Thai newspaper reveals reasons why tourists choose Vietnam over Thailand.

Chai Arunanondchai, chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), told the Bangkok Post that 2025 will be a challenging year for the country's tourism industry, despite improvements during the peak season. A survey of 740 tour operators in the fourth quarter recorded a tourism confidence index of 72, down from 75 in the same period last year. This figure remains below the benchmark of 100 recorded before the pandemic.

Peak season demand, domestic payment programs, and a number of events could not offset negative factors such as the severe flooding in Hat Yai in November, which impacted the broader Malaysian market. Border disputes with Cambodia in December also dampened foreign tourist confidence, according to the TCT.

Mr. Chai stated that the strengthening of the baht against the US dollar and other currencies has caused some tourists to shift their destinations, while increased competition from Vietnam and Japan continues to put pressure on Thailand's tourism industry.

Thai newspaper explains why tourists choose Vietnam over Thailand - Photo 1.

Tourists at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok

PHOTO: Apichart Jinakul

According to the Bangkok Post , Vietnam has recently intensified its competition with Thailand in attracting international tourists by recording stronger growth in foreign visitor numbers and implementing targeted tourism policies. By 2025, Vietnam is projected to welcome a record 21 million international visitors, a 20.4% increase, compared to Thailand's 7.2% decrease to around 33 million, due to a shift in tourist numbers from Europe and Russia.

Vietnam's appeal is fueled by cheap flights, upgraded infrastructure, and diverse destinations for European and Russian tourists, offering alternatives to traditional Thai destinations. Analysts suggest that Vietnam's rapid growth is drawing tourists away from Thailand, impacting the competitiveness of Thai hotel operators, who are struggling to maintain occupancy rates and room prices.

Vietnam's strategic focus on attracting international tourists, particularly from key markets like China, is shifting the tourism balance in Southeast Asia, prompting Thai tourism authorities to reassess their policies and infrastructure investments to regain momentum. As competition between Vietnam and Thailand intensifies, both countries are introducing new incentives and strategies to attract long-distance, high-spending tourists.

Revenue for Thai tourism businesses has only recovered to 50% of pre-pandemic levels. Employment has recovered to 81% of pre-Covid-19 levels, down from 87% in the third quarter due to businesses limiting hiring and new investments. Nationwide, hotels and accommodations recorded an average occupancy rate of 55%, with the southern region achieving the highest rate at 66%.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-thai-neu-ly-do-khach-chon-viet-nam-thay-vi-thai-lan-185260128095415207.htm