Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has reaffirmed its optimistic tourism outlook for 2026, projecting that the kingdom will welcome about 35.5 million foreign tourists this year, a key driver of its economic recovery and growth strategy.
The forecasted figure comes after Thailand registered 32.97 million international arrivals in 2025, a slight drop from the previous year but signalling a continued rebound in global travel demand. While still below the pre-pandemic high of nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, the 2026 projection underscores confidence that tourism will remain a central pillar of the Thai economy.
Officials say strong demand is being supported by easing travel restrictions, expanded air connectivity, and targeted campaigns to attract long-haul visitors. Tourism is expected to be the primary engine of economic growth this year, helping offset weaker exports and other external headwinds.
If realised, the 35.5 million estimate would mark a significant rebound from pandemic lows and reinforce Thailand’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading international tourist destinations, with continued focus on enhancing visitor experiences and boosting tourism-related revenue streams.
