Thai Chamber of Commerce Warns of Declining Tourism Competitiveness
The Thai Chamber of Commerce reports concerns over Thailand's tourism competitiveness, projecting 31.5 million foreign visitors in 2026 as regional rivals gain ground.
According to Khaosod Online, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has identified tourism as a vital economic engine for 2026 and 2027, yet warns that the sector faces significant competitive challenges. Thanavath Phonvichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, noted that while the national economy is expected to grow by 2.2% to 2.5% in 2026—bolstered by investments in AI, data centers, and electronics—the tourism sector is underperforming relative to initial targets.
The TCC projects that foreign tourist arrivals will reach 31.5 million in 2026, with a recovery to 34 million anticipated in 2027. However, 59.1% of surveyed operators believe Thailand is losing market share to regional competitors, specifically Vietnam, Japan, China, and South Korea. Concerns cited by industry stakeholders include flight availability, rising costs, safety perceptions, and overall value for money. The TCC has urged both the government and private sector to address these structural issues to maintain Thailand's appeal. For travelers and residents, this suggests potential upcoming policy shifts aimed at improving tourism infrastructure and cost-competitiveness. It remains to be confirmed how the government will respond to these specific recommendations and whether new measures will be implemented to boost visitor numbers in the coming year.
