BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Malaysia ranks second for the highest number of tourists visiting Thailand this year.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor (international marketing) Pattaraanong Na Chiang Mai said Malaysia was Thailand's second-largest source of tourist arrivals after China.
From Jan 1 to Sept 30, Thailand recorded more than 3.7 million Malaysian visitors, with 49.33 per cent entering through the Sadao Immigration Checkpoint in Songkhla Province.
"Beyond the five border checkpoints, Thailand and Malaysia must leverage connections by air, land, water and rail to enhance bilateral tourism and strengthen economic ties.
"Thailand aims to welcome around five million Malaysian visitors by the end of 2024," she said after the launch of the Malaysia and Thailand Self-Drive Tourism event at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Duty-Free Complex on Saturday.
She added that TAT will introduce the "Thailand's Grand Invitation" campaign next year to coincide with the peak tourism season for both countries.
"Thailand is offering products, services and a series of exciting tourism events in the southern region to appeal to the Malaysian market, with highlights like the Loi Krathong Festival from October 2024 through early 2025.
"We believe that working with Tourism Malaysia will strengthen our partnership and advance tourism in the region under various cooperation frameworks, including Asean and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle."
She said Malaysia saw about 1.1 million Thai visitors, a 19.7 per cent increase from the same period last year.
On the planned 300 baht (RM38.65) travel tax on foreign tourists expected next year, she said the measure was still under review and had not been implemented.