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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts a thriving Chinese New Year in 2026, projecting tourism revenue of 42.23 billion baht, a 13% increase from the previous year. This optimism is based on increasing daily arrivals of Chinese tourists, ranging from 13,000 to 14,000 individuals. The anticipated influx is expected from February 13 to February 22, with around 1.25 million international tourists and 2.3 million Thai visitors traveling within Thailand.

The steady rise in Chinese tourists began in early 2025, establishing them as Thailand's predominant international visitors. This growth is attributed to successful marketing strategies and partnerships with Chinese tour operators that have increased inquiries and bookings. The Thai tourism sector has benefited from Thailand's positive image among tourists, particularly from China, even amid previous safety concerns.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT’s governor, highlighted that despite major incidents in Thailand, there have been no significant adverse safety perceptions trending online. Additionally, the Nipah virus outbreak in India is being effectively managed and has not deterred tourists from visiting Thailand. Collaborative efforts with the Thai Travel Agents Association and airlines have bolstered forward bookings, with an increased interest in celebrity travel routes.

Chaturon Phakdivanich, director-general of the Department of Tourism, emphasized the success of joint promotion campaigns, notably the Thailand Summer Blast, attracting charter flights from China’s secondary cities. Some Chinese tourists have shifted their plans from Japan to Thailand, further boosting the latter’s market. Upcoming activities in Hat Yai aim to attract Malaysian tourists, and Yaowarat will feature decorative lighting displays.

TAT’s projections are grounded in detailed analysis of current bookings, travel trends, and industry patterns for 2025–2026. These insights are crucial for achieving this year's tourism benchmarks and will influence strategic planning for the upcoming period, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand anticipates a significant increase in tourism revenue for Chinese New Year 2026.

• Growth driven by effective marketing, collaborations, and improved safety perceptions.

• Strategic campaigns are attracting tourists from China and Malaysia, enhancing overall visitor numbers.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-30

 

 

"The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts a thriving Chinese New Year in 2026, projecting tourism revenue of 42.23 billion baht"

That might be a tad optimistic??

29 minutes ago, Smokey and the Bandit said:

"The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts a thriving Chinese New Year in 2026, projecting tourism revenue of 42.23 billion baht"

That might be a tad optimistic??

Hard to say really. Certainly it was packed at Suvarnabhumi immigration yesterday and I did see one large Chinese tour group following a flag carrier, but only one. Phuket airport has been packed out at immigration for quite a few weeks now.

So there does seems to be decent numbers of tourists now after a relatively quiet December. Whether that translates to spending power to the extent projected by TAT, is anybody’s guess.

The Chinese element seems to be a bit over hyped. 13-14k on a daily basis, for, say, a weeks holiday, means they are a relatively small group (about 100k?) out of the estimated 1.25 million international tourists.

Does anyone believe what the TAT puts out as statistics? Let move on to real news-if that's possible.

Bkk is already heaving. please celebrate your new year in your home country.

Wait for more 😁

Mmmm.. considering tourist numbers, for January, were 1 million below same time last year, I wouldn't count on the Chinese to arrive in the "expected" numbers...TAT making more unsubstantiated guesses.

On 2/1/2026 at 6:27 AM, daveAustin said:

Bkk is already heaving. please celebrate your new year in your home country.

Does that mean you won't be celebrating Chinese New Year...or Songkran, Thai New Year.