“Cuti? Jom Thailand.” That seems to be the go-to plan for most Malaysians these days and the stats prove it.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Malaysians have officially become the biggest group of foreign tourists visiting Thailand in 2024, beating even the Chinese.
Between January and May 2024, 1.6 million Malaysians crossed the border to the Land of Smiles.
That’s more than the 1.5 million Chinese tourists, who used to dominate the charts before the pandemic.
Why is everyone going?
- No visa needed — just pack and go
- Cheap, delicious food (hello tomyam, mango sticky rice and 99-baht meals)
- Affordable massages, shopping, and beach resorts
- And it’s super accessible — drive, fly, or take a bus, especially to Hatyai or Betong
Some say Thailand is now the unofficial weekend spot for Malaysians, with many choosing it over domestic destinations due to lower prices and better vibes.
Before COVID, China used to be Thailand’s biggest source of tourists. But things shifted. Economic uncertainty and slower recovery have caused Chinese travel numbers to dip.
While they’re still coming, Malaysians have taken the top spot this year, becoming a key contributor to Thailand’s tourism economy.
