This photo taken on April 9, 2018 shows a crowd of tourists on the Maya Bay beach, on the southern Thai island of Koh Phi Phi. Photo by AFP
Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia by 2024 GDP, expects to attract five million Malaysian tourists by the end of this year, matching the number of Chinese arrivals.
Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director for the ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific region at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), expressed optimism for the Malaysian market amid slower Chinese arrivals, as reported by Bangkok Post.
As of Aug. 17, Thailand welcomed over 2.87 million Malaysian tourists, making it the second-largest inbound market, just behind China.
Malaysians are now visiting Thailand more frequently during the weekdays, not just on weekends, she said.
Tourism industry experts have urged the Thai government to enhance safety measures following a fire attack on two Malaysian visitors earlier this month.
In addition, the Thai government plans to give away 200,000 round-trip domestic flight tickets to foreign tourists between September and November, which could encourage Malaysians to explore other lesser-known destinations.
According to TAT, Malaysian tourists spend an average of 5,500 baht (US$168) per day, or over 28,700 baht per trip, with an average stay of 4.96 days.
