Officials from the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) voiced fears that Thailand might fall short of its target of 39 million foreign arrivals for the year 2025.

Decreased Foreign Arrivals
ATTA president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn emphasized that the projected maximum number of arrivals could be as low as 37 million, which is two million less than the national goal.

Travel agents cite safety concerns as a major factor affecting foreign tourists’ decisions, particularly among visitors from Mainland China.

Impacts of Recent Events
Notably, the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand earlier this year has contributed to a significant downturn in the influx of Chinese tourists, which dropped to 371,542 in February — marking the nadir of the past 15 months with a staggering year-on-year decline of up to 44.9%.

Additionally, ATTA pointed out increased competition from countries like Japan and Vietnam, which are attracting more tourists after reopening their borders post-pandemic.

In light of these challenges, Cheewarattanaporn has urged the Thai government to focus on enhancing safety and security measures in order to rebuild confidence among international travelers.

The ATTA president stated, “Consistent law enforcement is critical for ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for all visitors.”