China Takes Top Spot for Thailand’s Tourist Arrivals

PHOTO: Siamrath

National —

Chinese tourists have taken the top spot in terms of international tourist numbers for Thailand, according to the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA).

The news was revealed during the PBTA regular meeting held on March 20th, 2024, at the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital conference room.

Mr. Boonanan Patanasin, president of the PBTA, presided over the meeting. Ms. Malika Sudsaneh, Deputy Director of the Pattaya Office of Tourism and Sports (TAT), along with government officials and representatives from Chonburi’s hospitality industry, were also present.

According to Ms. Malika, Thailand saw over 16.96 million domestic tourists in January 2024. This represents a 6.54% increase compared to the same period last year. These visits generated 8.02 billion baht in revenue, reflecting an 8.59% increase.

This positive trend is attributed to the Thai government’s tourism initiatives, which aim to promote secondary cities. The winter season also attracts numerous visitors to the northern and northeastern regions.

Ms. Malika highlighted that Chonburi remained a popular tourist destination because it is ranked among the top five most visited by Thai tourists. The province welcomed over 1,169,996 domestic visitors, placing it behind only Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Ms. Malika also shared international tourist arrival data. From January 1st to March 10th, 2024, China emerged as the leading source country for international tourists in Thailand, followed by Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India.

Thailand also secured a prestigious spot among the top 20 must-visit tourist destinations for 2024, according to a recent ranking by the United Kingdom. Ms. Malik disclosed that Thailand ranked 6th, surpassing Japan in 16th place, making it one of only two Asian countries to receive this recognition.

PHOTO: Siamrath
PHOTO: Siamrath

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The Pattaya News, owned by our parent company TPN media.

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Tanakorn Panyadee
The Latest Local News Translator at The Pattaya News. Aim is a twenty-two year old who currently lives and studies his last year of college in Bangkok. Interested in English translation, story-telling, and entrepreneurship, he believes that hard-working is an indispensable component of every success in this world.