Middle Eastern tourists become Thailand's biggest spenders at $2,500 per trip

Tourists from America ranked third with an average expenditure at 60,474 baht, followed by Europe at 59,345 baht, the Tourism Authority of Thailand revealed based on the survey of 30,054 tourists who came to the country last year.

The poll found that the average spending per trip last year increased to 50,900 baht from 48,209 baht in 2019, the year before the onset of the Covid pandemic.

According to the survey, 77.3% of respondents favor street food, rising from 63% before the pandemic.

This preference for street food led to decreased expenditure on food and beverages, from 5,875 baht in 2019 to 4,094 baht.

Thailand received 28 million foreign tourists last year, ranking second in Southeast Asia after Malaysia at 29 million.

This year Thailand is aiming for 36-40 million foreign arrivals.