Two Areas of Thailand attract 229k Cambodian tourists just within five months of 2023

• Sommana Yan
• 3 July 2023
• Local News
• 2088 Views

In the first five months of the year, Thailand welcomed an impressive 229,000 tourists from Cambodia, while an even higher number of 330,000 tourists ventured from Laos, seeking both recreational activities and medical check-ups. These figures underscore the increasing appeal of Thailand’s diverse offerings, including its renowned healthcare sector, which has gained international recognition for its quality services.

As revealed by recent data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The report, published on July 2, 2023, highlights the growing influx of visitors from these neighboring countries, with a notable surge in arrivals for leisure and medical purposes.

According to the TAT report, approximately 50% of Cambodian and Lao tourists chose Thailand as their preferred destination for leisure and medical purposes. Among these visitors, around 20% from Laos and 4.5% from Cambodia specifically embarked on medical tourism journeys, drawn by Thailand’s renowned hospitals and specialized healthcare services.

Oranooch Pakapan-Rutten, a representative of the TAT market in Cambodia and Laos, highlighted the significant presence of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese investors residing in these countries who frequently cross the border into Thailand to explore an array of products and services. Their familiarity with Thai culture, combined with the superior quality and affordability of offerings, further fuels their preference for Thailand.

Additionally, Oranooch emphasized that Thailand is well-prepared to welcome tourists from northeastern Thailand through Vientiane in Laos, with the recent launch of the China-Laos high-speed rail service providing an efficient transportation option, thereby enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism growth.

Recognizing the immense potential for further collaboration, the Thai Association of Travel Agents has proposed the implementation of a visa waiver scheme for Chinese tourists entering Thailand through specific borders, such as Udon Thani from Laos and Cambodia.

This initiative, if realized, is expected to significantly boost the number of tourists, prompting tour operators to enhance their products and services to cater to the evolving demands of this burgeoning market.

• Tourism and Travelling