Thailand received 20,935,135 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, down 3.08% year on year, The Nation reported on September 7, citing figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The drop points to continued softness in a sector that accounts for a substantial share of Thai economic output, with sharp falls from South Korea and Malaysia offsetting a recovery in Chinese arrivals. Tourism generated total revenue of THB2.7 trillion ($82bn) in 2025.

China remained the largest source market between January 1 and August 31, with 3,543,272 visitors, an increase of 16.05% on the same period a year earlier.

Malaysia was second with 2,658,686 arrivals, a decline of 11.87%. India came third with 1,536,770 visitors, almost unchanged at a fall of 0.04%.

Russia was fourth with 1,179,872 arrivals, down 0.55%, followed by South Korea with 769,930 visitors, a drop of 24.78% and the steepest decline among the top 10 markets.

Taiwan took sixth place with 705,713 visitors, up 6.57%, ahead of the United States with 687,610 arrivals, up 0.91%.

The nation's Ministry of Tourism and Sports expects full-year visitor numbers and tourism revenue in 2026 to stay close to 2025 levels and to avoid a year-on-year contraction, despite the shortfall recorded over the eight-month period. International tourism contributed THB1.53 trillion ($47bn) of last year's total revenue, drawn from 32.97mn foreign visitors.

Domestic tourism accounted for the remaining THB1.16 trillion, generated by 202mn trips made by Thai travellers.