Defeat Malaysia, Thailand Rebut Holds Most Destinations In Southeast Asia

Doi Inthanon, Thailand (Photo: Freepik/tawatchai07)

JAKARTA - Thailand has reclaimed its title as the country most visited in Southeast Asia by bringing in 35.5 million foreign tourists by 2024.

Reported by VOI from the VN Express page on Saturday, February 8, Thailand had lost this position from Malaysia in 2023.

Now, Malaysia is in second place by bringing in 25 million tourists, lower than the target set at 27.3 million visits.

Vietnam ranks third with 17.5 million tourists. Then, followed by Singapore with 16.5 million, and Indonesia with 13.9 million.

Other countries recorded a lower number of visits, including Cambodia with 6.7 million tourists, the Philippines with 5.4 million, Laos with 4.1 million, and Myanmar with 1.06 million tourists.

The revival of the tourism sector in Thailand was driven by various initiatives, including permanent visa-free programs for tourists from China and India. Southeast Asian countries continue to compete to attract foreign tourists by loosening visa policies.

Malaysia has extended its visa-free policy for tourists from China and India until 2026. Meanwhile, Vietnam will start offering visa-free travel for 45 days for Polish, Czech and Swiss nationals who use tour packages starting March 1, 2025.

On the other hand, Cambodia has reduced the cost of e-visa for tourists since January this year, as part of its efforts to increase the number of visits.