Malaysians Spent RM4.6 Billion In Thailand Last Year
The figure is expected to increase this year.
By May Vin Ang — 15 May 2024, 03:06 PM
Malaysian tourists are estimated to have spent a total of RM4.6 billion last year in neighbouring country Thailand
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Malaysian consul-general in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, said the figure is assuming the 4.56 million Malaysian tourists who visited Thailand last year spent RM1,000 each.
In total, 28 million tourists worldwide were recorded entering Thailand, spending a staggering RM161.52 billion.
"For this year, the figure is expected to increase based on the trend of visitor arrivals to Thailand," he said.
Fahmi said Hat Yai is a prominent destination for Malaysian tourists, particularly during the school holidays and weekends
He said factors such as proximity, affordability, and the appeal of Thai cuisine contribute to the southern city's popularity among Malaysians.
He added that the tourism industry in Thailand emphasises on hospitality towards every tourist that enters the country
Fahmi said adopting this same warm attitude in Malaysia could help the country attract more foreign visitors.
"Thailand truly celebrates their guests, and perhaps we in Malaysia can adopt this attitude and welcome the presence of these guests," he said.
He added that while three million Malaysians entered Thailand from the beginning of 2023 until October, , only 700,000 Thais visited Malaysia during the same period.
