This year has been bleak for both inbound and outbound tourism in Thailand, with a weaker recovery than anticipated. Only 60-70% of Thais who travelled abroad in 2019 are expected to do so present year.
High living costs, household debt, and a slump in the stock market have made most Thais prefer saving over spending on outbound trips, which usually cost more than domestic ones, stated Chotechuang Soorangura, vice-president of the Thai Travel Agents Association.
As of the third quarter, the outbound market registered five million, less than half of the 10.4 million recorded in 2019, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s report. If there’s an increase in the final month, a maximum of seven million Thais could travel abroad this year, Soorangura said.
Outbound tourism post-pandemic is largely limited to those who can afford the elevated prices resulting from increased…
