In the first 6 months of 2023, Thailand's tourism industry attracted more than 12 million international visitors, up more than five times compared to the same period last year. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has asked relevant agencies to streamline procedures so that Thailand can achieve the target of attracting 25 million international visitors set by the country's tourism industry for 2023.
International tourists check in at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand. (Photo: NAM DONG)
On July 2, Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Government Traisuree Taisaranakul said that as of June 25, the total number of international visitors to Thailand reached 12.46 million, an increase of 539% compared to the same period last year. The five countries with the highest number of visitors to Thailand were Malaysia (1.98 million), China (1.38 million), Russia (784,000), South Korea (741,000) and India (732,000).
The increase in tourist arrivals also corresponds to figures in a report by the Airports Authority of Thailand (AOT). Accordingly, in the first half of fiscal year 2023 (from December 2022 to May 2023), a total of 34.31 million passengers, an increase of 635.7% over the same period last year, passed through the six airports under the authority of this agency. A total of 202,700 flights arrived and departed, an increase of 175.2%.
According to the assessment of the Fiscal Policy Office of the Ministry of Finance of Thailand, the strong growth of the tourism industry is an important factor in the recovery of the Thai economy.
“Tourism is a key driver of Thailand’s economic growth this year, helping to offset the decline in exports due to global economic uncertainty. The prime minister has asked relevant agencies to remove obstacles to entry and exit that could affect confidence in Thai tourism,” said Ms. Traisuree.
Ms. Traisuree said that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) still maintains its assessment that the Thai tourism industry will achieve its target of attracting 25 million international visitors in 2023, including 5 million tourists from China. She said that with the launch of the Visa Pre-Screening System (VPSS) by the TAT and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs this month, Thailand will certainly achieve its target soon.
NAM DONG/NHAN DAN NEWSPAPER
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