Dhaka: Thailand recorded a 7.08pc decline in foreign tourist arrivals from January 1 to September 14 compared with the same period last year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

About 23 million international visitors traveled to the country during this period.

Malaysia remained the largest source market with 3.28 million visitors, closely followed by China with 3.23 million. In August, the ministry lowered its full-year forecast for foreign arrivals to 33 million from the earlier estimate of 37 million.

Thailand had welcomed a record 40 million visitors in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tourism experts say Thailand is losing ground to regional competitors, with Vietnam overtaking it as the top destination for Chinese adventure travellers.

Rising costs for hotels, food, and taxi services have also affected Thailand’s reputation for affordability, according to social media feedback from mainland visitors.

-B