Photo: Markus Winkler / Pexels
Thailand has welcomed 23.94 million foreign visitors between January 1 and October 10, 2026, which leaves it about 12.76 million short of the 36.7 million target set for the year. Arrivals are down 4.04% on last year, and international tourism revenue has slipped 2.47% to 1.165 trillion baht. Domestic tourism is growing, though, and a proposed 1,000-baht departure tax is worrying the industry.
The numbers so far
The figures come from the Economics Tourism and Sports Division's week 41 report, covering October 4 to 10. Here is where things stand for 2026:
- Foreign arrivals: 23.94 million, down 4.04% year on year.
- International tourism revenue: 1.165 trillion baht, down 2.47%.
- The target: 36.7 million visitors, forecast in February by TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. The current gap is about 12.76 million.
Domestic tourism is up
Thai residents are traveling more. There were 157.80 million domestic trips, a rise of 2.38%. Domestic tourism revenue reached 925.782 billion baht, up 3.09%.
Where visitors are coming from
China is still the largest market, with more than 4 million arrivals. Here are the top 10:
| Rank | Market | Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 4,078,133 |
| 2 | Malaysia | 3,039,825 |
| 3 | India | 1,794,723 |
| 4 | Russia | 1,306,968 |
| 5 | South Korea | 878,549 |
| 6 | Taiwan | 823,886 |
| 7 | Japan | 792,487 |
| 8 | United States | 778,853 |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 750,488 |
| 10 | Germany | 659,049 |
The proposed departure tax
A 1,000-baht departure tax on international air passengers has been proposed. Online critics say it would hurt arrivals, and the tourism industry opposes it. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has asked the Finance Ministry to delay it. ATTA warns that it could discourage travel and weaken the tourism economy.
Other fees in the conversation
Two related items are also in the news. A consultation on a foreign-visitor tourism fee backed a 450-baht charge. A separate headline reports a 3.19% fall in arrivals, with Vietnam gaining ground.
What this means for travelers
- The 1,000-baht departure tax on international flights is proposed but not confirmed, and industry groups are pushing to delay it.
- A flat 450-baht tourism fee for foreign visitors is also under consideration.
- Falling arrivals could mean less crowding and possibly better hotel and tour deals.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.