Instability in the Middle East has driven up oil prices, increasing the cost of goods and putting pressure on global economic activity, thereby affecting the tourism industry, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool told the press on June 11.
TAT forecasts that Thailand will welcome 33 million international tourists in 2026, generating about 1.55 trillion THB (US$47.5 billion) in revenue, along with 200.4 million domestic trips, expected to generate about 1.1 trillion THB.
Data from TAT showed that in the first five months of 2026, Thailand received 14.03 million foreign arrivals, down 2.3% year-on-year. Revenue from international visitors totaled 679.3 billion THB.
The Middle East recorded the sharpest decline, with visitor numbers falling 24.9%, while arrivals from Africa dropped 4%.
In contrast, European and American markets generally remained stable. Increases were seen in markets such as Sweden (14.3%), Norway (10.9%), Poland (16.9%), and Kazakhstan (8.3%).
