KUALA LUMPUR - Foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand declined 3.45 per cent year-on-year during the first four months of 2026 amid disruption linked to unrest in the Middle East.

Data from Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry showed total arrivals reached nearly 12 million as of May 3, as reported by Bangkok Post.

Tourism revenue for the January to April period fell 3.28 per cent to 584 billion baht.

The tourism sector also recorded weaker performance in April as airlines adjusted flight schedules in response to the regional conflict.

International arrivals dropped 7 per cent year-on-year to 2.37 million in April.

Despite the decline in visitor numbers, tourism revenue for the month still rose 2.94 per cent to 117 billion baht.

Three of Thailand’s five largest tourism markets recorded declines ranging from 11 per cent to 23 per cent during the month.

China remained Thailand’s largest source market and posted the strongest growth among major markets.

Chinese arrivals surged 31.9 per cent year-on-year to 418,291 in April.

The strong rebound has prompted the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to place renewed hopes on China driving recovery in the regional short-haul segment this year.

Malaysia ranked as the second-largest source market with 309,942 arrivals in April.

However, Malaysian arrivals declined 14.5 per cent year-on-year and generated 5.84 billion baht in tourism revenue.

India ranked third with 206,641 visitors, recording marginal growth of 0.17 per cent.

Indian tourists generated 8.02 billion baht in spending during the month.

Russia ranked fourth with 137,592 arrivals and contributed 8.34 billion baht in tourism revenue.

The United Kingdom market recorded one of the sharpest declines due to rising jet fuel costs and more expensive airfares.

UK arrivals fell 22.8 per cent year-on-year to 85,059 visitors.

British tourists generated 6.1 billion baht in revenue.

TAT governor Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the tourism sector could face prolonged disruption from the Gulf conflict as higher airfare prices and reduced seat capacity continue to affect travel demand.

However, she said the increase in tourism revenue despite lower arrivals suggested the industry had adapted by focusing on higher-spending visitor segments.

These include travellers seeking health and wellness experiences as well as family-oriented tourism products.

Ms Thapanee said the Chinese market had shown strong year-on-year recovery as confidence in travel safety gradually returned.

She added that this momentum could support stronger growth throughout 2026.

The TAT is targeting at least 5.5 million Chinese visitors this year.

The figure would represent an increase from 4.47 million Chinese arrivals recorded in 2025, which was the lowest level in years due to concerns linked to scam-related incidents.

“We hope to secure at least 5.5 million Chinese tourists this year, with minimum revenue growth of 20%.

“Short-haul markets have become our main focus and should help shield the industry from sharp declines in markets affected by high airfares,” she said.

Thailand’s cabinet earlier approved a 400-billion-baht loan decree to support economic stimulus measures.

Ms Thapanee said the TAT is preparing tourism stimulus initiatives under the “Thai Teaw Thai Plus” programme.

The scheme aims to support tourism operators, improve tourism products targeting high-value travellers and strengthen domestic spending.

She said the final budget allocation and subsidy structure have yet to be determined.

However, early plans indicate the programme may focus more heavily on high-value tourism markets instead of prioritising visitor volume alone.