Thailand records rise in tourist arrivals in May 2026

Bangkok (ANTARA) - Thailand received 2.35 million international tourist arrivals in May 2026, representing a 3.54 per cent increase year-on-year, according to official data released on Thursday (11/6).

Thai Government Deputy Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan stated that tourism revenue from international visitors reached 108 billion baht (1 baht is approximately Rp546) last month, an increase of 12.77 per cent from the same period the previous year.

Malaysia, China, India, Russia, and Singapore were the five largest source markets for tourists to Thailand during that month.

The Southeast Asian nation received a total of 14,515,978 international tourists from 1 January to 7 June this year, bringing cumulative tourism revenue to 701.36 billion baht, according to the spokesperson.

China held the top position with 2,386,714 tourist arrivals, said Ploytalay, adding that a moderate increase in the number of tourists arriving in Thailand is expected this week as travel demand from key markets gradually returns to normal.

“Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have driven a significant increase in airfares and general transport costs, which is altering global travel patterns. More tourists are choosing not to undertake long-distance travel and are tightening control over travel expenditure,” the spokesperson noted.

Ploytalay further explained that in addition to relying on international tourism revenue, the Thai government is also increasing efforts to revitalise its domestic tourism sector by encouraging convenient short-distance travel, while simultaneously restructuring the tourism sector to align with new global trends that prioritise sustainability, energy conservation, and high-quality travel experiences.