Wednesday, July 31, 2024
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Thailand received 20,335,107 international visitors from January 1 to July 28, generating approximately 957.31 billion baht for local businesses, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s announcement on Tuesday.
China led as the primary source of tourists, contributing 4,065,109 visitors, followed by Malaysia with 2,837,922, India with 1,186,288, South Korea with 1,073,792, and Russia with 996,990 arrivals.
Minister Sermsak Pongpanich reported that during the week of July 22-28, Thailand saw 716,631 foreign arrivals, averaging 102,376 per day. This marked a 1.04% increase from the previous week, or an additional 7,367 people.
The rise in visitors was attributed to school holidays in short-haul markets like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, leading to a 0.85% increase from the previous week. Additionally, long-haul market arrivals grew by 1.57% due to the commencement of summer holidays in Europe and the Middle East.
Minister Sermsak forecasted that foreign arrivals for the upcoming week (July 29-August 4) would remain consistent, supported by factors such as European summer holidays, relaxed travel restrictions, and an increase in flights.
The government has set a target of 36.7 million foreign visitors for 2024, compared to nearly 40 million in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
Top Places to visit in Thailand:
- Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: The Grand Palace is a stunning complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. It houses Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Thailand.
- Phuket: Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultural attractions, Phuket is a favorite destination for both relaxation and adventure. Patong Beach and the Phi Phi Islands are particularly popular.
- Chiang Mai: This city in northern Thailand is famous for its ancient temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Chiang Mai also offers access to beautiful mountain landscapes and traditional hill tribes.
- Ayutthaya Historical Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ayutthaya was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The park is filled with impressive ruins of temples and palaces that offer a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history.
- Krabi: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Krabi features limestone cliffs, clear waters, and beautiful beaches. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing, island hopping (including Railay Beach and the Phi Phi Islands), and exploring natural parks.
