KUALA LUMPUR: The Thailand-Southeast Asia Halal Trade and Tourism Association estimates that the number of Malaysian tourists visiting Thailand this month could reach 500,000, reports said.
Its president Aida Oujeh told the Malay-daily Kosmo! that the southern region of Thailand is expected to welcome between 230,000 and 400,000 Malaysian visitors entering via various land routes between Dec 21 and Dec 31.
According to data from the association, approximately 4.6 million Malaysians visit Thailand this year.
"Tourists fully book hotel rooms in tourist hotspots like Hatyai, most of whom are Malaysians visiting the largest city in southern Thailand.
"To give you an idea, 30,000 rooms in Hatyai and Songkhla province have been completely booked for the Christmas holiday season and the New Year celebrations in 2025," she added.
Checks by Kosmo! found that popular tourist areas like Lee Garden have become a "Little Malaysia," with many Malaysian visitors speaking in Bahasa.
Other notable tourist spots such as the Sea Verse, Khlong Hae Floating Market and the Asean Night Bazaar are also crowded with Malaysian tourists.
Meanwhile, on the recent flooding in southern Thailand, Aida said the situation had fully recovered.
"The situation improved significantly. The floods have dried up and no longer affect tourist hotspots. This recovery is helping boost tourism activities in the region," she said.
Regarding spending, Aida said on average, a Malaysian tourist will spend at least RM600 during their visit to Thailand.