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Thailand Emerges as a Global Tourism Magnet with Nearly Six Million Visitors in Early 2026
China and Malaysia Lead International Arrivals as the Kingdom’s Tourism Sector Registers Strong Performance in the Opening Months of the Year
Thailand’s tourism industry has recorded a robust start to 2026, welcoming nearly six million international visitors in the opening weeks of the year, with China and Malaysia emerging as the largest source markets.
According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand received more than four million foreign tourists from January 1 to February 8, driven primarily by visitors from China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea.
Over that period, China accounted for the largest share of arrivals, with nearly 570,000 visitors, followed by Malaysia with approximately 378,000 arrivals.
Cumulative arrivals from the first weeks of January into early February surpassed four million, generating strong tourism revenue and reflecting growing confidence in Thailand as a preferred destination.
Across January alone, Thailand had recorded at least 2.6 million foreign tourist arrivals, with Chinese and Malaysian markets showing notable momentum, supported by government travel-facilitation measures and targeted promotional initiatives.
International visitor numbers have been underpinned by Thailand’s continuing travel-ease policies, including the waiver of the TM.6 arrival card and safety and image certification initiatives aimed at bolstering traveller confidence.
These measures, coupled with strong air connectivity and promotional campaigns, have helped sustain demand from short-haul markets and improve long-haul travel flows from Europe and the Americas.
The resurgence of China’s outbound travel has been particularly highlighted by consecutive weekly increases in arrivals, signalling renewed interest among Chinese tourists for Thailand’s beaches, cultural attractions, and hospitality offerings.
Across the broader region, Malaysia remains a consistent contributor to Thai inbound tourism, with its geographical proximity and cultural connections facilitating steady visitor flows.
Tourism officials have expressed optimism about the trajectory for 2026, amid projections that Thailand could attract a significantly higher total of international arrivals compared with 2025 figures.
The government’s comprehensive tourism strategy emphasises sustainable growth, enhanced visitor services, and diversified destination offerings to strengthen Thailand’s competitive position in the global tourism landscape.
According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand received more than four million foreign tourists from January 1 to February 8, driven primarily by visitors from China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea.
Over that period, China accounted for the largest share of arrivals, with nearly 570,000 visitors, followed by Malaysia with approximately 378,000 arrivals.
Cumulative arrivals from the first weeks of January into early February surpassed four million, generating strong tourism revenue and reflecting growing confidence in Thailand as a preferred destination.
Across January alone, Thailand had recorded at least 2.6 million foreign tourist arrivals, with Chinese and Malaysian markets showing notable momentum, supported by government travel-facilitation measures and targeted promotional initiatives.
International visitor numbers have been underpinned by Thailand’s continuing travel-ease policies, including the waiver of the TM.6 arrival card and safety and image certification initiatives aimed at bolstering traveller confidence.
These measures, coupled with strong air connectivity and promotional campaigns, have helped sustain demand from short-haul markets and improve long-haul travel flows from Europe and the Americas.
The resurgence of China’s outbound travel has been particularly highlighted by consecutive weekly increases in arrivals, signalling renewed interest among Chinese tourists for Thailand’s beaches, cultural attractions, and hospitality offerings.
Across the broader region, Malaysia remains a consistent contributor to Thai inbound tourism, with its geographical proximity and cultural connections facilitating steady visitor flows.
Tourism officials have expressed optimism about the trajectory for 2026, amid projections that Thailand could attract a significantly higher total of international arrivals compared with 2025 figures.
The government’s comprehensive tourism strategy emphasises sustainable growth, enhanced visitor services, and diversified destination offerings to strengthen Thailand’s competitive position in the global tourism landscape.
