Bangkok:The number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand in the first nine months of the year reached 23 million, marking a 3.8% decrease compared to previous figures.
According to Thai News Agency, the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce highlighted that the ASEAN regional market experienced a contraction of 15.4%. The center called for urgent government intervention to address the underlying issues. It was noted that warnings about stockpiling food are not expected to significantly affect Thai tourism. Furthermore, the center suggested that a Democratic majority in the US midterm elections could positively influence the oil and tourism sectors.
Associate Professor Dr. Thanawat Polvichai, President of the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, along with other officials, presented data indicating that while the number of tourists in the first nine months was 23.20 million, there was a decrease of 916,019 people. September alone saw a 10.5% drop. Factors such as conflicts in the Middle East, high oil prices, and competitive neighboring countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore were cited as contributors to this decline.
Looking forward, Dr. Thanawat anticipates a recovery in 2027, with tourist numbers expected to reach 34 million. He emphasized the importance of the Chinese market and recommended immediate government actions to boost safety, enhance border efficiency, and refine visa policies. Additionally, expanding flight availability ahead of the Chinese New Year in 2027 was suggested as a strategic move.
In the long term, Thailand aims to compete through direct flights and value-for-money offers to capture more market share within Asia. The projected revenue from international tourists is estimated at 1.512 trillion baht for 2026. Hosting international events like the IMF-WBG is expected to enhance Thailand's global image, while advancements in AI are anticipated to increase competitiveness.
Dr. Thanawat also addressed concerns about warnings for tourists to stock up on food, suggesting these would not have a significant impact. Despite the warnings, most travelers plan to continue with their journeys, viewing the advisories as precautionary rather than indicative of severe issues. Natural disasters, such as Japan's earthquakes, are not expected to heavily disrupt tourism unless they become frequent. Additionally, the southern flooding situation is reportedly subsiding.
Regarding the US midterm elections, Dr. Thanawat commented on the ongoing battle between Republicans and Democrats for legislative control. A Democratic majority could lead to improved negotiations on conflicts, benefiting both the oil and tourism industries. Conversely, a Republican Senate majority would enable the party to wield significant legislative power.