Thailand expects 35 million international tourist arrivals in 2026

Thailand’s state planning agency expects foreign tourist arrivals to reach 35 million this year, even as arrivals fell 7.59% in the first six weeks of 2026, according to the Tourism Ministry. The country received about 5.07 million foreign visitors between January 1 and February 15, lower than the same period last year. Tourism remains a key driver of the economy.

According to the latest figures, China was the largest source market during the period, with 770,427 visitors. Malaysia followed with 461,742 arrivals, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, as per Reuters.

The government is targeting a recovery in overall tourist inflows through the rest of the year. Thailand welcomed about 33 million foreign tourists last year. The number is still below the pre-pandemic record of nearly 40 million visitors in 2019.


As Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, Thailand depends heavily on tourism for growth and employment. The official projection of 35 million visitors signals confidence in a steady rebound in the months ahead, despite the slower start to the year.

(With inputs from Reuters)