In 2023, Malaysia will overtake China as Thailand’s leading source of tourists, contributing 4.56 million arrivals, marking a shift in the top feeder market for Thai tourism.
China no longer Thailand’s largest source of tourists in 2023 (Photo: Google)
Changing Dynamics: Malaysia Overtakes China as Top Source of Tourists for Thailand in 2023
Malaysia surpassed China as Thailand’s top tourist source in 2023, with 4.56 million visitors. Chinese tourists came in second with 3.51 million visitors, ahead of South Koreans (1.65 million), Indians (1.62 million), and Russians (1.48 million), according to the Thailand Tourism Authority.
Malaysia and Thailand, both ASEAN members, are near enough for visa-free travel. Before COVID-19, Chinese visitors were Thailand’s biggest tourism market. Over 25% of international visitors to Thailand were Chinese, with 11 million in 2019.
Many things contributed to the move, including a Bangkok mall shooting last September that lowered Chinese visitor trust. Due to low demand, Chinese airlines canceled December and January flights to Thailand. According to a China Trading Desk poll of over 10,000 Chinese people, Singapore, Europe, and South Korea are now more popular tourism destinations than Thailand.
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Thai Prime Minister Announces Permanent Visa Waiver with China in Response to Changing Tourist Dynamics
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thivisin declared a permanent visa waiver between Thailand and China in March to address the fall in Chinese tourists. Thailand earned 1.2 trillion baht (US$35.03 billion) from 28 million international visitors in 2022. The government hopes to draw 35 million foreign tourists this year.
Geopolitical and situational circumstances have changed visitor travel habits and preferences, changing the top source.
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