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With the general election just weeks away, Thai political parties are unveiling strategies to boost the economy, taking aim at the tourism industry's long-standing structural issues. As concerns mount over declining arrivals, parties are eyeing tourism reforms to reignite growth, especially since the sector declined by 7.23% in visitors last year, with revenue falling by 4.7% to 1.53 trillion baht. Historically crucial to the Thai economy, tourism once contributed 17% to GDP before the pandemic struck.

The People's Party takes the lead in advocating for structural reforms and anti-corruption measures that specifically target the tourism sector. According to Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, a member of their economic team, the party plans to address three main obstacles. These include the uneven distribution of tourism revenue, the over-reliance on natural attractions reducing repeat visits, and corruption linked to foreign investment that tarnishes Thailand’s reputation.

Sittiphol suggests supporting domestic infrastructure through investments in man-made tourist attractions to lessen environmental stress. The party aims to develop pilot projects in 5–10 locations with investments of at least 1 billion baht each. They hope this, paired with transparency at every stage, will involve local communities and avoid corruption, bringing new life to the tourism industry.

On the other hand, the Pheu Thai Party, represented by Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, is focusing on high-value service sectors, including tourism, while pushing for infrastructure upgrades. With initiatives like potentially hosting a Formula 1 race and developing casinos, the party envisions Thailand as a year-round international hotspot. They also aim to boost medical and wellness tourism to attract affluent travellers.

Meanwhile, Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn from the Klatham Party continues to advocate for income redistribution from major tourism hubs to less-visited areas. This includes creating provincial clusters and bolstering sports tourism to enhance local capabilities. The goal is to integrate tourism more deeply with other sectors, providing a broad array of appealing options for visitors.

Experts like Adith Chairattananon and Thanet Supornsahasrungsi highlight that while these strategies present a positive step, they often lack the foundation necessary for long-term success. They call for a master plan and skilled leadership to address the roots of systemic inefficiencies, inadequate connectivity, and insufficient expertise that plague the tourism industry.

The election results could mark the beginning of a new era for Thai tourism, as they promise to address past problems and work towards fair revenue sharing. However, ensuring these plans translate into tangible outcomes remains a formidable task, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• Thai political parties are unveiling plans to rejuvenate the tourism sector ahead of the elections.

• Efforts focus on structural reforms, with an emphasis on man-made attractions and high-value services.

• Experts caution that long-term success requires comprehensive planning and skilled leadership.

Related Stories:

Thailand's Tourism Soars with 20 Million Visitors in 2025

Thailand’s tourism operators question 40 million visitors target

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-13

 

 

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

Experts caution that long-term success requires comprehensive planning and skilled leadership.

Nothing for Thailand then

Structural change in the tourism industry is one thing; but just as important is the attitude and behaviour of those working in the tourism and hospitality industry.

People want a relaxing, enjoyable, stress-free, scam-free holiday - being harassed by scams, touts and pushy/dishonest taxi and tuk-tuk drivers does not help.

Tourists are guests.. please treat them as guests, not as walking ATM machines, not as potential criminals, not as colonists who want to destroy the Thai culture, but just simply try to understand that most tourists come to Thailand because they want to relax, they have saved for a long haul holiday, they like to visit, see, and eat, but don't like to be scammed, or all kind of measures such as no vaping , alcohol bans, and being fined stricter and more than locals...and so on.. Than Thailand can become a decent tourist destination again. And be kind for the people who work and retire here... I read many times that people write go home, time to leave as they comment only to make the country better. Don't forget that these people spend their income here, have kids or grandkids who will come on holiday to visit and they contribute a lot to Thailand..But do something in return for them.. cancel the 90 days reporting, make things easier, such as volunteer work... just a few idea's but I know that the conservatives among us will dislike this post again

12 hours ago, webfact said:

As concerns mount over declining arrivals, parties are eyeing tourism reforms to reignite growth, especially since the sector declined by 7.23% in visitors last year, with revenue falling by 4.7% to 1.53 trillion baht. Historically crucial to the Thai economy, tourism once contributed 17% to GDP before the pandemic struck.

This tells me casinos are on the way.

They eased visa requirements. They legalized cannabis. They have scrapped the bottom of the barrel.

The only thing left to turn a quick baht is casinos.

The weird truth is one of these candidates said he was sick of the behaviour of these tourists, the poor behaviour and not respecting Thai culture and laws, how they must respect Thailand, etc - pivot to quality tourism, alot of the Thais would love it.

Anutin during covid really went hard at foreigners that were not wearing masks and walking around arrogantly like they were exempt. He got alot of support i remember from local thais.

They had quality tourism up to 15 years ago but the drove it away with silly visa rules, high prices, scams, restrictions , poor quality and stupidity ....

5 hours ago, liddelljohn said:

They had quality tourism up to 15 years ago but the drove it away with silly visa rules, high prices, scams, restrictions , poor quality and stupidity ....

Well spend per tourist in 2010 was $1202. Spend per tourist in 2025 was $1471. Per visit

1 hour ago, morrobay said:

Well spend per tourist in 2010 was $1202. Spend per tourist in 2025 was $1471. Per visit

well that proves that Tourists spent far more a 13 years ago and were better Quality .. Because of inflation has eroded spending power , massively so todays tourists spend 50% less so are cheap charlies now ,, You really should try to understand economics, maths and inflation . today one wold have to spend $2800at least to be a quality tourist ...jez what a dummy

You could invite over Mickey Mow if you like, but they’re all missing the elephant in the room… high currency, high prices.

1 hour ago, liddelljohn said:

well that proves that Tourists spent far more a 13 years ago and were better Quality .. Because of inflation has eroded spending power , massively so todays tourists spend 50% less so are cheap charlies now ,, You really should try to understand economics, maths and inflation . today one wold have to spend $2800at least to be a quality tourist ...jez what a dummy

And 2025-2010 = 15 years not 13

56 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

You could invite over Mickey Mow if you like, but they’re all missing the elephant in the room… high currency, high prices.

that's probably the quickest and most effective fix, make, and promote, thailand as a value for money holiday destination.

On 1/13/2026 at 7:12 AM, webfact said:

fair revenue sharing

New taxes ?

These days the more advanced/ adventures traveler is going to Vietnam. But Thailand is a brand name for the general masses. And so far there seems to be a never ending supply of these oblivious folks visiting places like Pattaya. Just check out these saps around Terminal 21: These bum ---- Kansas transplants are happy as pigs in ----

Possibly a little late in the season; the barn, open doors and horses spring to mind.

The figures however are interesting - provided they are accurate:
Last year's figures show a drop of 7.23% in visitors yet "only" a drop of 4.7% in revenue. Bottomline is, that the average spending per capita has gone up. If this is indeed true, then you're going the right way, less visitors and more revenue = permanent improvement and rejuvenation of product is required (like speaking English without being cheeky)
Last year the cash fall was THB 1.53 billion; this year's project ion THB 3 billion. While interesting as an idea, does anyone have the slightest clue of reaching, say, THB 2 billion as the anticipated THB 3 billion would require excellent weed to be smoked in those offices where they compile forecast indicators ;-)

11 hours ago, liddelljohn said:

They had quality tourism up to 15 years ago but the drove it away with silly visa rules, high prices, scams, restrictions , poor quality and stupidity ....

Not forgetting poor exchange rates

With the general election just weeks away, Thai political parties are unveiling strategies to boost the economy, taking aim at the tourism industry's long-standing structural issues.

Allowing millions of piss-heads in to bolster numbers ?

I don’t think the exchange rate’s a problem. Thailand’s still way cheaper than much of Europe and Australia for accommodation and restaurants, the two things that I think tourists spend the most money on. There are even cheaper countries, but Thailand’s infrastructure is usually a lot better. It’s unfortunate that the tourist high season coincides with the high air pollution of the burning season - with social media on the internet, word does get around.

16 hours ago, liddelljohn said:

They had quality tourism up to 15 years ago but the drove it away with silly visa rules, high prices, scams, restrictions , poor quality and stupidity ....

They already had a lot of lowlives visiting 15 years ago, and 30 years. That is a constant, that LOS wants quality tourists, whatever that is, but gets a lot of lowlives, maybe fewer now, percentage wise, than 30 years ago, because 30 years ago Thailand was a bargain, that even bums could afford.

On 1/14/2026 at 5:08 AM, morrobay said:

Well spend per tourist in 2010 was $1202. Spend per tourist in 2025 was $1471. Per visit

Who trusts AI generated rubbish? Also, are those numbers inflation adjusted? Because if they aren’t then spending actually went down.