The number of foreign tourists entering Thailand so far this year has now exceeded 4 million in a positive sign, reflecting the continuing recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector. It is also a result of the relaxation of tourist entry procedures and proactive tourism promotion, according to Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri.
The end-of-year government target for the arrival of foreign tourists is 10 million, with just four months left. Pre-COVID, the numbers of tourists were on the rise each year, from 38.2 million in 2018 to almost 40 million in 2019.
Anucha said that, according to statistics from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the cumulative number of foreign tourists entering Thailand between January 1st and August 16th was 4,015,504, of which most were from Malaysia, India, the Lao PDR, Singapore and the United Kingdom, in descending order.
To stimulate tourism, on August 19th, 2022, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) allowed foreign tourists to extend their stays, to encourage travel and to increase their spending.
Effective October 1st, 2022 to March 31st, 2023, the period of stay for nationals of countries exempted from a visa requirement is extended from 30 to 45 days. The stay for those who apply for visa on arrival is extended from 15 to 30 days.
