Malaysians Spent RM4.6 Billion in Thailand Last Year

Source: Says

Last year, Malaysian tourists spent an estimated RM4.6 billion in Thailand. According to Malaysian consul-general in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, this estimate is based on the assumption that each of the 4.56 million Malaysian tourists who visited Thailand spent around RM1,000.

Overall, Thailand saw 28 million tourists from around the world, generating an impressive RM161.52 billion in spending. This year, the number is expected to increase, reflecting the rising trend of visitors to Thailand.

Hat Yai: A Popular Spot for Malaysians

Hat Yai remains a favorite destination for Malaysian tourists, especially during school holidays and weekends. Proximity, affordability, and the lure of Thai cuisine make this southern city particularly appealing to Malaysians.

Emphasizing Hospitality

The tourism industry in Thailand is known for its warm hospitality, which greatly enhances the visitor experience. Fahmi suggests that Malaysia could benefit by adopting a similar approach to welcome more foreign tourists.

“Thailand truly celebrates their guests, and perhaps we in Malaysia can adopt this attitude and welcome the presence of these guests,” Fahmi said.

Tourism Exchange Between Malaysia and Thailand

From the beginning of 2023 until October, around three million Malaysians visited Thailand. In contrast, only 700,000 Thais visited Malaysia during the same period, highlighting a significant difference in tourism exchange between the two countries.