Tourism Malaysia Tops China as Leading Tourist Source for Thailand

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Financial Times

 

In a remarkable shift, Malaysia has overtaken China to become the leading provider of tourists to Thailand, with more than 2 million Malaysian visitors recorded in the first five months of 2025. This development comes amid a surge in Thailand's tourism sector, which has welcomed over 15 million foreign visitors between January 1 and June 8.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong disclosed that Malaysian tourists now lead the way with 2,041,002 arrivals, narrowly edging out Chinese tourists who numbered 2,029,481. Following them are visitors from India (1,035,864), Russia (981,011), and South Korea (702,267). Collectively, these visitors have contributed an impressive 699,295 million baht to Thailand’s economy.

 

The tourism boom can be attributed to the Thai government’s strategic efforts to ease travel barriers and entice more global visitors. Measures such as the exemption of the TM6 immigration form, now replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) since May 1, have streamlined the entry process. Additionally, campaigns like the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 have successfully drawn tourists from around the globe.

 

While the long-haul market has seen an influx of tourists, notably from the Middle East, the short-haul segment experienced a slight lull in early June. Between June 2 and June 8, Thailand welcomed 565,778 foreign tourists, a 1.63% decrease from the previous week, largely due to the end of prolonged holiday periods in several nations.

 

During this timeframe, the top five countries for tourist arrivals were Malaysia, China, India, South Korea, and Singapore. Malaysia was particularly notable, contributing 114,018 visitors and significantly outperforming China's 62,082.

 

Looking ahead, Minister Sorawong anticipates a rebound in tourist numbers. Contributing factors include the conclusion of South Korea’s general elections and the introduction of new tourism initiatives. Furthermore, the Thai government is collaborating with airlines to increase flight frequencies, simplifying travel for international tourists.

 

This reshuffling of tourist sources underscores a shift in regional travel dynamics. Malaysia’s new top spot as a source of tourists reflects broader trends, while Thailand's ongoing global appeal remains strong. As the country continues to enjoy robust tourism growth, the future looks promising for its travel industry.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-11

 

 

[blaze master]

2 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

This development comes amid a surge in Thailand's tourism sector, which has welcomed over 15 million foreign visitors between January 1 and June 8.

 

 

What ???? 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1363340-thailands-tourism-industry-faces-pivotal-moment-as-arrivals-decline/#comment-19864193

[factual monk]

I am sure ... 50% of those are border crossings for short trips