Thailand sees its first annual drop in tourists in a decade. Here is why
Posted on: Jan 01, 2026 18:33 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
siam, famed for its beaches and relaxing vibes, saw its number one correct in holidaymaker arrivals in years in 2025, as holidaymakers’ trust was rattled by a series of events that rocked the nation.
The number of arrivals fell to 33 million last year, marking a 7.2% year-on-year decline in what was also the first annual drop in international arrivals in a decade outside the pandemic period.
The year started badly, with many Chinese travelers scrapping plans to visit after actor Wang Xing was abducted from Thailand and later rescued from a scam center in neighboring Myanmar. Thailand was then rocked by Myanmar’s biggest earthquake in a century, a bloody border conflict with Cambodia, severe flooding in the south, and a political crisis that brought a new government to power.
Malaysians topped the list of foreign visitors with 4.5 million people, followed by 4.47 million Chinese tourists and 2.5 million holidaymakers from India, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports data released Thursday. Russian travelers ranked fourth at 1.9 million followed by South Koreans at 1.6 million, according to ministry data.
Tourism revenue generated by foreign visitors totaled 1.5 trillion baht ($47.6 billion) last year, down 4.7% year on year, the ministry data show. Total tourism revenue coming from visitors and domestic travelers was registered at 2.7 trillion baht, down 1.3% year on year.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand aims to welcome 36.7 million foreign tourists in 2026, with visitors from short-haul markets anticipated to make up more than 70% of international arrivals, The Nation reported, citing Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. Chinese holidaymakers are projected to total 6.7 million, matching the 2024 arrivals number, Thapanee said, according to the news report.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.