Easier visas for Chinese visitors propels Thai tourism to near pre-Covid levels

Thailand saw foreign tourist arrivals jump 26 per cent last year after the tourism-reliant nation eased entry rules and waived visas for Chinese travellers, the largest group of visitors to the Southeast Asian country.

An estimated 35.5 million tourists visited Thailand last year, up from 28.2 million in 2023, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. They spent about 1.67 trillion baht (US$48 billion), up 34 per cent from a year ago, The Nation reported.

While the tally missed the ministry’s target of welcoming 36.7 million tourists, it was close to Bank of Thailand’s prediction of 36 million. The country had set a record for tourist arrivals and revenue generation a year before the pandemic in 2019, with almost 40 million visitors and US$60 billion in tourism revenue.

Thailand expects the recovery in tourism to sustain this year following relaxation in visa rules for a number of countries and longer stays per visit. The third season of hit television series The White Lotus – set to air in early 2025 and featuring Thai luxury hotels – is expected to draw in more visitors, with the legalisation of same-sex marriage being an added attraction for LGBTQ travellers.

The government expects arrivals to jump to a record 40 million this year and along with about 200 million domestic trips to generate 2.8 trillion baht in revenue. The sector accounts for about 12 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product and nearly a fifth of jobs.

China reclaimed its position as the top source of visitors in Thailand – after seeing a decline post-pandemic – followed by Malaysia and India.