United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Economic fears and strong baht hit Thailand’s tourism growth
Thailand has reduced its expectations of tourism growth this year.
The country’s new tourism and sports minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has downgraded its annual forecast to 39-39.8 million tourists, down slightly from projections at the start of the year of 40.2 million tourists.
The minister acknowledged the 40 million milestone would probably not be reached this year.
The Thailand Tourism Intelligence Centre projects 23.1 million foreign tourists from January to the end of August this year.
Fears of an economic downturn and the strong Thai Baht is hitting the industry, although the revised target would still represent positive growth.
One market which is bucking the trend and surging is India, which is up 24% year on year.
The tourism minister’s proposal to offer visa-free entry for Indian travellers and as well as to top source market China was knocked back by the Thai Cabinet recently.
However, the Cabinet has extended the current visa-on-arrival fee waiver until the end of April next year.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights