Thailand Welcomes More Than 35.5 Million International Visitors in 2024
Kyiv, Jan 8 (NationPress) Thailand welcomed over 35.54 million international visitors in 2024, reflecting a 26.27 percent growth compared to the previous year, driven by relaxed entry requirements and visa exemption initiatives, according to official reports.
Chinese tourists led the influx with 6.73 million arrivals, followed by 4.95 million from Malaysia and 2.12 million from India, as detailed by the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports on Tuesday.
In terms of revenue, Thailand earned around 1.67 trillion baht (approx. $48.45 billion) from international tourism in 2024, which is a 34 percent increase from the previous year, the ministry announced.
As of January, tourists can apply for an electronic visa through an online platform accessible at all Thai embassies and consulates worldwide, facilitating a more efficient application process and convenient online payment options, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Currently, visitors from 93 countries and territories can enjoy a stay of up to 60 days in Thailand without a visa, including tourists from significant markets such as China, India, South Korea, and Russia.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand aims to attract nearly 39 million international tourists this year, targeting a tourism revenue of 2.23 trillion baht (around $64.71 billion).
In the pre-pandemic year of 2019, Thailand recorded a historic 39.9 million foreign arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht (about $55.42 billion) in revenue.
Tourism is a pivotal contributor to the nation’s economic development, comprising 14.16 percent of the gross domestic product and 11.33 percent of employment in the second quarter of 2024.
