Malaysia Becomes a Tourism Titan for Thailand, Attracting 3.7 Million Visitors in 2024 and Fueling Economic Growth

Tourism Malaysia Published 3 weeks ago on 28 October 2024 | Author TIN Media
MALAYSIA:

Malaysia ranks as Thailand’s second-largest tourism source, with over 3.7M visitors this year, strengthening ties through diverse travel routes and connectivity.

Malaysia has emerged as the second-largest source of tourists visiting Thailand this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Pattaraanong Na Chiang Mai, highlighted that Malaysia is only surpassed by China in terms of tourist arrivals.

Between January 1 and September 30, Thailand welcomed over 3.7 million Malaysian travelers, with nearly half—49.33%—entering through the Sadao Immigration Checkpoint in Songkhla Province.

She noted that Thailand and Malaysia have the potential to further enhance tourism through multiple transportation links, including air, road, sea, and rail. This would not only bolster tourism but also strengthen the economic relationship between the two nations.

Regarding the anticipated 300-baht (approximately RM38.65) tourism tax set for foreign visitors next year, she added that the policy is still under review and has not yet been finalized.