Molpasorn ShoowongIn 2025, the Thai tourism industry faced its first contraction since the pandemic, with several setbacks consistently hampering tourist confidence. The Tourism Authority of Thailand downgraded its forecast for the year to only 33 million arrivals, ending the rising trend from 2021 to 2024, when numbers surged from 430,000 to 35.5 million. With a new government expected after the general election, tourism operators hope the industry will again become a priority, regaining its role as a key engine of the Thai economy. Chai Arunanondchai, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said 2025 was proof tourism is highly sensitive to uncontrollable factors. Tourism operators admitted they might have to wait for major stimulus projects until a new government is elected, causing Thailand to lose opportunities, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post December 29, 2025 00:11 UTC