SONGKHLA, Thailand – Thailand’s southern provinces welcomed approximately 20,000 Malaysian tourists during the National Day long weekend, contributing over 100 million baht to the local economy. Most visitors entered through the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Pengkalan Hulu checkpoints, heading to popular destinations such as Sadao and Betong districts.
The influx of tourists was noticeable in Songkhla province, where attractions such as Samila Beach, Songkhla Old Town, and the Khlong Hae Floating Market drew large crowds. In Betong, Narathiwat province, nearly 5,000 Malaysian visitors were recorded over the three-day period, with local hotels reporting an occupancy rate of nearly 95%.
Officials said the surge in tourism reflects a broader trend in Thailand, which received 17.5 million foreign tourists in the first half of the year, generating at least 825 billion baht in revenue. Malaysian tourists were the second-largest group, with 2.43 million visitors, following China and ahead of India. (NNT)
