Malaysia, Thailand in close competition as favourite stops for tourists

In 2026, Malaysia and Thailand are in a close competition to become the favorite destinations for foreign tourists in Southeast Asia. According to Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), the country welcomed 21.1 million foreign arrivals so far this year, slightly ahead of Thailand's 20.9 million arrivals from January to August.

Malaysia recorded 42 million foreign arrivals last year, compared to Thailand's 33 million. The positive trend in visitor numbers since 2022, following the resumption of air travel after the Covid-19 pandemic, is attributed to Malaysia's successful campaign to position the country as a multicultural nation. Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy highlighted the success in attracting more foreign visitors, encouraging longer stays, and increasing spending.

Thailand, on the other hand, projects to welcome 34 million foreign visitors this year. Meanwhile, Thailand and Malaysia are also in a neck-and-neck race for travellers from China, with Malaysia welcoming 2.56 million Chinese visitors in the first half of 2026, a 17% increase, and Thailand receiving 3.54 million Chinese tourists, up 16%.

The founder and chairman of Bangkok-based Minor International, Bill Heinecke, suggested that Malaysia could become another major tourist destination in Southeast Asia as it continues to attract more visitors. He called for easing the 30-day visa-free policy for tourists planning to visit Thailand for the health and wellness tourism sector, as these tourists would promote the hospitality sector for the country.