8 million tourists to enter Thailand by the end of 2022 – BoT

There are now about 30,000 international tourists entering Thailand every day. By the end of 2022, the total number of tourists could hit 8 million. This is 2 million above the Bank of Thailand’s prediction of 6 million if the current pattern continues until the end of this year.

According to the bank’s data, the first five months of 2022 saw 1.31 million international travellers arrive in the Land of Smiles.

The number increased significantly in May. It jumped to over 500,000 travellers from nearly 300,000 back in April. In March, there were around 211,000 visitors. As of July 6, Thailand welcomed 250,000 Indian travellers. On July 1, the Thailand Pass was scrapped.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has suggested extending arrival visas from 15 to 45 days and tourist visas from 30 to 45 days. Also, the TAT asked that all visa fees be suspended till the end of 2022 to help attract more travellers into the country.

During the upcoming 5-day holiday, Surat Thani province in Southern Thailand, which is home to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, is expected to experience a significant increase in tourism.

Over 70,000 people are expected, according to the Surat Thani office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which will bring in roughly 833 million baht for the region.

However, earlier this month, many airlines say they are hesitant to add more routes or increase the number of flights due to high inflation, detours due to Russia and Ukraine, and some airlines having low roster of staff.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post