thailand tourist demographics

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Tourism industry in Thailand - statistics & facts

Domestic tourism, the current state of thailand’s tourism industry, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Foreign tourist arrivals Thailand 2015-2023

Value of tourism GDP Thailand 2017-2021

Value of tourism expenditures Thailand 2017-2021

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Share of tourism to GDP value Thailand 2017-2020

Leisure Travel

Number of international visitors Thailand 2023, by region of origin

Further recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Value of tourism GDP Thailand 2017-2021
• Basic Statistic Number of quarterly foreign visitors Thailand Q1 2021-Q4 2022
• Premium Statistic Number of local tourists Thailand 2023
• Premium Statistic Size of employment in tourism sector Thailand 2017-2021

Total value of the tourism's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product in Thailand from 2017 to 2021 (in billion Thai baht)

Number of quarterly foreign visitors Thailand Q1 2021-Q4 2022

Number of international tourists in Thailand from 1st quarter 2021 to 4th quarter 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of local tourists Thailand 2023

Number of domestic visitors in Thailand from January to December 2023 (in millions)

Size of employment in tourism sector Thailand 2017-2021

Number of employees in the tourism sector in Thailand from 2017 to 2021 (in millions)

Economic impact

• Premium Statistic Direct contribution of tourism to gross domestic product Thailand 2017-2021
• Premium Statistic Indirect contribution of tourism to gross domestic product Thailand 2017-2021
• Premium Statistic Value of tourism tax Thailand 2017-2021
• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals revenue Thailand 2023
• Premium Statistic Local tourists revenue Thailand 2023

Direct contribution of tourism to gross domestic product Thailand 2017-2021

Direct contribution of the tourism industry to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Thailand from 2017 to 2021 (in billion Thai baht)

Indirect contribution of tourism to gross domestic product Thailand 2017-2021

Indirect contribution of the tourism industry to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Thailand from 2017 to 2021 (in billion Thai baht)

Value of tourism tax Thailand 2017-2021

Value of tourism tax in Thailand from 2017 to 2021 (in billion Thai baht)

International tourist arrivals revenue Thailand 2023

Tourism revenue incurred from international tourist arrivals in Thailand from January to December 2023 (in billion Thai baht)

Local tourists revenue Thailand 2023

Tourism revenue incurred from domestic visitors in Thailand from January to December 2023 (in billion Thai baht)

• Premium Statistic Number of international visitors Thailand 2023, by region of origin
• Premium Statistic Number of foreign visitors Thailand 2023, by region
• Premium Statistic Revenue generated from foreign visitors Thailand 2023, by region
• Premium Statistic Number of traveling locals Thailand 2023, by region
• Premium Statistic Revenue generated from traveling locals Thailand 2023, by region

Number of foreign tourists in Thailand in 2023, by region of origin (in 1,000s)

Number of foreign visitors Thailand 2023, by region

Total number of foreign visitors in Thailand in 2023, by region (in millions)

Revenue generated from foreign visitors Thailand 2023, by region

Total revenue generated from foreign visitors in Thailand in 2023, by region (in billion Thai baht)

Number of traveling locals Thailand 2023, by region

Total number of Thai travelers within the regions of Thailand in 2023, by region (in millions)

Revenue generated from traveling locals Thailand 2023, by region

Total revenue generated from Thai travelers within the regions of Thailand in 2023, by region (in billion Thai baht)

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Share of foreign visitors to total guests of accommodations Thailand 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic Share of foreign visitors to total guests of accommodations Thailand 2023, by region
• Premium Statistic Advance reservation rate of accommodations Thailand 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic ADR of accommodations Thailand 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic Popular accommodations for Thais when travelling Thailand Q2 2021

Share of foreign visitors to total guests of accommodations Thailand 2015-2023

Proportion of international tourists to total guests of the accommodations in Thailand from 2015 to 2023

Share of foreign visitors to total guests of accommodations Thailand 2023, by region

Proportion of international tourists to total guests of the accommodations in Thailand in 2023, by region

Advance reservation rate of accommodations Thailand 2015-2023

Share of 3-month advanced reservations on the total accommodation occupancy rate in Thailand from 2015 to 2023

ADR of accommodations Thailand 2015-2023

Average daily rate (ADR) of accommodations in Thailand from 2015 to 2023 (in thousand Thai baht)

Popular accommodations for Thais when travelling Thailand Q2 2021

Accommodations that Thais planned to stay at when travelling in Thailand in 2nd quarter 2021

Tourist perspectives

• Premium Statistic Ideal travel destinations in Asia among Thais 2023
• Premium Statistic Online travel agency usage Thailand 2023
• Premium Statistic Most used online travel agencies Thailand 2023
• Premium Statistic Most common duration before a trip to purchase travel tickets on OTAs Thailand 2023
• Premium Statistic Reasons for using online travel agencies for purchasing tickets Thailand 2023
• Premium Statistic Reasons for not using online travel agencies for purchasing tickets Thailand 2023

Ideal travel destinations in Asia among Thais 2023

Leading travel destinations in Asia among tourists in Thailand as of January 2023

Online travel agency usage Thailand 2023

Online travel agency usage in Thailand as of June 2023

Most used online travel agencies Thailand 2023

Leading online travel agencies in Thailand as of June 2023

Most common duration before a trip to purchase travel tickets on OTAs Thailand 2023

Most common duration before a trip to purchase travel tickets on online travel agencies (OTAs) in Thailand as of June 2023

Reasons for using online travel agencies for purchasing tickets Thailand 2023

Reasons for using online travel agencies for purchasing tickets or services in Thailand as of June 2023

Reasons for not using online travel agencies for purchasing tickets Thailand 2023

Reasons for not using online travel agencies for purchasing tickets or services in Thailand as of June 2023

Further reports

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Thailand Tourism Statistics for 2021

The Ministry of Tourism of Thailand has published the latest Tourism Statistics for the past year 2021 . As you know, Thailand started the Phuket Sandbox program on 1st July 2021 and later on, on 1st November , started the Test and Go program. Those 2 options allowed tourism to travel back to Thailand.

Feel free to use the search box to find some specific nationality:

Some interesting data from the Thailand Tourism Statistics 2021

▪️ The total of tourists that arrived to Thailand on 2021 was 427,869 people. Far from the 39.9 million of 2019.

▪️ 54% of them arrived in December.

▪️ 75% of them arrived after the Test and Go was approved.

▪️ 58% of them were from Europe.

▪️ Only 13,043 tourist were from China. In 2019 they were 10.9 million.

▪️ 24,899 tourists were from Germany, making it the country’s largest source of visitors, followed by United Kingdom (21,311 pax) and Russia (21,205 pax).

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• Wild Elephants at Kui Buri
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Tourism In Thailand Statistics 2023: All You Need To Know

by GoWithGuide travel specialist: Ajitsa A.

# travelthailand

Ah, Thailand. The enchanting country that inspires visions of crystal blue waters, vibrant cuisine, awe-inspiring temples, and dizzying information spread across several tabs? Wait, one of these doesn't belong. 

Planning a tour of Thailand shouldn't be rocket science. That's why we're cutting to the good stuff with everything you need to know about the Land of Smiles. Give your search engine some much-needed rest and discover what awaits whether you decide to visit bustling  Bangkok  ,  stay tucked away in the fields of  Chiang Mai , or have a  Thai tour guide   handle your itinerary. As they say in Thailand, pai kan (let's go)!

 The Land Of Smiles: Thailand By The Numbers 

At A Glance: Top Ten Tourism Statistics In Thailand 

Thailand is the 8th most popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and breathtaking landscapes. It's no wonder why they received 39.9 million tourists in 2019. Though they suffered a dip in 2022 with only 11.8 million tourists, they're recovering quickly.  In fact, tourism in Thailand is set to make a comeback in 2023 with an estimated 25 million tourists projected to flock to the peninsula. ​

• 25.8 million - The number of tourists that visited Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city
• Thailand   is the   8th most   popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and breathtaking landscapes. It's no wonder why they received   39.9 million   tourists in 2019. Though they suffered a dip in 2022 with only 11.8 million tourists, they're recovering quickly. 
• In fact, Thai tourism is set to make a comeback in 2023 with an estimated   25 million   tourists projected to flock to the peninsula.
• 167 USD - The average amount of money a tourist spends per day
• 9 days - the average time tourists spend in Thailand
• 117.5 billion   USD - The amount in dollars that tourism contributed to Thailand’s GDP for 2019  
• 21.9% - The percentage that tourism and travel contributed to the nation's GDP
• 40,000 - the number of temples in Thailand 
• 3000 - The number of elephants used for tourism purposes  
• 71.8 million - Thailand’s current population, an increase 
• 0.56 - the number of tourists per resident in Thailand
•   513,115 square km (198,115 sq m) - The size of the country, meaning you've got a lot to explore! 

Why We Love Thailand   

So what makes Thailand a popular tourist destination? Let’s find out.  

The Sites - as one of the world's most visually stunning countries, Thailand's cities have the perfect blend of outdoor enchantment and architectural awe. What's Thailand's most distinctive trait? Let's take a look. 

• Bangkok - the capital city is home to amazing structures like the Grand Palace, the Wat Arun temple, and our Damnoen Saduak floating market tour   where 10,000 boats are masterfully navigated by vendors selling fresh Thai ingredients. 
• Phuket - Thailand's largest island drifts along the Andaman Sea, with nearby beaches drawing in visitors thanks to its thriving  water sports   culture. 
• Chiang Mai - Welcome to the largest city in Northern Thailand! Millions flock to this province for various reasons, including the 117 temples, and vibrant  nightlife . 
• Chon Buri - Not too far from Bangkok (80 kilometers), this seaside settlement is a  seafood lover’s   dream.
• Ayutthaya - This UNESCO  World Heritage center   is home to several ruins of the Siamese Kingdom. Touring this archaeological site takes you back to the 14th-18th century.

Travel Q&A : What is the number one best tourist destination in Thailand? The Grand Palace in Bangkok, also known as the former residence of Thailand's royal family, is one of the most frequented structures in the world, drawing in  8 million visitors   yearly.

The Food - It's no secret that Thailand is the King of street food. It's so beloved that most residents prefer eating out to cooking at home. Here are some Thai treats to add to your culinary bucket list;

• Pad Thai (Thai fried noodles) - This world-famous dish has its roots in Thailand. With tender flat rice noodles, sweet sauces, umami flavor, and crispy fried eggs, it's often considered Thailand's signature meal. 
• Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) - Popular throughout the country, this Northern Thai classic highlights the crunchy and sharp green papaya mixed with carrots, chilies, lime juice, green beans, and so much more!  
• Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Thai green curry) - Coconut is a beloved Thai ingredient that shines bright in this savory, slightly sweet, and fragrant curry.  
• Khao Niew Mamuang (mango with sticky rice) - Cleanse your palate with this traditional sticky rice dessert. Thailand’s staple grain is enhanced with creamy condensed milk and fresh mangoes. 
• Satay (skewered meat) - You'll find some form of skewered, fire-roasted meat on every corner. From sweet and sticky pork to chicken heads, there are enough flavor combinations  to last a lifetime.  

Travel Treat : You may have seen dramatic videos on the internet highlighting Thailand’s exotic snacks, but it’s all true! Thai people take pride in knowing how to transform critters like cockroaches and grasshoppers into savory delights. Talk to your private guide about an in-depth GoWithGuide f ood tour. 

The Nature - Nowhere else will you find a landscape so diverse it houses both the second largest land mammal (Asian elephant) and the smallest one (the adorable bumblebee bat). Looking to enjoy Thailand's beautiful nature? Here's how.

• Jet Skis and Beach activities at Saigaeo
• Elephant Trekking in Phuket 
• Catamaran Yacht Ride in Pattaya
• Waterfalls & Caves in Chiang Mai  

Travel Q&A : Is Thailand one of the most visited countries? Yes! Thailand was ranked  the 8th most visited country in the world in 2019, beating out Germany and the United Kingdom. 

Who Else Loves Thailand

Okay, so everybody loves Thailand, but who can you expect to run into while touring this brilliant country? Here’s the tourist breakdown by nationality (pre-pandemic).  

• China - The Thai  Ministry of Tourism and Sports   reported that in 2019, over 11 million tourists came from mainland China, contributing to 28% of Thailand’s tourism. 
• Malaysia - Coming in is Malaysia, Thailand’s border mate with 4.2 million visitors and 10% of the tourism share. 
• India - Over 1.9 million Indian residents visited the Southeast Asian jewel in 2019. Indian visitors made up 10% of tourist shares in 2022 due to China's total lock down. 
• Korea - 1.8 million Koreans touched down in Thailand throughout 2019. 
• Laos - Neighboring Laos brought in 1.8 million visitors. 
• Japan - 1.7 million 
• Russia - 1.4 million 
• Singapore - 1.1 million 
• The United States - 1.1 million  
• Hong Kong - 1 million  

Travel Bonus : Is Thailand visa-free for U.S. citizens? Yes! No need to book appointments or go through long processes for a visa. You can travel for  up to 29 days   without one!   

Quick Thailand Travel Trends 

A speedy look at Thailand’s monthly tourist visiting trends 

• January to February - The Chinese new year is set to attract  30,000 Chinese   visitors and 500,000 international travelers (2023).
• March & April - 543,000 guests   flew in for The Songkran Festival. Most of them were from China, looking to splash in the traditional Thai new year with plenty of lighthearted water fights (2019).
• May - Thailand's monsoon season starts, decreasing tourist activity significantly, and some hotels along the coast shut down.
• June-September - This is Thailand's low season, with heavy trains affecting most day-to-day activities and tour highlights.
• October-December - As monsoon season wears off, travelers flock to enjoy Thailand's cool breezes and steady weather patterns. The peak season ranges from November to March drawing in visitors to Chiang Mai to celebrate the floating candle festival.   

This vs That - Thailand's Tourism Recovery (2019 vs 2022)  

Has tourism in Thailand recovered from the pandemic? Yes and no. Tourism was the industry hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Thailand went from 40 million tourists in 2019 to just over  11 million   tourists in 2022. Though that's a drastic drop, it’s a rapid improvement, as the previous year saw only 428,000 visitors. Though around  25 million   travelers are expected in 2023, it will take some time before Thailand sees record highs again.

Travel Truth : The Land of Smiles is enchanting, but what are the disadvantages of tourism in Thailand? The  Thailand Development Research Institute   cites coral pollution due to littering from excessive beach parties, environmental strain from over-tourism, and troubling practices within Thailand's controversial sex tourism industry as some of the few pitfalls of the highly successful tourism industry.  

Explore Thailand responsibly and avoid adding to the negative side of tourism by hiring a  local private guide   who tailors your itinerary to match your desires while keeping local travel standards at the forefront.

Life in Thailand: What To Expect in The Land of Smiles 

You might be a guest, but Thailand is the best place to experience local living. Here are some things to keep in mind while living within this Southeast Asian jewel;

Getting Around -Transport can be tricky in bustling metropolitan areas like Phuket or Bangkok, but these methods are sure to get you where you need to go. 

• Tuk Tuk - this staple of Southeast Asian travel is so prevalent in Thailand that there are over 35,000 three-wheelers in operation. Keep your guide close as foreigners can sometimes be tricked into paying high fare prices. 

Travel Bonus  - Want to add some fun to your Thai transport experience? Try our night time  Tuk Tuk tour filled with tasty street food stops along the way  

• Taxi - Taxis are plentiful in nearly all major cities, but they can be quite expensive.  
• Motorcycles - Strap in and make sure you have a helmet because these guys are fast, especially when zipping through traffic.  

Weather Check: Your Guide To Thailand’s Climate

Thailand is known for its diverse climate and blooming ecosystems that give us unique wildlife and weather. So what is the best time to visit Thailand? Let's look at what the  weather   has to say. 

• April tends to be the hottest month for those arriving in Bangkok, with average highs of 30.5°C (87°F). Overall, Thailand has annual highs of 37°C (98.6°F). This is considered the peak of Thailand’s March-May  hot season . 
• December brings about the year's lowest temperatures at 21°C (69.8°F). This is the lowest stage in Thailand's November to February cool season. 
• June-October is when the rainy/monsoon season kicks off with highs of 252 mm rainfall in September. 
• January holds the highest average for sunshine with Bangkok recording 273 hours of sunshine . 

Do’s & Don'ts  

Is Thailand friendly to tourists? Yes! There's a reason why they're known as the land of smiles. Thai people are hospitable and kind, but if you want to keep your trip hassle-free, consider these daily practices.

What To Avoid: Red Flags For Travelers

As friendly and accommodating as this nation is, the Thai government has pointed out several  safety gaps   that need attention. Here are some  red flags   you should look out for. 

• Join the Thai nightlife with caution - Though it can be an amazing experience, night touring opens you up to several tourist traps and threats, such as drug/sex trafficking, both of which have serious legal consequences. 
• Large, rowdy crowds - With civil unrest becoming common, it’s best to stay away from large, energetic crowds. A mild skirmish can become violent quickly, especially in political hot zones. Talk to your guide about where to go and where to avoid.  
• The taxi scam - As you leave your hotel, some taxi drivers might offer special tours but instead take you to places where you can purchase items from vendors. Don't get into any vehicle that your tour guide hasn't cleared as legitimate. 

Okay, if that last bit overwhelmed you, don’t freak out. You can still have a wholesome Thai adventure without the scary safety concerns and dizzying public transport maze to conquer. 

That’s where we come in. GoWithGuide’s selection of local private guides who know the nation’s ins and outs will help you bypass any confusion and avoid annoying travel downers like;

• Large tour groups 
• Unsafe tour areas 
• A rushed schedule influenced by strangers
• A heavy language barrier
• Getting lost at hectic or crowded venues  
• Embarrassing or legally damaging cultural missteps     

Ready to leave the stress behind and plan your personalized Thailand adventure? Get in touch with a Thai tour guide and put the smile back into travel planning. 

P.S. Looking to travel with companions? The more the merrier! Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Thailand as you are.

Popular Thailand Tour Guides

We have 12 years of experience in food guiding tour in Bangkok. Our tour only conduct in English and our clients are mainly from English speaking countries. We bring our customers to taste 7 different kind of dishes.                                                                                                                                  

Ladies & Gentlemen, Please feel free to call me "Tom". Being a native Bangkokian, I was born, has grown up and worked in longer than 30 years. The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is mixed together between new and old, modern and traditional. No matter what kind of tourists you are, people watching lovers, history/culture learners, shopping paradise, gourmet tasty foods…, Bangkok is for sure the right spot for you to land and enjoy it, then I’m pleased to show you around and guide through it, sharing its background story not only its well-known attractions but also off the beaten paths and hidden gems. If you need to find something unique, I’m ready in taking you to its suburb and vicinity, for example, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan and many more. Come with me and let’s marvel at the world famous Thai temples or wander among world heritage sites, breathe the fresh air along the white-sandy beach, view Thai local ways of life or visit charming old china town- or scary museum in the hospital. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group and any other criteria possibly have is based on what you informed me. If this is your first visit, Bangkok certainly will log you in with its magic spell and I’ll try every ways possible to let you want to come back, so let me be a part of your great journey in my hometown today. Drop me your words in need and I’ll generate a tailor-made tour according to your own interests and conditions. Thanks a lot and see you soon, Tom, ………………………………………………………………………… Credentials; - Certified and Licensed Tour Guide from The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) : A qualified tour guide, who’s legally able leading tours in Bangkok and all over Thailand since 2013. - Master Degree in Communicative English from the public university in Thailand since 2005.                                                                                                                                  

Chatthabhol J.

Sawadee everyone. i'm petch, and i am a local guide from chiang mai, north thailand. i am fluent in english and also have a tour guide license. i really enjoyed traveling and making new friends. while i travel.  i was born in ching mai, and i got to experience the tourist attractions in chiang mai and chiang rai provinces: exp, temples, national parks, local restaurants,local people, hill tribe villages, coffee shops, etc. i would love to travel to new places in thailand, explore the world, and share my experiences to help others make the right decision or schedule when they want to visit a new place. thank you so much                                                                                                                                   .

Pattaranin P.

I love to drive because i want to travelling and see what it waitting for me at the destination but i will be cool to have someone share great moment together                                                                                                                                  , plan your trip to thailand.

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

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Thailand Tourism Indicators

Number of international tourists, view thailand's number of international tourists from jan 2015 to mar 2024 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Foreign Tourists to Total Guests: Central

View thailand's thailand share of foreign tourists to total guests: central from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Foreign Tourists to Total Guests: North

View thailand's thailand share of foreign tourists to total guests: north from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Foreign Tourists to Total Guests: Northeast

View thailand's thailand share of foreign tourists to total guests: northeast from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Foreign Tourists to Total Guests: South

View thailand's thailand share of foreign tourists to total guests: south from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Foreign Tourists to Total Guests: Whole Kingdom

View thailand's thailand share of foreign tourists to total guests: whole kingdom from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Revenue:from Sales of Conference/Seminar Package: Central

View thailand's thailand share of revenue:from sales of conference/seminar package: central from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Revenue:from Sales of Conference/Seminar Package: North

View thailand's thailand share of revenue:from sales of conference/seminar package: north from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Revenue:from Sales of Conference/Seminar Package: Northeast

View thailand's thailand share of revenue:from sales of conference/seminar package: northeast from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Revenue:from Sales of Conference/Seminar Package: South

View thailand's thailand share of revenue:from sales of conference/seminar package: south from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

Thailand Share of Revenue:from Sales of Conference/Seminar Pck: Whole Kingdom

View thailand's thailand share of revenue:from sales of conference/seminar pck: whole kingdom from jan 2015 to jun 2018 in the chart:.

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Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign tourists in 2023

Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign tourists in 2023 The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand has revealed its statistics on the number of international tourists visiting Thailand in 2023 (from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023), which amounted to over 28 million. According to the figures, the top five nationalities were Malaysia, with approximately 4.5 million, followed by China with 3.5 million, South Korea with 1.7 million, India with 1.6 million, and Russia with 1.5 million. In 2024, the ministry has set a target to attract both domestic and international tourists through the promotion of lesser-known tourist attractions and the country as an all-season tourist destination.

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Tourist Arrivals by Nationality in 2022 (Visitors again !) and 2019 (last 'full' year of Arrivals)

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Data for 2022, restart of Tourism Economy

For all practical purposes, the tourism economy in Thailand restarted in 2022, with the number of visitors increasing markedly each quarter of the year. At the end of the year a total of 11,153,026 tourists had visited, which was a most welcome result, and greatly anticipated. A total of 39,797,406 tourists had visited in 2019, so the number of 2022 was 'just' 28% of that. In any case, the number of arrivals towards the end of the year, was very promising for 2023. We give a short review of the arrivals in 2022, below you will find data also from 2019.

The image above compares arrivals from different world regions in 2019 (blue) and 2022 (orange). Mostly the number of arrivals was proportionally less for all regions. Except for arrivals from Eastern Asia. Only few Chinese visitors arrived, actually stringent Covid-19 restrictions were just lifted towards the end of 2022. Only arrivals from Japan and Taiwan were limited. We expect better numbers for 2023, since in January 2023 Chinese travelers already started arriving.

Most visitors came from countries as listed above. Chinese visitors numbered just 274,000 while more than 10 million arrived in 2019. The biggest provider of mostly short-term visitors was Malaysia, which makes sense, since it is a neighboring country. Chinese visitors made up just 2.5 % of total visitors, while in 2019 they made up 27.6% of total visitors. One striking trend, and also visible in the streets of Bangkok, are the increasing number of visitors from India. In 2022 they made up 8.9 % of total visitors, compared to 5.0 % of total visitors in 2019. So maybe in a few years Thailand will receive prominent numbers both from India and China (visitors to Indo-China !).

Data for 2019, last 'full' year of Tourist Arrivals

The data here go back to 2019, the last year when millions of tourists visited Thailand. With Covid-19 from the start of 2020 till the middle of 2022, there were no or not many tourists arriving. However, since beginning 2022 there was improvement, and restrictions that applied have been cancelled or more relaxed since 1 July 2022. As of the end of 2022, there were no obvious restrictions for visiting Thailand.

Tourism Statistics :

The number of tourist arrivals in Thailand, with some hiccups, has steadily increased over the last two decades. As recent as 2010 there were 'only' 15.94 million visitors to the country. By 2015 this had increased substantially (almost doubled) to 29.92 million visitors. Now in 2019 the number has increased to 39.8 million visitors. It was a modest increase by 4.24 % from the previous year. 2020 and 2021 were difficult times for tourism. We can just state that visitors were not really allowed into Thailand. with few exceptions.

Over the past decade, Thai tourism numbers had increased mainly because of the increase of Chinese and other Asian visitors.As seen in the graph below, most visitors came from East Asia (with China providing the bulk) and the ASEAN countries. Europe has been providing a rather steady number of visitors, while the other continents have more limited number of visitors (though the Indian subcontinent looks promising the last few years).

From 2012 onwards, China has been taking the top spot as far as providing tourists to Thailand, now way ahead of Malaysia in second place. As seen below, close to 11 million Chinese visitors arrived in 2019, which was 27.6 % of the total. Chinese visitors stopped coming in 2020 and 2021, and in 2022 we are still waiting for them.

Japan, South Korea, and India provide close to 2 million visitors to Thailand each year. Among the European countries, Russia in the last decade has become most important, with in 2019 close to 1.5 million visitors. You will note that there are a lot of visitors from Laos and Cambodia, in view of the smaller population of these countries. We do not have clear data about how tourists from these countries are counted. It is hardly possible though that almost two million Laotians travel around Thailand, enjoying the sites of Bangkok and Phuket. Likely a lot of border crossings for just a day, and some local business trips are included.

Changes from 2015 to 2019 :

Arbitrarily we have included some data on the increase (decrease) of visitors from the most important countries to Thailand, between 2015 and 2019. This may maybe allow to see some trends of what may happen in the future.

For all countries, the increase in visitors was 32.30% in the 4 years between 2015 and 2019. Most Asian countries seem to provide similar increases in visitors. However it is clear that there is a substantial rise in visitors from India, from about 1 million to 2 million visitors, and for local residents, it is clearly visible on Bangkok's streets. As mentioned before, China provides in 2019 close to 11 million visitors. However the last few years, the increase in number of Chinese visitors luckily has not further exploded, and is just a few percentage points above the average increase in visitors.

Russia was also a growing market.This in stark contrast with most other European countries. U.K., Germany and France show only modest increases in visitors to Thailand. The last few years saw also somewhat more American visitors than before.

Interestingly, the number of Australians visiting Thailand has decreased somewhat from 2015 to 2019(-4.63 %), and also the number of visitors from Singapore was not rising anymore (-1.67 %). Sorry, we were not able to put these last two numbers clearly on the chart above.

Source : Ministry of Tourism and Sports (latest updates often only available at Thai language section)

What are you looking for?

54+ thailand travel & tourism statistics [fresh for 2024].

Thailand is a tropical and cultural paradise.

With magnificent beaches, iconic markets, delicious cuisine, and tons of temples, it’s definitely one of the world’s most famous travel destinations!

But how many tourists does Thailand get each year?

How much does tourism contribute to the Thai economy?

Whether you’re a travel aficionado or simply planning a trip to this Southeast Asian country , you might want to know some of these Thai travel facts!

If you’re visiting Thailand soon, you won’t want to miss our handy 3-week itinerary too .

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Sources : We will mention where we got the source for each statistic, or you can scroll down to the end of this post for all the references and research data used.

Travellerspoint

How many people travel to Thailand?

In 2022, Thailand had 11.2 million inbound arrivals, a 72% decrease from 2019, when it received 39.8 international arrivals.

What is the rank of Thailand in tourism?

Thailand is the 8th most visited country worldwide. It recorded 39.8 million overseas arrivals in 2019.

Meanwhile, Bangkok is the second most visited city in the world, with 21.2 million visitors. This should be no surprise considering the myriad of activities and attractions in Bangkok .

Which country travels to Thailand the most?

• Between January and October 2023, the country that visits Thailand the most is Malaysia (3.65 million visitors).

How much does travel and tourism contribute to Thailand GDP?

• The latest figures are yet to be found out, but in 2019, travel and tourism contributed 21.9% to GDP of Thailand.

In total in 2021, the the tourism industry's contribution to Thai GDP was approximately 356 billion Thai baht.

At a glance: Thailand travel and tourism statistics

• In 2022, Thailand had 11.2 million inbound arrivals, a 72% decrease from 2019.
• The most visited region in Thailand for foreign visitors is Bangkok, with 17.36 million visitors from January to August 2023.
• Bangkok is the second most visited city in the world, with 21.2 million visitors.
• In September 2023, Thailand received around 19.51 million local tourists, a slight derease from August 2023.
• The number of outbound travelers in Thailand increased steadily from 2013 to 2021, from 6 million to 9.1 million.
• In 2021, the tourism industry directly contributed to around 136 billion Thai baht to the country’s GDP.
• In 2019, hotels were the most preferred accommodation for international tourists when visiting Thailand, with 34.46 million tourists staying in hotels. 
• From January to August 2023, the most popular region in Thailand for domestic tourists was central Thailand, with 55 million domestic visitors during that period.

Thailand inbound tourism statistics

How many tourists visit Thailand every year?

1. In 2022, Thailand had 11.2 million inbound arrivals, a 72% decrease from 2019.

2. in total from january to october 2023, thailand welcomed 22.2 million foreign tourists, a significant increase from 7.1 million international tourists between january to october 2022..

[Ministry of Tourism and Sports]

3. The most visited region in Thailand for foreign visitors is Bangkok, with 17.36 million visitors from January to August 2023.

4. bangkok is the second most visited city in the world, with 21.2 million visitors..

Bangkok is just behind Hong Kong (26.6 million visitors) and ahead of London ( 19.2 million visitors ).

In 2021, Bangkok was in the first place but has since been replaced by Hong Kong.

5. Thailand is the 8th most visited country worldwide. It recorded 39.8 overseas arrivals in 2019.

[World Population Review]

Demographics of tourists in Thailand

6. between january and october 2023, the country that visits thailand the most is malaysia (3.65 million visitors)., 7. the second leading foreign tourist market in thailand is china, with 2.78 million chinese tourists visiting thailand from january to october 2023., 8. the republic of korea and india follow close behind, with 1.32 and 1.3 million visitors respectively from january to october 2023., 9. the us is the ninth country with the highest number of tourists in thailand..

Between January and October 2023, 711,669 American tourists visited Thailand .

10. The top 10 country in terms of foreign tourists in Thailand is rounded up by the UK, with 623,638 visitors between January and October 2023.

Between January and October 2023, 623,638 British tourists visited Thailand .

11. Between January and October 2023, 72.7% of international visitors in Thailand came from Asia and the Pacific region (16.14 million).

Meanwhile, as a continent, a total of 4.48 million European tourists came to Thailand from January to October 2023.

12. French residents also visited Thailand a lot, with over 425 thousand coming between January and October 2023.

There were a total of 425,750 tourists from France in Thailand between January and October 2023.

Thailand domestic tourism and outbound tourism

What is the outbound tourism of Thailand?

13. In September 2023, Thailand received around 19.51 million local tourists, a slight derease from August 2023.

14. the number of outbound travelers in thailand increased steadily from 2013 to 2021, from 6 million to 9.1 million..

15. In Thailand, the number of outbound travel trips as a percentage of total number of households was 40.1% n 2016. This was predicted to grow to 50.2% in 2021.

The outbound trips-to-households ratio in Thailand was projected to grow but did not take the Covid-19 pandemic into consideration. Unfortunately, the latest figures have yet to be updated by official tourism boards.

16. In 2022, 42.63 thousand Thai residents travelled to Indonesia.

17. based on 2021 numbers, the average thai tourist in indonesia spent $5,100 per visit. this is higher than the average $3,100 spent by international tourists in indonesia., 18. in 2022, thai airports registered 38.78 million domestic passengers. domestic passengers made up 61.8% of all air traffic movement in the country that year., 19. according to the european travel commission, 52% of thai nationals who travel are female..

Just over half (52%) of Thai travellers are female .

20. The peak travel month for outbound travel among Thais is October (19%), while the least popular month is September (2%).

21. the majority of thais visiting europe stays in a 4- or 5-star hotel (52%)..

31% stays in 3-star or budget hotels, while only 7% stay in an Airbnb while visiting Europe.

22. 53% of Thai holidaymakers travel with family, while an additional 22% do so with family and friends.

Interestingly, family travel is a huge trend among Thai holidaymakers, with 53% travelling with family .

Only 7% of Thai who travels is travelling alone .

Economic impact of tourism in Thailand statistics

23. in 2021, the tourism industry directly contributed to around 136 billion thai baht to the country’s gdp..

This was still significantly lower than its pre-pandemic figures, which was at 1,243 billion Thai baht in 2019.

24. Meanwhile, the tourism industry indirectly contributed around 220 billion Thai baht to Thailand's GDP. 

25. in total in 2021, the the tourism industry's contribution to thai gdp was approximately 356 billion thai baht., 26. the latest figures are yet to be found out, but in 2019, travel and tourism contributed 21.9% to gdp of thailand..

This equalled to 4.9% of GDP growth in Thailand.

27. In September 2023, international tourism receipts in Thailand were 92.06 billion Thai baht, a decrease compared to August 2023.

28. meanwhile, the tourism receipts from domestic tourism in september 2023 amounted to around 62.5 billion thai baht..

29. In 2023, the total revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry in Thailand is expected to hit US$ 3.1 billion.

This is higher than the pre-pandemic figure of US$ 2.82 billion.

30. Tourism in Thailand is projected to reach a yearly revenue of US$ 4.02 billion by 2027.

31. hotels contribute to the largest share of tourism revenue in thailand, generating us$ 1.34 billion in 2023 alone..

This is a significant increase from the US$ 624 million in 2020 , and slightly above the 2019 figure of US$ 1.31 billion.

32. Hotel revenue in Thailand is projected to reach a yearly revenue of US$ 1.76 billion by 2027.

33. In 2023, the second largest contributor to tourism revenue in Thailand is package holidays with US$ 1.09 billion of revenue.

34. Although it doesn’t take up the largest share of revenue, camping has been experiencing a significant growth in revenue, reaching 318% in 2022 and 95.4% in 2023.

35. In terms of average revenue per user (ARPU), the segment contributing the highest figure is cruises, which generated US $635.50 revenue per tourist.

Employment in Thai tourism industry

How many people are employed in the Thai tourism industry?

36. In 2021, the tourism sector in Thailand employed nearly 4 million people, a slight decrease from 2020.

37. in 2022, thailand ranked seventh worldwide in terms of country with the highest number of people employed in the tourism industry., travel accommodation in thailand statistics.

What is the occupancy rate of hotels in Thailand?

38. In 2019, hotels were the most preferred accommodation for international tourists when visiting Thailand, with 34.46 million tourists staying in hotels. 

Apartments were also highly preferred by foreign tourists in Thailand.

39. In 2022, international visitors represented 8.23% of the total guests of accommodations in Thailand.

40. In South Thailand, international visitors accounted for 21.8% of all guests of accommodations in 2022.

This shows that the southern region in Thailand was the most popular for foreign tourists in 2022.

41. In 2022, around 17.2% of guests booked their accommodations in Thailand for three months in advance, an increase from 2021.

42. the average daily rental rate of accommodations in thailand was 1063 thai baht in 2022, higher than the previous year., 43. in 2022, accommodations within the central region of thailand had an occupancy rate of 49.3%., 44. in 2023, the sales value of the accommodation business in thailand is expected to hit 2.3 billion u.s. dollars., 45. in 2020, the average length of stay for international hotel guests in thailand was around 12.54 days. .

However, this data was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns worldwide, which left tourists stuck at their vacation destinations.

Travel behavior & trends in Thailand statistics

What is the trend of tourism in Thailand?

46. From January to August 2023, the most popular region in Thailand for domestic tourists was central Thailand, with 55 million domestic visitors during that period.

47. the southern region of thailand had the highest influx of international tourists in 2022., 48. in 2022, the southern region has the highest income from foreigners in all provinces at 143,595 million baht..

[Thailand Government]

49. Meanwhile, the northern region received a total income of 6,756 million baht from foreign tourists

Chiang Mai with the highest income at 4,246 million baht, followed by Chiang Rai at 1,585.4 million baht.

Chiang Rai has a lot of interesting things to do , and attracts many tourists every year.

Another beautiful destination in Northern Thailand is Pai, which although is not the most popular, is home to incredible spots and activities .

50. In June 2022, 74% of Thai respondents preferred personal cars as their means of traveling in Thailand, compared to 8% that chose public transportation.

51. the same june 2022 survey revealed that 76.4% of respondents who didn’t want to travel in thailand was due to the expensiveness of fuel. only 41.1% stated that they were still afraid of covid-19., 52. in 2022, airports in thailand recorded a total of 62.8 million passengers..

24 million were international passengers.

53. According to the Price of Travel Backpacker Index 2023, Chiang Mai, Thailand is the fifth cheapest destination for backpackers, with a $21.45 daily rate.

[Price of Travel]

Chiang Mai costs an average of $21.45 daily, making it a great destination for budget travel!

The daily rate inclues a dorm bed in a hostel, 3 budget meals, 2 public transport rides, 1 paid cultural attraction, and 3 cheap beers as an “entertainment fund”.

Bangkok sits on 14th place of cheapest backpacking destination with a $27.01 daily rate.

54. In 2023, 64% of all sales in travel and tourism in Thailand are made online.

Online booking and sales makes up 64% of all sales in travel and tourism in Thailand, and this is expected to reach 72% by 20207.

55. In 2023, 90.42% of all tourists in Thailand visit for leisure purposes.

Only 9.58% of all visitors in Thailand come for business purposes.

That wraps up the latest, most relevant statistics about Thai tourism…

Did we miss any important aspect about travel and tourism in Thailand?

Drop a comment down below!

Oh, if Thailand is next on your travel list, you might want to check out our island hopping guide !

In the meantime, here are some more insightful travel stats:

• Peru Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Sri Lanka Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Norway Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Ministry of Tourism and Sports
• World Population Review
• Price of Travel
• Thailand Government

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Thailand Tourist Arrivals

Tourist arrivals in thailand decreased to 2982721 in march from 3352302 in february of 2024. tourist arrivals in thailand averaged 1484545.55 from 1997 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 3930800.00 in december of 2019 and a record low of 0.00 in april of 2020. source: ministry of tourism & sports, thailand, tourist arrivals in thailand is expected to be 3350000.00 by the end of this quarter, according to trading economics global macro models and analysts expectations. in the long-term, the thailand tourist arrivals is projected to trend around 3300000.00 in 2025 and 3200000.00 in 2026, according to our econometric models.,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   housing,   taxes,   climate.

Thailand Tourism Stats for 2022

Home / Equip & Educate / Educate / Thailand Tourism Stats for 2022

Thailand is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and, like many global tourism hotspots, was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.  This comprehensive list of statistics about tourism in Thailand provides insight into this key driver of the Thai economy. How has the tourism industry in Thailand recovered as global travel restrictions have been curtailed? What are the key historical tourism stats in Thailand? On this page you’ll find all the key stats you need to know about tourism in Thailand. 

Here’s a breakdown of the statistics you’ll find here:

• Thailand Tourism Statistics (top stats)

How many tourists visit Thailand each year?

How many tourists visit thailand now how many are expected to visit in 2022, what nationality visits thailand the most.

• Which region of the world do most visitors to Thailand come from?
•   Which European nationalities visit Thailand the most?

How many US citizens visit Thailand?

• How much does the average tourist spend per capita in Thailand?
• Which foreign visitors spend the most per capita in Thailand? 
• Which foreign visitors spend the least per capita?
• How much time do people spend in Thailand (average trip length)
• What is the average occupancy rate of accommodation?
• How many jobs do travel and tourism contribute to the Thai economy?
• How much does Tourism contribute to the GDP of Thailand?

What is the busiest month for Tourism in Thailand?

Thailand tourism statistics (top stats).

• Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic Thailand received a record number of visitors, 39,916,250 in 2019 . In 2021 , that number fell to 427,869 .
• In 2019 , Thailand received 11,138,658 visitors from China . In the first 8 months of 2022, only 114,596 Chinese tourists visited Thailand.
• Thailand expects to receive a total of 10 million foreign tourists  in 2022 and has already received 4,378,920 for the period of January through August of 2022. 
• In 2022, citizens of the United Kingdom made up 19.8% of European visitors representing the largest cohort of visitors from Europe. 
• In 2019, 1.48 million Russian tourists visited Thailand which represented the largest portion of European visitors at 22.7% percent. In 2022 only 87,485 Russian visitors arrived in Thailand representing 8.5% of the total visitors from Europe. 
• The average per capita visitor spend per day is 5,172 Baht or $167 USD per day as of 2019.
• The average tourist visits Thailand for just over 9 days . 
• December is historically the busiest month for foreign tourism in Thailand. In December of 2019, Thailand received over 3.947 million visitors. 
• In 2020, the tourism industry contributed around 883 billion Thai baht to Thailand’s GDP or approximately 5.67% of GDP

In 2019 , prior to the Covid-19 pandemic 39.9 million foreign tourists visited Thailand. This was a record number of tourists for one year. 

Tourism numbers have increased through 2022 as travel restrictions have been curtailed with Thailand receiving a total 4,378,920 foreign visitors through the end of August, 2022 . This number already drastically exceeds the  427,869 foreign visitors that arrived through all of 2021 .  The Thai government expects 1.5 million arrivals each month in the last quarter of 2022 and 10 million visitors for the complete 2022 calendar year.

As of 2022 visitors from Malaysia, India and Singapore make up the top 3 nationalities visiting Thailand. Prior to the pandemic the top 3 positions were occupied by China, Malaysia, and India. The biggest change was China falling from a 27.9% share of visitors to Thailand in 2019 to 2.6% in 2022 as the number of visitors from China traveling to Thailand fell drastically from its’ pre-pandemic peak of 11,138,657. 

What region of the world do most visitors to Thailand come from?

In 2022 , the majority of international visitors to Thailand came from Eastern Asia, 2,110,234, followed by Europe , 1,030,003. The overall percentage of visitors from Eastern Asia fell significantly, with the decline in Chinese tourists.

Here is a detailed breakdown of visitors to Thailand by global region or origin:

Which European nationalities visit Thailand the most?

For the year-to-date 2022 , visitors from the United Kingdom represented the largest portion of European visitors to Thailand with 204,231. Historically, Russian visitors were the largest cohort of European travelers to Thailand, representing 23% of 2019 foreign European visitors.  

In 2022 (Jan- August), 187,205 US citizens visited Thailand . In 2019, 1,136,21 US citizens visited.

How much do tourists spend in Thailand per Capita?

In 2019 , the per capita spend per foreign visitor to Thailand was 5,172 Baht or $167 USD per day.  

Which foreign tourists spend the most per Capita in Thailand?

In 2019 , visitors from Kuwait spent the most spending a per capita amount of $224.16 USD per day.  

Which foreign tourists spend the least per capita in Thailand?

In 2019 , visitors from France spent the least per capita amount of $112.02 USD per day.

Here’s the complete breakdown of per capita spends by tourists visiting Thailand:

How long does the average traveler spend in Thailand?

The average visitor spends just over 9 days in Thailand. 

Which nationality spends the longest amount of time in Thailand?

Tourists from Sweden typically spend the longest amount of time in Thailand with an average stay in 2019 of 19 days.  

Which nationality spends the shortest amount of time in Thailand?

Tourists from Malaysia typically spend the shortest amount of time in Thailand with an average stay of just under 5 days. 

Here’s a complete breakdown of the average trip duration to Thailand:

What is the average occupancy rate of tourist accommodation in Thailand?

Tourist accommodation occupancy in Thailand has increased to 47% as of July 2022 up from a Covid era low of 2.2% set in April of 2020 , but well off the 2019 annual average of 71.3%. 

How many jobs do travel and tourism contribute to the economy in Thailand?

In 2021, the travel and tourism industry contributed an estimated 6.86 million jobs to the economy in Thailand. This was a sharp reduction from the 8.19 million jobs the sector contributed in 2019. 

How much does Tourism contribute to Thailand's GDP?

In 2020, the tourism industry contributed around 883 billion Thai baht which was 5.65% of the country’s GDP. This was a sharp drop from 2019 , when Tourism contributed 3,029 billion  Thai baht and 17.9% of GDP.

Historically, December is the busiest month for tourism in Thailand with the largest number of foreign tourists visiting. In December of 2019 , Thailand received over 3.947 million visitors . During the post-pandemic years 2020 and 2021,  just over 6.500 and 230,000 foreign tourists came to Thailand in December.    

Here’s a closer look at the pre and post pandemic foreign tourist numbers by month:

There you have it, a breakdown of the major travel and tourism statistics for Thailand. Thailand’s tourism industry appears to be rebounding from the nadir of the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it remains to be seen when numbers will meet or exceed the records recorded in 2019.

Data sources : Thailand Ministry of Tourism & Sports  ,  The World Bank ,  Bank of Thailand  

Planning a trip to Thailand? Don't forget this.

Emergency medical situations can and do happen.  Don’t forget your travel insurance! I went years without making a claim on travel insurance until a suffered a broken collarbone and racked up medical bills in excess of $15, 000. Fortunately, I had travel insurance!

World Nomads  is the best choice for traveling in Thailand with comprehensive coverage for medical, luggage & gear and trip cancellation.  Hopefully you never need to make a claim, but if you do you’ll be beyond happy you were prepared!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click one of the links and make a purchase we’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. Just like the travel backpacks we build, we’re very particular . So any products or services we suggest, we test and use ourselves before making any recommendations or endorsements. 

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Thai town maddened by marauding monkeys launches plan to lock them up and send them away

A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. A number of recent high-profile problems with monkey-human conflict convinced authorities in Lopburi, central Thailand that they had to reduce their numbers and on Friday they baited cages with the animals’ favourite food then waited for hunger to get the better of their natural caution. (AP video shot by Jerry Harmer).

Monkeys eat rambutan in a cage which was set to trap monkeys in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

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A Thai officer throws rambutan into a cage in an attempt to trap monkeys in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys sit around cages which were set up in an attempt to trap them in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys climb a building in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys climb a roof of a building in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys climb a billboard in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys sit on traffic lights in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A monkey eats rambutan in a cage set up in an attempt to trap monkeys in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys eat rambutan inside a cage set up in an attempt to trap monkeys in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A monkey eats rambutan on a sign in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thai officers carry a cage after trapping monkeys into a truck in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys are caged on a truck after bing trapped in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys climb on a cage fencing a spirit house in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A monkey tries to get inside a house through a fence in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A monkey climbs on a truck in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys are caged on a truck after being trapped in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Veterinarian shave hair of monkeys before anesthesia in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A veterinarian shaves hair of a monkey before anesthesia in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys sleep on a table after being anesthetized in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Veterinarians shave hair of monkeys before anesthesia in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Monkeys eat banana in a big temporary cage after being relocated in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A monkey climbs a big temporary cage after being relocated in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A monkey eats banana inside a big temporary cage after being relocated in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A customer on motorcycle makes an order at an auto-part shop in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A worker chases monkeys away from a customer at an auto-part shop in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A worker chases monkeys away from a customer in front of an auto-part shop in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, began the fight-back, Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

LOPBURI, Thailand (AP) — A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, launched an offensive against the simian raiders on Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit.

Several high-profile cases of monkey-human conflict recently convinced authorities in Lopburi in central Thailand that they had to reduce the animals’ numbers.

If all goes well, most will end up behind bars, before starting a new life elsewhere.

The first stage of the plan , instituted Friday, is to bait cages with the animals’ favorite food, then wait for hunger to get the better of their natural caution.

There was early success for the catchers on one street, with three of the macaques falling for the ruse and ending up trapped because they had fancied a taste of rambutan fruit. The cages had been placed on the street earlier in the week so the monkeys got used to them and found them less threatening.

There are thought to be around 2,500 monkeys running around the town. The capture of the unlucky trio and around 30 others -– trapped in other parts of the town -- slightly pared down that total.

The effort will go on for five days this month, then is likely to be repeated. Some of the monkeys will be left free to maintain Lopburi’s image as Thailand’s monkey town.

But no one is expecting it to be easy.

“With the monkey’s intelligence, if some of them go into the cage and are caught, the others outside won’t enter the cage to get the food because they’ve already learnt what’s happened to their friends,” said Patarapol Maneeorn from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The roaming monkeys have long been a symbol of the town, 140 kilometers (90 miles) north of Bangkok, and are a major tourist draw. They’ve become increasingly aggressive, however, with several videos of them snatching food from residents and causing injuries being widely shared online.

One auto parts shop now trades from behind wire. The owners erected it at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, but keeping out the light-fingered primates was also a prime concern. They say they’ve adapted to the monkey problem, but not everyone has.

“When there are a lot of monkeys around, customers are afraid of buying the goods at the shop. Only our regulars aren’t frightened,” said Supaporn Tantiwong.

The town’s mayor, Chamroen Salacheep, agrees that the monkeys, while bringing in visitors, have also become bad for trade, with shops and malls seeing a drop in income and even people’s homes damaged. Lopburi, he said, is almost an “abandoned town.”

“After our operation is over,” Chamroen said, “I will do a big cleaning across the town and paint all the buildings to regain the faith of the people.”

These may seem like grim times for monkeys in Lopburi, but there is a plan to give them a fresh start.

On Friday authorities began sedating them to carry out health checks before cleaning and sterilizing them and inking them with tattoos so they can be identified to keep accurate records.

After that they’ll transfer them to a series of huge holding pens, just outside the town center, while looking for a permanent home.