(Bangkok, 19th) Thailand's international tourist arrivals dropped by about 5% year-on-year in the first half of this year due to concerns over tourist safety, with Chinese tourists plummeting by 34%, severely impacting the tourism industry. To salvage the situation, the Thai government and industry players have launched new strategies in hopes of drawing tourists back.
According to statistics, as of July 13th this year, Thailand received approximately 17.75 million international tourists. While there were slight increases from Japanese, Indian, and American travelers, these gains could not offset the significant loss of Chinese tourists.
In the first five months of this year, there were only 2.32 million Chinese visitors to Thailand, with the annual figure projected at under 5 million, far below the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a substantial blow to tourism revenue.
'Summer Vacation Lane' Shortens Immigration Time
To attract more Chinese family tourists, starting July 12th, the Thai Immigration Bureau has set up a 'Happy China Summer Vacation Lane' at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket international airports. This special channel provides fast-track immigration for families traveling with school-age children, cutting wait times from the usual 40 minutes to just 15 minutes. This measure will continue through September.
Sidiva, honorary president and advisor to the Thai Travel Agents Association, said in an interview that any government measures that promote Chinese tourism to Thailand are commendable positive steps.
Business Community Suggests Shopping Tax Refunds and Duty-Free Incentives
The Thai Retailers Association has urged the government to accelerate consumer stimulus plans, including establishing a 'Thailand Shopping Paradise' initiative and providing value-added tax relief. According to their proposal, tourists spending over 3,000 baht (about 120 Singapore dollars) at participating stores would get an immediate 7% VAT refund.
At the same time, the association also recommended lowering import duties on clothing, perfumes, and cosmetics, establishing duty-free zones in hotspots like Phuket, and holding nationwide shopping festivals to create a vibrant consumer atmosphere.
Golden Visas to Attract Wealthy Homebuyers
Former Prime Minister Thaksin has suggested the government implement a 'Golden Visa' program to encourage wealthy foreigners to buy property and settle in Thailand. He estimated that if 600,000 people each deposited US$1 million, it could generate several hundred billion US dollars for Thailand, helping boost the real estate sector and fund educational development.
Thaksin also proposed raising airport passenger service charges by 300 baht per person, which could earn the government an extra 40 billion baht in revenue—an increase of about 40% compared to the current amount.
Tourism Authority Lowers Annual Expectations
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has revised down its forecast for foreign arrivals in 2025 to 35 million, roughly flat with last year, estimating 1.77 trillion baht in revenue. However, challenges persist in the second half of the year, including rising living costs due to Sino-US trade tensions and fierce competition among Asian countries for international tourists.
According to statistics, as of July 13th this year, Thailand received approximately 17.75 million international tourists. While there were slight increases from Japanese, Indian, and American travelers, these gains could not offset the significant loss of Chinese tourists.
In the first five months of this year, there were only 2.32 million Chinese visitors to Thailand, with the annual figure projected at under 5 million, far below the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a substantial blow to tourism revenue.
'Summer Vacation Lane' Shortens Immigration Time
To attract more Chinese family tourists, starting July 12th, the Thai Immigration Bureau has set up a 'Happy China Summer Vacation Lane' at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket international airports. This special channel provides fast-track immigration for families traveling with school-age children, cutting wait times from the usual 40 minutes to just 15 minutes. This measure will continue through September.
Sidiva, honorary president and advisor to the Thai Travel Agents Association, said in an interview that any government measures that promote Chinese tourism to Thailand are commendable positive steps.
Business Community Suggests Shopping Tax Refunds and Duty-Free Incentives
The Thai Retailers Association has urged the government to accelerate consumer stimulus plans, including establishing a 'Thailand Shopping Paradise' initiative and providing value-added tax relief. According to their proposal, tourists spending over 3,000 baht (about 120 Singapore dollars) at participating stores would get an immediate 7% VAT refund.
At the same time, the association also recommended lowering import duties on clothing, perfumes, and cosmetics, establishing duty-free zones in hotspots like Phuket, and holding nationwide shopping festivals to create a vibrant consumer atmosphere.
Golden Visas to Attract Wealthy Homebuyers
Former Prime Minister Thaksin has suggested the government implement a 'Golden Visa' program to encourage wealthy foreigners to buy property and settle in Thailand. He estimated that if 600,000 people each deposited US$1 million, it could generate several hundred billion US dollars for Thailand, helping boost the real estate sector and fund educational development.
Thaksin also proposed raising airport passenger service charges by 300 baht per person, which could earn the government an extra 40 billion baht in revenue—an increase of about 40% compared to the current amount.
Tourism Authority Lowers Annual Expectations
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has revised down its forecast for foreign arrivals in 2025 to 35 million, roughly flat with last year, estimating 1.77 trillion baht in revenue. However, challenges persist in the second half of the year, including rising living costs due to Sino-US trade tensions and fierce competition among Asian countries for international tourists.