in 2019.

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## Expanded visa policy

[Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to include citizens from 93 countries](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/visa/151277-thailand-approves-60-day-visa-free-entry-for-93-countries-starting-from-july-15th),
allowing them to stay for up to 60 days without a visa since July 18. This new policy
aims to boost tourism and make travel to Thailand more convenient for visitors from
a wide range of countries.

The list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at immigration checkpoints
has alsobeen increased from 19 to 31 countries/territories. Moreover, a new Destination
Thailand Visa (DTV) has been introduced, allowing foreigners to stay in Thailand
for up to 180 days at a time for tourism and remote work, with the visa valid for
5 years.