File photo courtesy of Facebook/GT Tour Thailand

 

Thailand is stepping up efforts to attract more Muslim tourists by launching a comprehensive training programme for tour operators. This initiative is designed to enhance the country's appeal as a prime global destination for Muslim tourists. With Muslim tourists identified as a fast-growing sector, the move aims to tap into this burgeoning market effectively.

 

Background reveals that the Tourism and Sports Economics Division under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has noted the impressive influx of over 3 million Malaysian visitors this year. Positioned among the top three foreign visitor groups, Malaysia’s increasing numbers underscore Thailand’s popularity as a destination catering to Muslim-friendly travel.

 

Jaturon Phakdeewanich, the Director-General of the Tourism Department, highlights the country’s readiness with a wide range of attractions and impeccable service standards. The new training is set to improve staff capabilities to meet the specific needs of Muslim tourists, reinforcing Thailand’s position in the competitive global tourism industry.

 

The training sessions will be held across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Krabi, and Pattani, reaching at least 600 participants. These sessions aim to provide practical knowledge and skills that are directly applicable.

 

By emphasising safety, cleanliness, fairness, and sustainability, the program seeks to ensure a high standard of service that aligns with Muslim lifestyles and beliefs.

 

Looking ahead, Jaturon expresses optimism that the programme will raise service standards and create positive impressions among Muslim tourists. This step is expected to fortify Thailand's image while contributing to the sustainable development of its tourism sector.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand is training staff to cater specifically to Muslim tourists.
• Over 3 million Malaysian tourists have visited Thailand this year alone.
• The initiative focuses on building confidence and enhancing global competitiveness.

Related Stories:

 

Thailand Targets Becoming ASEAN Halal Hub

DoT to Promote Friendly Tourism for Muslim Visitors

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod English 2025-09-18

 

 

Not surprised. Theyll let literally anyone into their country

Bring in the goats and camels.Soon Thailand is the new HUB for muslim tourism i guess they will say.

According to a study conducted by UN Women, published in April 2013, 99.3% of Egyptian women explained they had been sexually harassed, 91% of them admitting they did not feel safe on the streets. In 2008, another study by the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights pointed out that 86% of the men interviewed admitted they had already sexually harassed women.

 

https://euromedrights.org/publication/egypt-report-violence-women/

 

Welcome, welcome. Hoping that Asian Muslims might show more positive cultural behavioral statistics...

Not a good idea. They will not assimilate into Thai culture but demand that Thais accommodate theirs.

Not enough problem in the south, I suppose

Aye the Muslim extremists in the South now will sneak into tourist areas pretending there man and wife with the kids in tow for back up. Perfect way to move about without checks.

Muslim visitors is nothing new for Thailand. In Bangkok, Soi 3 or Soi Arab on Sukhumvit as it is called by the locals is full of Muslims. The South as we know is mostly Muslims of Malay extractions.

Every other week, we read headlines regarding Arabs, mostly Kuwaitis causing trouble. Iranian criminals are in the news quite a bit as well. The fact that they preparing to accommodate and making a big deal about the Muslim visitors means they just want more money spent from them.

Aren't Thais tired of this bs

2 hours ago, chawbdurian said:

Aren't Thais tired of this bs

 

If they can stand  daily attacks  fromsoi dogs soidogs, a couple of muslim tourists wont' do much difference

15 hours ago, wasabi said:

Not a good idea. They will not assimilate into Thai culture but demand that Thais accommodate theirs.

You are absolutely correct, this is what happened in the UK and it has not turned out well!

Thailand got a lot of staff in the South. Actually much more friendly than that in the North 

23 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand is stepping up efforts to attract more Muslim tourists by launching a comprehensive training programme for tour operators. This initiative is designed to enhance the country's appeal as a prime global destination for Muslim tourists. With Muslim tourists identified as a fast-growing sector, the move aims to tap into this burgeoning market effectively.

Yep, that'll pull them in.

Is this akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic while it sinks?

 

 

If Thailand goes down this road it won't be long before the only tourists it gets will be Muslims as no one else will want to stick around. Plenty of alternatives to Thailand on offer elsewhere.

The racist Brits in Pattaya will not be happy. 

I think more quality Tourists from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf stares be made more welcome here in Thailand 

It was working in Saudi that paid for my retirement in Thailand 

Great place Saudi and the people 

Humdilla 

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

If Thailand goes down this road it won't be long before the only tourists it gets will be Muslims as no one else will want to stick around. Plenty of alternatives to Thailand on offer elsewhere.

 

Bye then.

 

Thailand has 7.5 million muslims, it's neighboured by muslim countries too that come in droves - see Malaysia. 172 million muslims in India. Then you have all the arab nations. There's some 30 million muslims in China too. 

14 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

The racist Brits in Pattaya will not be happy. 

Why won’t you be happy?

11 minutes ago, shackleton said:

I think more quality Tourists from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf stares be made more welcome here in Thailand 

It was working in Saudi that paid for my retirement in Thailand 

Great place Saudi and the people 

Humdilla 

 

 

Having been in Kuwait for a few months and Saudi - they were ghastly places. The locals were absolutely awful and rude to those beneath them, treated local Thais like slaves. Even if you treat them like slaves at least be curtious and thankful, but nope utter contempt. The Thai's were mainly house keepers, and filpinos as child minders. Then they had Indians/pakistanis as the labourers at work places. 

 

It was a very bizarre society. Men were utterly hideous, as you can see the way they behave when they come to Thailand. Giving it the religion one minute, but then utter perverted the next. Not all i say, but a large majority. The women would not look or talk to you, very insulated amongst their own groups, so you could never integrate even with colleagues. 

 

Although in saying that, if you are a local, and happen to be born into that society with birth rites - what a life you can live. 

1 minute ago, Airalee said:

Why won’t you be happy?

 

 

I'm not in Pattaya. 

 

But you know those Brits. Sitting in bars, sex visitors, no attempt to learn Thai or intergrate into local culture - often sitting in bars at 1pm pontificating about immigration in the UK and muslims. They won't be happy. 

1 minute ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

I'm not in Pattaya. 

 

But you know those Brits. Sitting in bars, sex visitors, no attempt to learn Thai or intergrate into local culture - often sitting in bars at 1pm pontificating about immigration in the UK and muslims. They won't be happy. 

You seem more unhappy in general.

 

You hate everybody.

 

Is it a caste thing?   I vaguely remember you mentioning Indian relatives.

3 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

I'm not in Pattaya. 

 

But you know those Brits. Sitting in bars, sex visitors, no attempt to learn Thai or intergrate into local culture - often sitting in bars at 1pm pontificating about immigration in the UK and muslims. They won't be happy. 

Those people are refugees. They were driven out of their country by their government who wants it a muslim nation. Who can blame them really, its a damn shame

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

If Thailand goes down this road it won't be long before the only tourists it gets will be Muslims as no one else will want to stick around. Plenty of alternatives to Thailand on offer elsewhere.

Rubbish.

Down here in Phuket about 30% of the locals are Muslim and it is the most popular beach destination by miles in Thailand. 
 

I don’t see anything wrong with plans to boost the tourism sector. We’re talking about holidaymakers unlike some of the rants in comments about assimilation, women’s treatment in Muslim countries and the like. You guys need to realise the world is changing. Btw I’ve dated two Muslim girls in the past. Conservative on the surface but once in bed they did unimaginable stuff to me that brings a smile to my face every time I reminisce about them. 

@Peterphuket

 

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5 minutes ago, angryguy said:

Those people are refugees. They were driven out of their country by their government who wants it a muslim nation. Who can blame them really, its a damn shame

 

Bless their cottons. 

 

So because the UK is 6% muslim - they went to a country which is has more muslims (some 7.5 million of them) to claim refugee status. No wonder they are in bars at 1pm - must be the depression. 

Interview question to become a tour operator...."Can you carry a flag?"...Yes.....OK, you're hired.🙃🙃

16 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

Bye then.

 

Thailand has 7.5 million muslims, it's neighboured by muslim countries too that come in droves - see Malaysia. 172 million muslims in India. Then you have all the arab nations. There's some 30 million muslims in China too. 

Don't bore me with facts of which I am already fully aware. I first visited Thailand, Malaya/ Malaysia and Indonesia in 1962. I worked in Riyadh in the late 1970's, and I speak Najdi Arabic as used in central Saudi. I retired to Thailand in 1993. I have many Muslim friends around the world. If, I repeat if,  Muslims begin to predominate in terms of tourist numbers in Thailand the character of the tourist experience here will change. It will not impinge on myself or my Thai wife as the location of our houses in Bangkok and in Rayong province will not be affected. So, to answer your point, I personally will not be saying goodbye to Thailand as a result of increasing Muslim influence. Potential Western tourists may well, however, decide to go elsewhere should the free and easy lifestyle of a holiday in Thailand no longer exist.

This article actually seems true. I was in BKK last week and saw many visitors from the ME roaming the malls. On a postive note did not notice a large presence of visitors from China. In past one can hear the China before you see them.