The kingdom, famous for its Buddhist temples and its heavenly beaches, attracted 35.54 million visitors over the last twelve months, compared to 28.15 million the previous year, an increase of 26%, said the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
After years of lows linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, China has once again become the leading country of origin for tourists in Thailand, with 6.73 million people (+91%), ahead of Malaysia, India, South Korea and Russia.
In recent months, the government has stepped up initiatives to boost the sector, crucial for its economy, such as lifting visa restrictions for Chinese and Indians, and organizing promotional events.
Tourist spending last year brought in 1.6 trillion baht, or about 45 billion euros, said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
Thailand welcomed a record number of 39 million tourists in 2019 but its momentum came to a sudden halt due to the pandemic.
The World Bank expects the country to exceed its pre-pandemic level in 2025 but reports that tourists are spending 20% less than before, in a report published in July.
The government, which hoped for 35 million visitors for 2024, is counting on 39 million in 2025.
The authorities forecast gross domestic product growth of 2.6% in 2024, a figure lower than its Indonesian, Vietnamese or Malaysian neighbors.
