Thailand afraid of losing SE Asia's leading position in tourist attraction to Vietnam

Some tourism operators in Thailand have expressed concern over the rapid growth of Vietnam's tourism industry, fearing it will lose its position as the top Southeast Asian destination to Vietnam in the next few years.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation, believes that Vietnam could surpass Thailand in the number of tourists within the next two to three years.

In March, Vietnam welcomed more than two million international visitors, surging 40 percent compared to the same period in 2019, while Thailand recorded 2.7 million visitors, falling 20 percent from pre-pandemic levels.

Vietnam set a target to attract 23 million international visitors this year, while Thailand has revised its forecast down to 36.5 million from 38.5 million visitors due to various challenges.

Supornsahasrungsi noted that Vietnam is attracting tourists due to its low cost of living, new resort and entertainment facilities, competitive pricing, and particularly all-inclusive packages at hotels that are half the prices of those in Thailand.

Vietnam supports foreign travel agents by subsidizing flight tickets and reducing airport fees, which has led many airlines to shift their focus from Thailand to Vietnam this summer.

Regarding infrastructure, airports in Vietnam are designed like international airports and are located only 30-45 minutes away from major tourist destinations, providing convenience for visitors.

In contrast, tourists traveling to destinations such as Hua Hin or Kanchanaburi in Thailand must drive over three hours from Bangkok airports, said Supornsahasrungsi.

He warned that if the Thai government does not pursue a more proactive approach to tourism and enhance safety measures, it will be difficult to reach the target of 36.5 million visitors this year.

Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, mentioned that Bangkok may see fewer tourists this year compared to last year due to the shrinking Chinese market and changing travel trends toward emerging destinations like Vietnam.

Ruangwattanakul pointed out that Vietnam offers a variety of attractions, from nature and beaches to vibrant nightlife, with a popular walking street and night market in Ho Chi Minh City that can rival Khao San Road.

In an effort to boost tourism, last week, the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) proposed to the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the government a subsidy of 320 million baht (approximately US$9.7 million) to attract more visitors from China.

ATTA estimates that this plan will generate at least 8.3 billion baht ($251 million) in revenue, based on an average expenditure of 55,869 baht (nearly $1,700) per trip from 150,000 Chinese tourists.

ATTA evaluates this plan as having no risks for the government, as it is a joint investment with the private sector, which will bear 80 percent of the costs. The government could require each flight to carry at least 150 Chinese tourists to receive a subsidy of 300,000 baht ($9,000).

Tuoi Tre News - Vietnam News Agency

(2025/05/08-18:11)