China targeting over 1.5m Thai visitors in 2026Listen to this articleChina aims to attract at least 1.5 million Thai visitors this year, up from more than 1 million in 2025, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to generate 35.4 billion baht from 1.25 million foreign tourists during the 10-day Chinese New Year holiday next month. The Thai Travel Agents Association projected China was the top destination for Thai travellers with more than 1 million visitors last year, and Zhang Ruoyu, chief of the Chinese National Tourist Office (CNTO) Bangkok, said it's possible Thai arrivals could reach more than 1.5 million this year. Mr Zhang said the influx of tourists to China was attributed to supporting policies, such as visa exemptions and instant tax refunds for shopping. According to the CNTO, the number of Thai tourists visiting China soared by 494% year-on-year in the first half of 2024, following the introduction of permanent visa-free entry on March 1, 2024. Overall revenue during the holiday should reach 42.2 billion baht, increasing by 13% year-on-year, noted the TAT.
