 |
Vietnamese tourists wearing traditional Thai costumes take photos at Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, 2023. Photo: Reuters . |
A delegation representing five major Thai tourism associations recently met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The meeting took place in the context of seeking urgent measures to revive the tourism industry in 2025, Nation Thailand reported.
Experts warn that if the Government fails to act promptly, the country risks being downgraded from a " world -leading destination" to just "one option among many" in international visitors' travel decisions.
They also assessed that some Asian and ASEAN markets are currently recording a decrease in outbound visitors, and that the number of international visitors to Thailand could decrease by about 7% compared to 2024.
 |
Tourists visit Wat Arun temple in Bangkok in 2023. Photo: Reuters . |
The associations proposed urgent measures for the next three months, focusing on improving safety, restoring trust and responding to negative information on social networks.
Notable proposals include:
- Global safety campaign to rebuild traveler confidence
- Increase incentives for domestic and international airfares
- Tax policies to stimulate tourism
- Proactive communication to protect national reputation
In the medium and long term, the tourism industry recommends that the National Tourism Policy Committee implement 6 policies:
- Tourism law reform
- Raising national service standards
- Improve infrastructure, especially in secondary cities
- Encourage investment in world-class tourism products
- Building a new, attractive Thai brand image
- Enhancing competitiveness through sustainable development
According to the Bangkok Post , the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said there was a surplus of 500 million baht from the domestic co-payment scheme that ended in October. This money will be transferred to a new programme to encourage domestic tourists to explore tier 2 destinations during the 2026 low season (March to June).
Another proposal is to give away domestic air tickets to 200,000 international visitors, but requires the Government to approve additional budget.
 |
Tourists wearing traditional costumes pose as they visit Wat Arun in Bangkok, 2024. Photo: Reuters. |
Currently, the short-term market is growing slowly, especially from China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Laos and Vietnam, due to the impact of previous tourism scams, which have damaged the country's image.
According to TAT, the number of visitors from Southeast Asia this year recovered 91% compared to 2019, but North Asia only reached 52%.
ATTA President Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn stressed the need to set a target of at least 9 million Chinese visitors next year, close to the 2019 level. However, this target requires budget support and stimulus programs from the Government.
He also informed that ATTA will hold a tourism and MICE fair in January 2026, inviting 1,200 foreign agents to meet domestic suppliers to promote inbound and inter-regional tourism, with a proposed budget of 10-15 million baht.
Prime Minister Anutin affirmed that tourism is a top priority of the Government. He emphasized that the recent visit to China opened up opportunities through Government-to-Government dialogue, creating conditions for the private sector to promote tourism between the two countries.
If the Chinese Premier visits Thailand next, the National Tourism Authority (TAT) will propose a tourism cooperation MOU, strengthening long-term cooperation and promoting sustainable tourism.
Source: https://znews.vn/thai-lan-van-lo-mat-the-doc-ton-du-lich-post1605029.html
Comment (0)