Southeast Asia’s second largest economy witnesses 3.5% tourism decline in first four months
Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second largest economy, welcomed 12 million foreign tourists in the first four months of this year, down 3.45% from a year earlier, as the country stepped up efforts to crack down on unruly visitors to protect its tourism image.
China remained Thailand’s largest source of foreign visitors this year, followed by Malaysia, Bangkok Post reported.
The Chinese market has shown a strong year-on-year recovery as confidence in travel safety gradually returns, helping build momentum for tourism growth this year, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Thailand is still targeting at least 5.5 million Chinese arrivals this year, up from 4.47 million in 2025, when concerns over scam-related incidents discouraged many mainland travelers.
Foreign tourists plays with water gun at Khaosan Road, one of the favorite tourist spots in Bangkok, Thailand, during Songkran on April 13, 2026. Photo by Reuters |
Despite tourism decline, Thailand has ordered authorities nationwide to crack down on unruly foreign tourists, warning that visitors who violate the law, intimidate locals or behave inappropriately could face immediate visa revocation and deportation, Nation Thailand reported.
The move came after some tourists were caught from engaging in public nudity and other inappropriate behavior outdoors.
Foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand in 2026 are projected to fall to 31.2 million, down from 35.1 million last year, due to higher travel costs and weaker consumer confidence, according to a report by KKP Research, the economic research unit of the Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group.
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