Southeast Asia's second largest economy welcomes over 29 million foreign tourists

By Hoang Phong November 5, 2024 | 06:24 pm PT

Monkeys climb onto tourists at the annual Monkey Festival in Lopburi province, Thailand, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, has welcomed more than 29.08 million foreign tourists this year, bringing in revenues of 1.358 trillion baht (US$40.14 billion).

Chinese tourists lead in arrivals with over 5.75 million, followed by Malaysia (4.18 million), India (1.72 million), South Korea (1.53 million), and Russia (1.3 million), according to data from Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

An increase in foreign tourist arrivals is expected in the coming weeks, driven by the high season for long-haul markets, especially from Europe, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said as reported by Bernama.

Thailand expects to attract a total of 36.7 million foreign tourists by the end of the year.

To boost visitor numbers, Thailand has indefinitely extended its visa-free entry policy for Indian travelers, encouraging arrivals from the world’s most populous country.

The Thai government has also extended the waiver of TM6 immigration forms for foreign tourists entering through 16 land and sea checkpoints until April 30, 2025.

Starting Dec. 1, a new biometric identification system will be implemented across six major airports, enabling passengers to use facial recognition technology to expedite immigration clearance.