Thailand records increase in tourist arrivals; 2.66 mn FTAs in Sep

Thailand has witnessed a 2.13 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in September compared to the same period last year.  “The number of Chinese visitors declined for three consecutive months,” said the Tourism Ministry in a statement.

There were 2.66 million foreign tourists in September, which helped generate ฿140 billion (RM17 billion), said the statement. Tourists from East Asia accounted for about 73 per cent of all arrivals.

However, the number of Chinese tourists in September dropped by almost 15% from a year earlier. The number has been declining since a boat accident in July, which killed 47 Chinese visitors.

The ministry said tourists from China might be 669,000 fewer than initially expected for July-December.

Tourism receipts account for about 12 per cent of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, making it one of the most important drivers of Thailand’s growth.