According to a government source, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will be present at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday to greet the 10 millionth traveler of this year and commemorate a significant step toward reaching Thailand’s tourism goal.

On December 10, welcome ceremonies will be held at seven airports and two border crossing locations to express gratitude and appreciation to all travelers for choosing Thailand as their vacation destination. The most fortunate traveler to land at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport will receive a special gift.

After the nation reopened its borders earlier this year, the rebound in the tourism sector has accelerated during the previous several months.

“Reaching the 10 million visitor mark so soon after Thailand fully reopened to international tourism on 1 October, 2022, is the result of concerted efforts by all involved in the Thai tourism industry and all Thai people nationwide. As such, we give our sincerest thanks and appreciation to all tourists who have visited us this year.”
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor

Thailand recorded about 9.78 million foreign tourist arrivals from 1 January to 5 December, 2022 according to the Immigration Bureau. The number is expected to reach the 10 million visitor arrival mark on 10 December, 2022, but the TAT also voiced caution regarding the tourism outlook for next year.

The TAT warned last month that the industry would experience a slow market in the second quarter of 2023 since the pent-up demand for flights that drove the market this year will no longer exist.

Tourism, which accounts for roughly 18% of GDP, is giving the struggling country’s economy a lifeline in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.