Central bank reduces outlook for arrivals

The Bank of Thailand has slashed its forecast for Chinese tourist arrivals this year by 2 million, reducing its projection for total foreign arrivals in 2025.

- SOMRUEDI BANCHONGDUANG

Speaking during the regulator's Monetary Policy Forum last week, Pranee Sutthasri, senior director of the macroeconomic department at the central bank, said the bank cut its projection for foreign arrivals this year from 39.5 million to 37.5 million, with the reduction attributed to 2 million fewer Chinese tourists, down from 7 million to 5 million.

In 2024, Chinese tourist arrivals tallied 6.7 million.

Given the likely impact of US tariff policies, the central bank assessed the country’s economic outlook under two scenarios: one assuming lower tariffs and the other higher tariffs.

Under the high-tariff scenario, foreign arrivals are projected to reach 37 million this year.