Thailand is focusing on its Southeast Asian neighbors, particularly Malaysia, as a key source market for tourism. Despite Malaysia falling to the number two position in 2024 from being Thailand’s top source market in 2023, the country is still seeing a strong influx of tourists from Malaysia. There are plans to develop a route with Malaysia to attract more visitors and provide products and services tailored to Malaysian travelers. Thailand received over 4 million visitors from Malaysia between January and October 2024, with plans to welcome a million more in the next two months, aiming for over 5 million Malaysian tourists this year. In 2024, Thailand hopes to generate tourism revenue worth $103 billion while welcoming 36.7 million international tourists.
To enhance connectivity and promote tourism between Thailand and Malaysia, new campaigns and travel routes have been launched. A Self-Drive Tourism Fun Map for cross-border tourists aims to make self-driving easier for travelers to explore both countries at their own pace. Thailand and Malaysia have also officially launched a cross-border, self-drive tourism caravan, as well as expanded train connectivity between the two countries. The goal is to strengthen economic ties through improved air, land, water, and rail connections, and make regional travel more accessible for tourists.
The expansion of train connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia has been a significant development in their tourism relationship. The rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai in Songkhla, as well as the KTM Electric Train Service from KL Sentral to Padang Besar, allows travelers to continue on to different parts of Thailand. Thailand’s “My Sawasdee” charter train also offers travelers a festive option during holidays. By improving rail and other transport connectivity, both countries aim to encourage Malaysian tourists to explore more regions of Thailand beyond just the southern provinces.
Thailand and Malaysia are organizing festivals and events to promote cross-border tourism and cultural exchange. The “Thailand’s Grand Invitation” campaign and the Loi Krathong Festival aim to attract Malaysian tourists seeking unique cultural experiences in Thailand’s southern provinces. By working with Tourism Malaysia and under various cooperation frameworks such as ASEAN and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle, Thailand hopes to strengthen its partnership with Malaysia and advance tourism in the region. These efforts aim to boost tourism revenue and attract more international tourists to explore both countries.
Overall, Thailand is focusing on its Southeast Asian neighbors, particularly Malaysia, as a key source market for tourism. The country is seeing a strong influx of visitors from Malaysia, with plans to develop routes and provide products and services tailored to Malaysian travelers. By launching new initiatives such as the Self-Drive Tourism Fun Map and expanding train connectivity, Thailand aims to strengthen economic ties and make regional travel more accessible. With the promotion of festivals and events, Thailand and Malaysia are working together to attract tourists looking for unique cultural experiences and strengthen their partnership in the tourism sector. Through collaboration and strategic planning, both countries are aiming to boost tourism revenue and welcome more international visitors in the coming years.
