The recent influx of Malaysian tourists to Thailand’s southern region during Malaysia’s National Day, Merdeka Day, has delivered a significant boost to the local economy. On August 31st, over 13,000 Malaysian tourists crossed into Songkhla via the Sadao checkpoint, with an additional 5,000 entering through the Betong checkpoint in Yala. This surge in visitors led authorities to open two extra lanes at the Sadao checkpoint to manage the increased traffic flow. Reports also indicate that many Malaysian tourists accessed Thailand through the Padang Besar and Prakob checkpoints.
This influx of tourists is projected to generate approximately 100 million baht (around USD 2.9 million) in economic benefits during their stay. Songchai Mungprasitthichai, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, estimates that Malaysian tourists spend between 7,000 and 8,000 baht (USD 145 to 235) per person, making a substantial impact on the local economy. However, he noted a decline in tourist numbers compared to a decade ago, with current figures being 10 times lower than in previous years during Merdeka Day.
Witthaya Sae Lim, a tour guide in Songkhla, observed that many Malaysian visitors are budget-conscious, often choosing to spend minimally and forgoing tour guide services.
Meanwhile, hotel operators in Yala’s Betong area reported that about 95% of their over 4,000 available rooms were booked in advance of the holiday, contributing an estimated 10 million baht (USD 293,730) to the local economy.
In a related development, Thailand is expecting a significant increase in tourist numbers in 2024, particularly from Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia. This surge is attributed to strong government support and Thailand’s soft power initiatives. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) projects that arrivals from Malaysia will reach 5 million this year, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 4.27 million in 2019.
This uptick in tourism highlights the crucial role of international visitors in driving Thailand’s economic recovery and underscores the ongoing efforts to solidify the country’s standing as a top travel destination.
