Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Despite a decline in foreign arrivals to Thailand, including a significant reduction in Chinese tourists, the Phuket-Andaman Restaurant Club remains optimistic about the upcoming high season. From January to October, Thailand welcomed 26.7 million foreign visitors, a 7.23% drop compared to last year, as reported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The primary tourist sources were Malaysia, China, India, Russia, and South Korea, with notable decreases in visitors from Southeast and Northeast Asia.

 

The decline is highlighted by a 33.9% reduction in Chinese tourists and a 6.95% drop from Malaysia. Conversely, tourists from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa have increased year-on-year. Pisut Suttijindawong, vice-president of the Phuket-Andaman Restaurant Club, observed a vibrant tourism atmosphere during the recent Vegetarian Festival, though he noted fewer tourists in Phuket compared to last year.

 

Mr. Pisut predicts a late start to Phuket's high season, which traditionally kicks off in November. Indicators such as the high demand and increased prices for seafood, which signal the high season, have yet to manifest this year. Despite this, he remains hopeful for a buoyant season, believing the vibrancy will return.

 

He speculates that this year's high season could extend longer than usual, potentially lasting until April or May. The tourism high season traditionally attracts workers to Phuket, boosting the local economy. Additionally, the government's "Khon La Khrueng Plus" co-payment scheme has positively impacted local restaurants by drawing more Thai diners, supporting the local business environment.

 

Key Takeaways

• Foreign arrivals to Thailand have decreased by 7.23% year-on-year.
• Chinese tourist numbers dropped by 33.9%, impacting the market significantly.
• Phuket's high season may start late but could extend into May.

 

Related stories:

Thailand Targets 12M Tourists for High Season

Phuket Tourist Police boosts safety with new High Season drive

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-11-10

 

 

Who cares... with the new alcohol law it will going down further, and with the coming 300 THB entry fee even more.. Tourists are aware more and more that this is not the country to come to, with all the regulations, laws, and controlling

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand welcomed 26.7 million foreign visitors, a 7.23% drop compared to last year, as reported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. T

And what have they improved since last year to make tourist rise again...

or just offer the same old tack and hope.

Another fantasy story.They really don't get it.Just dream and imagine numbers that will never happen.

Thailand is ruined by criminals from all over the world.Chinese scammer gangs.. Russian criminals..bad arabs.. indians that make problems..the list is longer.

The ridiculous high prices..the taxi scams.. kidnappings..the alcohol laws..they have completely lost their mind.

The flight prices have also dramatically risen and with a low exchange rate I think it will be a far cry from what they predict, however, we will never know the truth.