Thailand generated THB984.32 billion in tourism revenue from 20.32 million foreign arrivals between January 1 and August 22, 2026, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said. However, the visitor total was 2.96% lower than during the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. China remained Thailand's largest overseas market, supplying 3,440,752 visitors during the period. Malaysia followed with 2,559,676 arrivals, ahead of India on 1,494,003, Russia on 1,158,680 and South Korea on 749,202. Weekly arrivals fall in mid-August The ministry reported that arrivals weakened in both short- and long-haul markets during the week from Sunday, August 16, to Saturday, August 22. Thailand recorded 556,400 foreign visitors in that week, down 56,243 arrivals, or 9.18%, from the preceding week. The daily average was 79,486. Short-haul arrivals came to 384,778, a week-on-week decline of 4.70%. Chinese arrivals slowed as the country's summer school holiday moved into its final phase. The ministry also said overall foreign arrivals were expected to ease in the following week as school summer breaks ended in several markets, reducing international travel. Malaysia and Taiwan provide some support Malaysia was one of the exceptions, with arrivals rising after a run of holidays at the start of the week after the reporting period. These included Melaka Governor's Birthday in Melaka state and Maulidur Rasul. Taiwanese arrivals increased for a second consecutive week, supported by higher flight frequencies. EVA Air, for example, operated up to 32 flights a week on the Taipei-Bangkok route, helping Taiwan rise from sixth to fourth place among source markets during the reporting week. Japan, meanwhile, fell from fourth place in the previous week to fifth after its Mountain Day and Obon holiday period ended. The five largest markets for the August 16-22 week were China, with 110,271 visitors, down 10.65%; Malaysia, 62,845, up 4.66%; India, 37,307, down 9.11%; Taiwan, 25,348, up 7.95%; and Japan, 22,291, down 27.31%. The ministry added that Malaysian media coverage of unrest in Thailand's three southern border provinces could influence travel decisions among Malaysian visitors. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? 26 August 2026
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