BANGKOK, Thailand – Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), has reported that tourism in 2024 is showing signs of growth, marking a positive outlook for the year, January 5. He highlighted that tourism and exports remain key drivers of economic recovery, with GDP growth expected to surpass 3%. The full economic report will be released in mid-February, while external risk factors remain a concern.
Danucha noted that during the New Year period, on December 29, 2024, approximately 35-36 million tourists visited Thailand, close to the government’s annual target. While detailed data on per-trip revenue is still under evaluation, initial figures suggest a slight increase compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead, tourism is expected to maintain positive momentum throughout 2024 due to year-round government initiatives to stimulate the sector. Enhanced travel facilitation measures, streamlined document checks, and improved entry procedures have contributed to this growth. The aim is to surpass last year’s tourism figures and reach numbers close to pre-COVID levels, when 40 million tourists visited Thailand in 2019.
The Secretary-General emphasized that tourism has been a primary economic driver over the past two to three years. However, exports and government investments are also expected to play a significant role in boosting the economy this year.
When asked about the feasibility of achieving the government’s GDP growth target of over 3%, Danucha stated that while the target aligns with the country’s potential, significant external risks remain. These include global economic factors and international trade measures, which could impact Thailand. He stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to navigate these challenges.
Regarding the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget, Danucha confirmed that preparations are proceeding smoothly. The budget framework has been finalized and will be presented to the Cabinet on January 7.
Meanwhile, Danucha declined to comment on issues surrounding the registration process for the third phase of digital payment disbursements, suggesting that inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Finance. He confirmed, however, that discussions on the matter have taken place.
The NESDC’s economic performance update, scheduled for mid-February, will provide further insights into Thailand’s recovery trajectory and potential risk factors. (TNA)
