Malaysia beats Thailand to become Southeast Asia tourism champion

By Hoang Phong June 3, 2025 | 02:31 am PT

Tourists and Hindu devotees are seen on the steps of Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple at Batu Caves, Malaysia, April 19, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Malaysia received 10.1 million foreign arrivals in the first quarter of this year, making it the most visited country in Southeast Asia, thanks to its visa relaxation policies.

Thailand, which held the champion title for years, was second with 9.55 million, followed by Vietnam (six million) and Singapore (4.31 million), according to official data.

Malaysia recently announced the extension of visa exemption for Chinese travelers for another five years, with an option to extend it for an additional five years until 2036, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

It has also extended its visa-free entry for Indian tourists until 2026.

Meanwhile, Thailand has been hit by a tourism crisis due to safety concerns, especially after the kidnapping of Chinese actor Xing Xing in January, and foreign arrival numbers have been plummeting.