thailand tourist numbers by country

Thailand Tourism Statistics for 2021

The Ministry of Tourism of Thailand has published the latest Tourism Statistics for the past year 2021 . As you know, Thailand started the Phuket Sandbox program on 1st July 2021 and later on, on 1st November , started the Test and Go program. Those 2 options allowed tourism to travel back to Thailand.

Feel free to use the search box to find some specific nationality:

Some interesting data from the Thailand Tourism Statistics 2021

▪️ The total of tourists that arrived to Thailand on 2021 was 427,869 people. Far from the 39.9 million of 2019.

▪️ 54% of them arrived in December.

▪️ 75% of them arrived after the Test and Go was approved.

▪️ 58% of them were from Europe.

▪️ Only 13,043 tourist were from China. In 2019 they were 10.9 million.

▪️ 24,899 tourists were from Germany, making it the country’s largest source of visitors, followed by United Kingdom (21,311 pax) and Russia (21,205 pax).

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Tourist Arrivals by Nationality in 2022 (Visitors again !) and 2019 (last 'full' year of Arrivals)

• Tourist Nationalities 2019 | 2022

Data for 2022, restart of Tourism Economy

For all practical purposes, the tourism economy in Thailand restarted in 2022, with the number of visitors increasing markedly each quarter of the year. At the end of the year a total of 11,153,026 tourists had visited, which was a most welcome result, and greatly anticipated. A total of 39,797,406 tourists had visited in 2019, so the number of 2022 was 'just' 28% of that. In any case, the number of arrivals towards the end of the year, was very promising for 2023. We give a short review of the arrivals in 2022, below you will find data also from 2019.

The image above compares arrivals from different world regions in 2019 (blue) and 2022 (orange). Mostly the number of arrivals was proportionally less for all regions. Except for arrivals from Eastern Asia. Only few Chinese visitors arrived, actually stringent Covid-19 restrictions were just lifted towards the end of 2022. Only arrivals from Japan and Taiwan were limited. We expect better numbers for 2023, since in January 2023 Chinese travelers already started arriving.

Most visitors came from countries as listed above. Chinese visitors numbered just 274,000 while more than 10 million arrived in 2019. The biggest provider of mostly short-term visitors was Malaysia, which makes sense, since it is a neighboring country. Chinese visitors made up just 2.5 % of total visitors, while in 2019 they made up 27.6% of total visitors. One striking trend, and also visible in the streets of Bangkok, are the increasing number of visitors from India. In 2022 they made up 8.9 % of total visitors, compared to 5.0 % of total visitors in 2019. So maybe in a few years Thailand will receive prominent numbers both from India and China (visitors to Indo-China !).

Data for 2019, last 'full' year of Tourist Arrivals

The data here go back to 2019, the last year when millions of tourists visited Thailand. With Covid-19 from the start of 2020 till the middle of 2022, there were no or not many tourists arriving. However, since beginning 2022 there was improvement, and restrictions that applied have been cancelled or more relaxed since 1 July 2022. As of the end of 2022, there were no obvious restrictions for visiting Thailand.

Tourism Statistics :

The number of tourist arrivals in Thailand, with some hiccups, has steadily increased over the last two decades. As recent as 2010 there were 'only' 15.94 million visitors to the country. By 2015 this had increased substantially (almost doubled) to 29.92 million visitors. Now in 2019 the number has increased to 39.8 million visitors. It was a modest increase by 4.24 % from the previous year. 2020 and 2021 were difficult times for tourism. We can just state that visitors were not really allowed into Thailand. with few exceptions.

Over the past decade, Thai tourism numbers had increased mainly because of the increase of Chinese and other Asian visitors.As seen in the graph below, most visitors came from East Asia (with China providing the bulk) and the ASEAN countries. Europe has been providing a rather steady number of visitors, while the other continents have more limited number of visitors (though the Indian subcontinent looks promising the last few years).

From 2012 onwards, China has been taking the top spot as far as providing tourists to Thailand, now way ahead of Malaysia in second place. As seen below, close to 11 million Chinese visitors arrived in 2019, which was 27.6 % of the total. Chinese visitors stopped coming in 2020 and 2021, and in 2022 we are still waiting for them.

Japan, South Korea, and India provide close to 2 million visitors to Thailand each year. Among the European countries, Russia in the last decade has become most important, with in 2019 close to 1.5 million visitors. You will note that there are a lot of visitors from Laos and Cambodia, in view of the smaller population of these countries. We do not have clear data about how tourists from these countries are counted. It is hardly possible though that almost two million Laotians travel around Thailand, enjoying the sites of Bangkok and Phuket. Likely a lot of border crossings for just a day, and some local business trips are included.

Changes from 2015 to 2019 :

Arbitrarily we have included some data on the increase (decrease) of visitors from the most important countries to Thailand, between 2015 and 2019. This may maybe allow to see some trends of what may happen in the future.

For all countries, the increase in visitors was 32.30% in the 4 years between 2015 and 2019. Most Asian countries seem to provide similar increases in visitors. However it is clear that there is a substantial rise in visitors from India, from about 1 million to 2 million visitors, and for local residents, it is clearly visible on Bangkok's streets. As mentioned before, China provides in 2019 close to 11 million visitors. However the last few years, the increase in number of Chinese visitors luckily has not further exploded, and is just a few percentage points above the average increase in visitors.

Russia was also a growing market.This in stark contrast with most other European countries. U.K., Germany and France show only modest increases in visitors to Thailand. The last few years saw also somewhat more American visitors than before.

Interestingly, the number of Australians visiting Thailand has decreased somewhat from 2015 to 2019(-4.63 %), and also the number of visitors from Singapore was not rising anymore (-1.67 %). Sorry, we were not able to put these last two numbers clearly on the chart above.

Source : Ministry of Tourism and Sports (latest updates often only available at Thai language section)

• Tourist Arrivals In Thailand By Country

Thailand is the leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia with its tourism industry spanning close to 70 years of history. Tourism contributes about 9 to 10% to the total GDP. The number of tourists visiting Thailand has been on a steady rise throughout the years reaching up to 30 million visitors annually, although the numbers sometimes decline due to unrests and security threats. However, Thailand’s tourism industry remains an all-time high, especially during the December-January peak festive season. Thailand is a unique place to visit for its natural, cultural and historical heritage and the warm tropical climate which is favored by tourists escaping the cold winters found in their countries. The rising medical tourism industry has attracted tourists who come for holidays while getting medical care.

China has had the largest number of tourists visiting Thailand over the decades with the number expected to keep rising. In 2016, about 8,757,466 Chinese tourists visited Thailand making up for more than 25% of the total number of tourists. During 2017's first quarter, China recorded a total of 2,439,076 tourists bound for Thailand. A large number of Chinese tourists are linked to the low-price package tours which enable small budget travelers to visit Thailand regularly. However, the Thai government has discouraged these package tours as they limit the amount of spending by the tourists, earning little revenue despite a significant number of visitors.

Malaysia is the second leading country in the world and the leading ASEAN country which sends tourists to Thailand with a total of 3,533,826 visitors in 2016 and 813,865 visitors between January and March 2017. Close relations between the two countries as well as the promotion of Thailand’s tourist attractions across ASEAN countries has played a significant role in increasing the number of Malayan visitors. The shared Buddhist traditions also attract Malaysian tourists who wish to attend pilgrimage and festivals outside their own country.

Russia is the leading western country which sends the highest number of tourists to Thailand and the third leading overall. In 2016, approximately 1,089,992 Russians toured Thailand, and another 488,987 Russians visited the country between January and March 2017. Long-term close relations between Russia and Thailand have contributed to the longstanding preference for Thailand as a tourist destination by Russian tourists. Thailand’s government is however concerned with the number of Russian tourists which is considered too small.

South Korea

South Korea and Thailand have bilateral relations, with Thailand being considered a top destination for South Korean tourists who visit in large numbers. South Korea makes up about 6% of the foreign tourists in Thailand. About 1,464,629 South Koreans toured Thailand in 2016 and another 463,278 in 2017’s first quarter. Most of the Korean tourists come in group tours and only about 20% visit Thailand as independent tourists.

Future Prospects

With the aim of improving Thailand’s tourism industry, the Tourist Authority of Thailand has put forward several measures such as banning cheap tourist packages which in turn will improve and encourage tourist spending. The goal of the initiative is to promote richer tourists to spend more while in Thailand. The authority markets Thailand through initiatives such as experience Thainess campaign and use of the slogan “Amazing Thailand.” Other countries with high numbers of tourists to Thailand include Japan, Laos, India, Germany, the US, the UK, France, Singapore, Vietnam, and Australia.

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Thailand Tourist Arrivals

Tourist arrivals in thailand increased to 3352302 in february from 3035296 in january of 2024. tourist arrivals in thailand averaged 1479949.92 from 1997 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 3930800.00 in december of 2019 and a record low of 0.00 in april of 2020. source: ministry of tourism & sports, thailand, tourist arrivals in thailand is expected to be 3350000.00 by the end of this quarter, according to trading economics global macro models and analysts expectations. in the long-term, the thailand tourist arrivals is projected to trend around 3300000.00 in 2025 and 3200000.00 in 2026, according to our econometric models.,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   housing,   taxes,   climate.

Tourist arrivals top 28m in 2023

PUBLISHED : 2 Jan 2024 at 15:21

WRITER: Online Reporters

There were more than 28 million foreign arrivals in Thailand in 2023, generating more than a trillion baht in revenue from tourist spending, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry

From Jan 1 to Dec 31, 28,042,131 million foreigners arrived here, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said on Tuesday. They spent 1.2 trillion baht.

The top five nationalities were Malaysians (4.56 million), Chinese ( 3.51 million), South Koreans (1.65 million), Indians (1.62 million) and Russian (1.48 million).

Ms Sudawan said over the last week of the year there were a total of 789,643 foreign tourist arrivals, a drop of 7,165 visitors, or 0.90%, from the previous week. The decrease was mostly from Asian countries. Arrivals from other regions kept rising.

• Foreign tourist arrivals

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Thailand Tourism Stats for 2022

Home / Equip & Educate / Educate / Thailand Tourism Stats for 2022

Thailand is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and, like many global tourism hotspots, was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.  This comprehensive list of statistics about tourism in Thailand provides insight into this key driver of the Thai economy. How has the tourism industry in Thailand recovered as global travel restrictions have been curtailed? What are the key historical tourism stats in Thailand? On this page you’ll find all the key stats you need to know about tourism in Thailand. 

Here’s a breakdown of the statistics you’ll find here:

• Thailand Tourism Statistics (top stats)

How many tourists visit Thailand each year?

How many tourists visit thailand now how many are expected to visit in 2022, what nationality visits thailand the most.

• Which region of the world do most visitors to Thailand come from?
•   Which European nationalities visit Thailand the most?

How many US citizens visit Thailand?

• How much does the average tourist spend per capita in Thailand?
• Which foreign visitors spend the most per capita in Thailand? 
• Which foreign visitors spend the least per capita?
• How much time do people spend in Thailand (average trip length)
• What is the average occupancy rate of accommodation?
• How many jobs do travel and tourism contribute to the Thai economy?
• How much does Tourism contribute to the GDP of Thailand?

What is the busiest month for Tourism in Thailand?

Thailand tourism statistics (top stats).

• Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic Thailand received a record number of visitors, 39,916,250 in 2019 . In 2021 , that number fell to 427,869 .
• In 2019 , Thailand received 11,138,658 visitors from China . In the first 8 months of 2022, only 114,596 Chinese tourists visited Thailand.
• Thailand expects to receive a total of 10 million foreign tourists  in 2022 and has already received 4,378,920 for the period of January through August of 2022. 
• In 2022, citizens of the United Kingdom made up 19.8% of European visitors representing the largest cohort of visitors from Europe. 
• In 2019, 1.48 million Russian tourists visited Thailand which represented the largest portion of European visitors at 22.7% percent. In 2022 only 87,485 Russian visitors arrived in Thailand representing 8.5% of the total visitors from Europe. 
• The average per capita visitor spend per day is 5,172 Baht or $167 USD per day as of 2019.
• The average tourist visits Thailand for just over 9 days . 
• December is historically the busiest month for foreign tourism in Thailand. In December of 2019, Thailand received over 3.947 million visitors. 
• In 2020, the tourism industry contributed around 883 billion Thai baht to Thailand’s GDP or approximately 5.67% of GDP

In 2019 , prior to the Covid-19 pandemic 39.9 million foreign tourists visited Thailand. This was a record number of tourists for one year. 

Tourism numbers have increased through 2022 as travel restrictions have been curtailed with Thailand receiving a total 4,378,920 foreign visitors through the end of August, 2022 . This number already drastically exceeds the  427,869 foreign visitors that arrived through all of 2021 .  The Thai government expects 1.5 million arrivals each month in the last quarter of 2022 and 10 million visitors for the complete 2022 calendar year.

As of 2022 visitors from Malaysia, India and Singapore make up the top 3 nationalities visiting Thailand. Prior to the pandemic the top 3 positions were occupied by China, Malaysia, and India. The biggest change was China falling from a 27.9% share of visitors to Thailand in 2019 to 2.6% in 2022 as the number of visitors from China traveling to Thailand fell drastically from its’ pre-pandemic peak of 11,138,657. 

What region of the world do most visitors to Thailand come from?

In 2022 , the majority of international visitors to Thailand came from Eastern Asia, 2,110,234, followed by Europe , 1,030,003. The overall percentage of visitors from Eastern Asia fell significantly, with the decline in Chinese tourists.

Here is a detailed breakdown of visitors to Thailand by global region or origin:

Which European nationalities visit Thailand the most?

For the year-to-date 2022 , visitors from the United Kingdom represented the largest portion of European visitors to Thailand with 204,231. Historically, Russian visitors were the largest cohort of European travelers to Thailand, representing 23% of 2019 foreign European visitors.  

In 2022 (Jan- August), 187,205 US citizens visited Thailand . In 2019, 1,136,21 US citizens visited.

How much do tourists spend in Thailand per Capita?

In 2019 , the per capita spend per foreign visitor to Thailand was 5,172 Baht or $167 USD per day.  

Which foreign tourists spend the most per Capita in Thailand?

In 2019 , visitors from Kuwait spent the most spending a per capita amount of $224.16 USD per day.  

Which foreign tourists spend the least per capita in Thailand?

In 2019 , visitors from France spent the least per capita amount of $112.02 USD per day.

Here’s the complete breakdown of per capita spends by tourists visiting Thailand:

How long does the average traveler spend in Thailand?

The average visitor spends just over 9 days in Thailand. 

Which nationality spends the longest amount of time in Thailand?

Tourists from Sweden typically spend the longest amount of time in Thailand with an average stay in 2019 of 19 days.  

Which nationality spends the shortest amount of time in Thailand?

Tourists from Malaysia typically spend the shortest amount of time in Thailand with an average stay of just under 5 days. 

Here’s a complete breakdown of the average trip duration to Thailand:

What is the average occupancy rate of tourist accommodation in Thailand?

Tourist accommodation occupancy in Thailand has increased to 47% as of July 2022 up from a Covid era low of 2.2% set in April of 2020 , but well off the 2019 annual average of 71.3%. 

How many jobs do travel and tourism contribute to the economy in Thailand?

In 2021, the travel and tourism industry contributed an estimated 6.86 million jobs to the economy in Thailand. This was a sharp reduction from the 8.19 million jobs the sector contributed in 2019. 

How much does Tourism contribute to Thailand's GDP?

In 2020, the tourism industry contributed around 883 billion Thai baht which was 5.65% of the country’s GDP. This was a sharp drop from 2019 , when Tourism contributed 3,029 billion  Thai baht and 17.9% of GDP.

Historically, December is the busiest month for tourism in Thailand with the largest number of foreign tourists visiting. In December of 2019 , Thailand received over 3.947 million visitors . During the post-pandemic years 2020 and 2021,  just over 6.500 and 230,000 foreign tourists came to Thailand in December.    

Here’s a closer look at the pre and post pandemic foreign tourist numbers by month:

There you have it, a breakdown of the major travel and tourism statistics for Thailand. Thailand’s tourism industry appears to be rebounding from the nadir of the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it remains to be seen when numbers will meet or exceed the records recorded in 2019.

Data sources : Thailand Ministry of Tourism & Sports  ,  The World Bank ,  Bank of Thailand  

Planning a trip to Thailand? Don't forget this.

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World Nomads  is the best choice for traveling in Thailand with comprehensive coverage for medical, luggage & gear and trip cancellation.  Hopefully you never need to make a claim, but if you do you’ll be beyond happy you were prepared!

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Thailand Visitor Arrivals

• Thailand Visitor Arrivals recorded 3,352,302 person in Feb 2024, compared with 3,035,296 person in the previous month
• Thailand Visitor Arrivals data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1981 to Feb 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 3,947,337 person in Dec 2019 and a record low of 0 person in Sep 2020

View Thailand's Visitor Arrivals from Jan 1981 to Feb 2024 in the chart:

What was Thailand's Visitor Arrivals in Feb 2024?

Thailand Visitor Arrivals recorded 3,352,302 person in Feb 2024, compared with 3,035,296 person in the previous month See the table below for more data.

Visitor Arrivals by Country Comparison

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Thailand tops ASEAN tourism market, with 28 million-plus arrivals in 2023

Thailand beat other ASEAN countries in tourist numbers last year, welcoming more than 28 million arrivals, or 154% more than the previous year, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said.

Explaining the numbers, she said foreign tourists visiting the kingdom in 2023 had risen by 11.06 million to 28.09 million or 153.94% when compared to 2022.

In comparison, Vietnam – which is also a popular tourist destination among the 10 ASEAN members – saw 12.06 million visitors last year, marking a surge of 344.2% from 3.66 million a year earlier.

Singapore saw 12.37 million in 2023, up by 130% from 5.37 million in 2022. Cambodia recorded 5.45 million tourists last year, 139.5% more than 2.27 million a year earlier. This was followed by the Philippines, which saw the number of tourists rise by 105.38% to 5.45 million, up from 2.65 million a year earlier.

Brunei welcomed a total of 82,109 tourists last year, a jump of 345.61% from 18,426 a year earlier.

The minister said that on average, ASEAN countries saw an increase of 153% in tourist arrivals last year, which she attributed to the success of two promotional tourism campaigns launched jointly by the member states.

Tourism ministers from the 10 member states met at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in the Laotian capital of Vientiane last week and agreed to promote quality, responsible and sustainable tourism to improve the region’s competitiveness in the global market.

This, Sudawan said, was in line with the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan, which promotes sustainable and inclusive tourism among member countries. The plan outlines the vision for ASEAN tourism over the decade of 2016-2025: “By 2025, ASEAN will be a quality tourism destination offering a unique, diverse ASEAN experience, and will be committed to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and balanced tourism development, to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic well-being of ASEAN people.”

Sudawan said the meeting in Vientiane followed up on measures and activities introduced to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic fallout, under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan. The meeting encouraged member countries to review and implement certain activities in line with the strategic plan to bring about rapid recovery of the tourism sector.

The next meeting of the ASEAN tourism ministers is scheduled to be held on January 25 next year in Malaysia under the theme of “Unity in Motion: Shaping ASEAN’s Tourism Tomorrow”.

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Tourism In Thailand Statistics 2023: All You Need To Know

by GoWithGuide travel specialist: Ajitsa A.

# travelthailand

Ah, Thailand. The enchanting country that inspires visions of crystal blue waters, vibrant cuisine, awe-inspiring temples, and dizzying information spread across several tabs? Wait, one of these doesn't belong. 

Planning a tour of Thailand shouldn't be rocket science. That's why we're cutting to the good stuff with everything you need to know about the Land of Smiles. Give your search engine some much-needed rest and discover what awaits whether you decide to visit bustling  Bangkok  ,  stay tucked away in the fields of  Chiang Mai , or have a  Thai tour guide   handle your itinerary. As they say in Thailand, pai kan (let's go)!

 The Land Of Smiles: Thailand By The Numbers 

At A Glance: Top Ten Tourism Statistics In Thailand 

Thailand is the 8th most popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and breathtaking landscapes. It's no wonder why they received 39.9 million tourists in 2019. Though they suffered a dip in 2022 with only 11.8 million tourists, they're recovering quickly.  In fact, tourism in Thailand is set to make a comeback in 2023 with an estimated 25 million tourists projected to flock to the peninsula. ​

• 25.8 million - The number of tourists that visited Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city
• Thailand   is the   8th most   popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and breathtaking landscapes. It's no wonder why they received   39.9 million   tourists in 2019. Though they suffered a dip in 2022 with only 11.8 million tourists, they're recovering quickly. 
• In fact, Thai tourism is set to make a comeback in 2023 with an estimated   25 million   tourists projected to flock to the peninsula.
• 167 USD - The average amount of money a tourist spends per day
• 9 days - the average time tourists spend in Thailand
• 117.5 billion   USD - The amount in dollars that tourism contributed to Thailand’s GDP for 2019  
• 21.9% - The percentage that tourism and travel contributed to the nation's GDP
• 40,000 - the number of temples in Thailand 
• 3000 - The number of elephants used for tourism purposes  
• 71.8 million - Thailand’s current population, an increase 
• 0.56 - the number of tourists per resident in Thailand
•   513,115 square km (198,115 sq m) - The size of the country, meaning you've got a lot to explore! 

Why We Love Thailand   

So what makes Thailand a popular tourist destination? Let’s find out.  

The Sites - as one of the world's most visually stunning countries, Thailand's cities have the perfect blend of outdoor enchantment and architectural awe. What's Thailand's most distinctive trait? Let's take a look. 

• Bangkok - the capital city is home to amazing structures like the Grand Palace, the Wat Arun temple, and our Damnoen Saduak floating market tour   where 10,000 boats are masterfully navigated by vendors selling fresh Thai ingredients. 
• Phuket - Thailand's largest island drifts along the Andaman Sea, with nearby beaches drawing in visitors thanks to its thriving  water sports   culture. 
• Chiang Mai - Welcome to the largest city in Northern Thailand! Millions flock to this province for various reasons, including the 117 temples, and vibrant  nightlife . 
• Chon Buri - Not too far from Bangkok (80 kilometers), this seaside settlement is a  seafood lover’s   dream.
• Ayutthaya - This UNESCO  World Heritage center   is home to several ruins of the Siamese Kingdom. Touring this archaeological site takes you back to the 14th-18th century.

Travel Q&A : What is the number one best tourist destination in Thailand? The Grand Palace in Bangkok, also known as the former residence of Thailand's royal family, is one of the most frequented structures in the world, drawing in  8 million visitors   yearly.

The Food - It's no secret that Thailand is the King of street food. It's so beloved that most residents prefer eating out to cooking at home. Here are some Thai treats to add to your culinary bucket list;

• Pad Thai (Thai fried noodles) - This world-famous dish has its roots in Thailand. With tender flat rice noodles, sweet sauces, umami flavor, and crispy fried eggs, it's often considered Thailand's signature meal. 
• Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) - Popular throughout the country, this Northern Thai classic highlights the crunchy and sharp green papaya mixed with carrots, chilies, lime juice, green beans, and so much more!  
• Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Thai green curry) - Coconut is a beloved Thai ingredient that shines bright in this savory, slightly sweet, and fragrant curry.  
• Khao Niew Mamuang (mango with sticky rice) - Cleanse your palate with this traditional sticky rice dessert. Thailand’s staple grain is enhanced with creamy condensed milk and fresh mangoes. 
• Satay (skewered meat) - You'll find some form of skewered, fire-roasted meat on every corner. From sweet and sticky pork to chicken heads, there are enough flavor combinations  to last a lifetime.  

Travel Treat : You may have seen dramatic videos on the internet highlighting Thailand’s exotic snacks, but it’s all true! Thai people take pride in knowing how to transform critters like cockroaches and grasshoppers into savory delights. Talk to your private guide about an in-depth GoWithGuide f ood tour. 

The Nature - Nowhere else will you find a landscape so diverse it houses both the second largest land mammal (Asian elephant) and the smallest one (the adorable bumblebee bat). Looking to enjoy Thailand's beautiful nature? Here's how.

• Jet Skis and Beach activities at Saigaeo
• Elephant Trekking in Phuket 
• Catamaran Yacht Ride in Pattaya
• Waterfalls & Caves in Chiang Mai  

Travel Q&A : Is Thailand one of the most visited countries? Yes! Thailand was ranked  the 8th most visited country in the world in 2019, beating out Germany and the United Kingdom. 

Who Else Loves Thailand

Okay, so everybody loves Thailand, but who can you expect to run into while touring this brilliant country? Here’s the tourist breakdown by nationality (pre-pandemic).  

• China - The Thai  Ministry of Tourism and Sports   reported that in 2019, over 11 million tourists came from mainland China, contributing to 28% of Thailand’s tourism. 
• Malaysia - Coming in is Malaysia, Thailand’s border mate with 4.2 million visitors and 10% of the tourism share. 
• India - Over 1.9 million Indian residents visited the Southeast Asian jewel in 2019. Indian visitors made up 10% of tourist shares in 2022 due to China's total lock down. 
• Korea - 1.8 million Koreans touched down in Thailand throughout 2019. 
• Laos - Neighboring Laos brought in 1.8 million visitors. 
• Japan - 1.7 million 
• Russia - 1.4 million 
• Singapore - 1.1 million 
• The United States - 1.1 million  
• Hong Kong - 1 million  

Travel Bonus : Is Thailand visa-free for U.S. citizens? Yes! No need to book appointments or go through long processes for a visa. You can travel for  up to 29 days   without one!   

Quick Thailand Travel Trends 

A speedy look at Thailand’s monthly tourist visiting trends 

• January to February - The Chinese new year is set to attract  30,000 Chinese   visitors and 500,000 international travelers (2023).
• March & April - 543,000 guests   flew in for The Songkran Festival. Most of them were from China, looking to splash in the traditional Thai new year with plenty of lighthearted water fights (2019).
• May - Thailand's monsoon season starts, decreasing tourist activity significantly, and some hotels along the coast shut down.
• June-September - This is Thailand's low season, with heavy trains affecting most day-to-day activities and tour highlights.
• October-December - As monsoon season wears off, travelers flock to enjoy Thailand's cool breezes and steady weather patterns. The peak season ranges from November to March drawing in visitors to Chiang Mai to celebrate the floating candle festival.   

This vs That - Thailand's Tourism Recovery (2019 vs 2022)  

Has tourism in Thailand recovered from the pandemic? Yes and no. Tourism was the industry hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Thailand went from 40 million tourists in 2019 to just over  11 million   tourists in 2022. Though that's a drastic drop, it’s a rapid improvement, as the previous year saw only 428,000 visitors. Though around  25 million   travelers are expected in 2023, it will take some time before Thailand sees record highs again.

Travel Truth : The Land of Smiles is enchanting, but what are the disadvantages of tourism in Thailand? The  Thailand Development Research Institute   cites coral pollution due to littering from excessive beach parties, environmental strain from over-tourism, and troubling practices within Thailand's controversial sex tourism industry as some of the few pitfalls of the highly successful tourism industry.  

Explore Thailand responsibly and avoid adding to the negative side of tourism by hiring a  local private guide   who tailors your itinerary to match your desires while keeping local travel standards at the forefront.

Life in Thailand: What To Expect in The Land of Smiles 

You might be a guest, but Thailand is the best place to experience local living. Here are some things to keep in mind while living within this Southeast Asian jewel;

Getting Around -Transport can be tricky in bustling metropolitan areas like Phuket or Bangkok, but these methods are sure to get you where you need to go. 

• Tuk Tuk - this staple of Southeast Asian travel is so prevalent in Thailand that there are over 35,000 three-wheelers in operation. Keep your guide close as foreigners can sometimes be tricked into paying high fare prices. 

Travel Bonus - Want to add some fun to your Thai transport experience? Try our night time  Tuk Tuk tour filled with tasty street food stops along the way  

• Taxi - Taxis are plentiful in nearly all major cities, but they can be quite expensive.  
• Motorcycles - Strap in and make sure you have a helmet because these guys are fast, especially when zipping through traffic.  

Weather Check: Your Guide To Thailand’s Climate

Thailand is known for its diverse climate and blooming ecosystems that give us unique wildlife and weather. So what is the best time to visit Thailand? Let's look at what the  weather   has to say. 

• April tends to be the hottest month for those arriving in Bangkok, with average highs of 30.5°C (87°F). Overall, Thailand has annual highs of 37°C (98.6°F). This is considered the peak of Thailand’s March-May  hot season . 
• December brings about the year's lowest temperatures at 21°C (69.8°F). This is the lowest stage in Thailand's November to February cool season. 
• June-October is when the rainy/monsoon season kicks off with highs of 252 mm rainfall in September. 
• January holds the highest average for sunshine with Bangkok recording 273 hours of sunshine . 

Do’s & Don'ts  

Is Thailand friendly to tourists? Yes! There's a reason why they're known as the land of smiles. Thai people are hospitable and kind, but if you want to keep your trip hassle-free, consider these daily practices.

What To Avoid: Red Flags For Travelers

As friendly and accommodating as this nation is, the Thai government has pointed out several  safety gaps   that need attention. Here are some  red flags   you should look out for. 

• Join the Thai nightlife with caution - Though it can be an amazing experience, night touring opens you up to several tourist traps and threats, such as drug/sex trafficking, both of which have serious legal consequences. 
• Large, rowdy crowds - With civil unrest becoming common, it’s best to stay away from large, energetic crowds. A mild skirmish can become violent quickly, especially in political hot zones. Talk to your guide about where to go and where to avoid.  
• The taxi scam - As you leave your hotel, some taxi drivers might offer special tours but instead take you to places where you can purchase items from vendors. Don't get into any vehicle that your tour guide hasn't cleared as legitimate. 

Okay, if that last bit overwhelmed you, don’t freak out. You can still have a wholesome Thai adventure without the scary safety concerns and dizzying public transport maze to conquer. 

That’s where we come in. GoWithGuide’s selection of local private guides who know the nation’s ins and outs will help you bypass any confusion and avoid annoying travel downers like;

• Large tour groups 
• Unsafe tour areas 
• A rushed schedule influenced by strangers
• A heavy language barrier
• Getting lost at hectic or crowded venues  
• Embarrassing or legally damaging cultural missteps     

Ready to leave the stress behind and plan your personalized Thailand adventure? Get in touch with a Thai tour guide and put the smile back into travel planning. 

P.S. Looking to travel with companions? The more the merrier! Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Thailand as you are.

Popular Thailand Tour Guides

Ladies & Gentlemen, Please feel free to call me "Tom". Being a native Bangkokian, I was born, has grown up and worked in longer than 30 years. The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is mixed together between new and old, modern and traditional. No matter what kind of tourists you are, people watching lovers, history/culture learners, shopping paradise, gourmet tasty foods…, Bangkok is for sure the right spot for you to land and enjoy it, then I’m pleased to show you around and guide through it, sharing its background story not only its well-known attractions but also off the beaten paths and hidden gems. If you need to find something unique, I’m ready in taking you to its suburb and vicinity, for example, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan and many more. Come with me and let’s marvel at the world famous Thai temples or wander among world heritage sites, breathe the fresh air along the white-sandy beach, view Thai local ways of life or visit charming old china town- or scary museum in the hospital. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group and any other criteria possibly have is based on what you informed me. If this is your first visit, Bangkok certainly will log you in with its magic spell and I’ll try every ways possible to let you want to come back, so let me be a part of your great journey in my hometown today. Drop me your words in need and I’ll generate a tailor-made tour according to your own interests and conditions. Thanks a lot and see you soon, Tom, ………………………………………………………………………… Credentials; - Certified and Licensed Tour Guide from The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) : A qualified tour guide, who’s legally able leading tours in Bangkok and all over Thailand since 2013. - Master Degree in Communicative English from the public university in Thailand since 2005.                                                                                                                                  

We have 12 years of experience in food guiding tour in Bangkok. Our tour only conduct in English and our clients are mainly from English speaking countries. We bring our customers to taste 7 different kind of dishes.                                                                                                                                  

Chatthabhol J.

Sawadee everyone. i'm petch, and i am a local guide from chiang mai, north thailand. i am fluent in english and also have a tour guide license. i really enjoyed traveling and making new friends. while i travel.  i was born in ching mai, and i got to experience the tourist attractions in chiang mai and chiang rai provinces: exp, temples, national parks, local restaurants,local people, hill tribe villages, coffee shops, etc. i would love to travel to new places in thailand, explore the world, and share my experiences to help others make the right decision or schedule when they want to visit a new place. thank you so much                                                                                                                                   .

Pattaranin P.

I love to drive because i want to travelling and see what it waitting for me at the destination but i will be cool to have someone share great moment together                                                                                                                                  , plan your trip to thailand.

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

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Statistics on " Tourism industry in Thailand "

• Value of tourism GDP Thailand 2017-2021
• Number of quarterly foreign visitors Thailand Q1 2021-Q4 2022
• Number of local tourists Thailand 2023
• Direct contribution of tourism to gross domestic product Thailand 2017-2021
• Indirect contribution of tourism to gross domestic product Thailand 2017-2021
• Value of tourism tax Thailand 2017-2021
• International tourist arrivals revenue Thailand 2023
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• Tourism receipts from international visitors Thailand 2020, by region of origin
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• Advance reservation rate of accommodations Thailand 2015-2022
• ADR of accommodations Thailand 2015-2022
• Popular accommodations for Thais when travelling Thailand Q2 2021
• Opinions on lifted COVID-19 restrictions on eagerness to travel Thailand 2022
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• Main reasons of not wanting to travel Thailand 2022
• Chosen transportations for traveling Thailand 2022
• Main worries when travelling Thailand 2022

Other statistics that may interest you Tourism industry in Thailand

• Premium Statistic Value of tourism GDP Thailand 2017-2021
• Basic Statistic Number of quarterly foreign visitors Thailand Q1 2021-Q4 2022
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Economic impact

• Premium Statistic Direct contribution of tourism to gross domestic product Thailand 2017-2021
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• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals revenue Thailand 2023
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• Premium Statistic Number of international visitors Thailand 2023, by region of origin
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• Premium Statistic Revenue generated from traveling locals Thailand 2023, by region

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Share of foreign visitors to total guests of accommodations Thailand 2015-2022
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• Premium Statistic ADR of accommodations Thailand 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Popular accommodations for Thais when travelling Thailand Q2 2021

Tourist perspectives

• Premium Statistic Estimated CI in tourism industry Thailand Q1 2023, by type of business
• Premium Statistic Opinions on lifted COVID-19 restrictions on eagerness to travel Thailand 2022
• Premium Statistic Opinions on public tourism promotions on eagerness to travel Thailand 2022
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