Thailand has welcomed approximately six million foreign tourists since January, generating nearly 300 billion baht in revenue, according to the government. From January 1 to February 22, 5.94 million international visitors entered the country, with Chinese, Malaysian, and Russian tourists topping the list. This surge marks a successful tourism period, bringing in 293 billion baht.

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In this time frame, China led the wave with 969,505 tourists, followed by Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea as major contributors. Despite witnessing a slight 0.34% decrease in arrivals during the week of February 16-22, Malaysia and Russia reported significant weekly increases of 33.02% and 7.57%, respectively, attributed to school holidays, particularly in Malaysia.

However, not all markets experienced growth. Visitor numbers from South Korea, India, and China saw declines of 18.19%, 10.78%, and 0.68%, respectively. This drop in Chinese arrivals coincides with the end of an extended holiday period, yet over 200,000 Chinese tourists visited Thailand during the week.

Looking forward, the government expects foreign arrivals to stabilize between February 23 and March 1. Factors such as China's shifting market preferences towards South Korea and ASEAN destinations, alongside initiatives like the Trusted Thailand safety campaign and the waiver of the TM6 immigration card, are anticipated to support the tourism industry.

The government is also supporting airlines to increase flight frequency, enhancing travel convenience and access to the country. These efforts aim to maintain the steady influx of visitors and boost Thailand's tourism revenue further, reported Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 6 million tourists have visited Thailand, generating 293 billion baht.

• Significant increases were noted from Malaysia and Russia, despite some declines.

• Efforts to maintain tourist numbers include safety campaigns and eased travel processes.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 26 Feb 2026

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2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

From January 1 to February 22, 5.94 million international visitors entered the country, with Chinese, Malaysian, and Russian tourists topping the list. This surge marks a successful tourism period, bringing in 293 billion baht.

yeah, and this directly shows the pattern of trying to tell people the tourism sector will bring in over 3T baht 2026. BooHoo HaaHaa!

Let´s count: They are talking about 293 billion in 53 days. 365/53 = 6,8867. Let´s say 6,9 to bee nice. That will result in 293 x 6,9 = 2T 22B.

Let´s also consider that January is connected to the high season. So the most part of the year will be much slower. We take away 350B just because of that.

The real number at the end of the year will be somewhere about: 1T 600B - 1T 700B baht.

That´s a little bit more than half of the estimated amount. They never learn. With Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam growing, the number will probably be even lower.

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the waiver of the TM6 immigration card, are anticipated to support the tourism industry.

Colour me confused, but how would doing away with the easy to complete TM6 and replacing it with something more complicated, support tourism

6 million, with at least half given the 3rd degree and treated like criminals. No wonder folk are looking elsewhere.

Not like TAT to not get mentioned in such positive news!

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

• Efforts to maintain tourist numbers include safety campaigns and eased travel processes.

And increased airport fees.

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Nearly 6 million tourists have visited Thailand, generating 293 billion baht.

Doesn't sound great to me considering it is the high season!

Isn't 6 million still down, on the same period as last year... January, 2.7 million, was 30% down...yes, there is always a bump in February, it's called Chinese New Year, I don't have the February numbers for 2025 to compare with 2026, which, going by TATs numbers, must be around 3.3 million...which, I suspect, could be down on 2025 numbers.

6m in 2 months is not bad.

Left out of the article, is that 6 million ahead or behind last year's numbers?

Live outside of the old city but this is in season, so it has many farangs these days.

22 hours ago, CallumWK said:

Colour me confused, but how would doing away with the easy to complete TM6 and replacing it with something more complicated, support tourism

Complicated????? A 10 year old child can fill it in 😤

I don't care what you say, I has quieten down this week, Twice I have been down to Nai Harn beach and drove along Rawai beach you can see to the parking areas empty,