Thailand expects to receive 5 million tourists in 2021

Due to the pandemic, Thailand will receive five million foreign tourists in 2021, half of the original forecast of ten million, Report informs, referring to the Bangkok Post.

"If we can attract 5 million tourists this year under the current circumstances, that would be a success," said Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister.

To reach 10 million arrivals, a significant number of conditions would have to be met in both Thailand and origin countries for tourists, he noted.

Government sentiment and local sentiment between Thailand and countries such as China, India, or Malaysia, for example, would need to be strong enough for tourists to feel comfortable visiting. Visitors from these three countries accounted for 40 percent of the 39.8 million foreign arrivals to Thailand in 2019.

Once this scheme was ready, tourists worldwide holding a certificate of COVID inoculation could enter the country, said Phiphat.