Inbound tourist arrivals in Thailand plunged by 76.4% in March with just over 820,000 visitors.
It follows a 42.8% monthly decline in February.
The China market, Thailand’s largest by far, was down a massive 94.2% in March from a year earlier.
Tourism related spending was also well down at only THB39.5 billion.
Tourism is a key driver of Thai economic growth.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has adjusted its forecast down for only 16 million international tourists in 2020, which is well down on last year’s total of nearly 40 million.
"This revised forecast assumes tourism activities can resume in May, with the outbreak in Thailand levelling off while overseas infections subside. The industry needs to watch the situation closely before commencing business," said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.
To help speed up the recovery and boost confidence in the country as a destination, TAT is helping to develop a new health and safety certification scheme along with public and private sector partners.
"The Amazing Thailand SHA certification is to prepare Thai tourism operators to be ready for the return of tourism post Covid-19," it said.
