FSS International Investment Advisory Securities (FSSIA) reported that the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand in the 18th week of 2026 (April 27 – May 3) reached 601,610, averaging 85,900 visitors per day. This marked a 12% increase week-on-week, fueled by consecutive holidays, including International Labor Day breaks in several countries.
Nevertheless, this figure reflected a slight 2% drop year-on-year, primarily due to a reduction in non-Chinese tourist arrivals, influenced by ongoing unrest in the Middle East which has led to fewer flights and higher travel costs.
Non-Chinese tourists grew by 8% WoW to an average of 66,700 daily, but still showed a concerning 9% decline YoY. In contrast, Chinese arrivals continued to outperform the market, surging 31% WoW and an impressive 28% YoY from a lower base, amounting to 134,757 visitors for the week, or an average of 19,300 per day. This segment now constitutes 22% of total tourist arrivals, up from 19% the previous week.
The top five source markets for tourists during this period were China (+31% WoW, +28% YoY), Malaysia (+26% WoW, +1% YoY), India (+4% WoW, -5% YoY), Japan (+105% WoW), and Russia (-2% WoW, -10% YoY).
For the month of April 2026, Thailand welcomed a total of 2.37 million foreign tourists, representing a decline of 15% month-on-month and 7% year-on-year. Particularly notable was the sharp 16% YoY decrease in European arrivals (May month-to-date: -11% YoY) and a steep 57% YoY drop in visitors from the Middle East (May MTD: -37% YoY), underscoring the lingering effects of geopolitical instability. Southeast Asian and South Asian arrivals were also down by 16% and 2% YoY, respectively, whereas North Asia remained resilient with a 16% YoY increase.
Looking ahead, FSSIA expects foreign tourist numbers to dip both WoW and YoY in the coming week, following the end of the holiday period and persistent tensions in the Middle East, which continue to impact the non-Chinese segment. Nevertheless, Chinese tourist arrivals are anticipated to remain a key growth driver.
Accumulated data from January 1 to May 3, 2026, shows a total of 11.97 million foreign arrivals, down 4% from the previous year, generating revenue of THB 584 billion. FSSIA maintains its 2026 full-year forecast at 35 million arrivals (+6% YoY), but warns of downside risks due to ongoing Middle East turmoil. The firm now estimates total arrivals for the year could range between 32.8 – 34.1 million, representing a variance from -1% to +3% YoY.
