Japan's Immigration Processing May Not Affect Thai Tourists Much

Strategic Insights -

Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) vice-president Chotechuang Soorangura stated that stricter immigration processing in Japan should have a minimal impact on Thai travel sentiment. This is due to several factors, including Japanese authorities cracking down on foreign guides who have overstayed their visas and the close monitoring of arrivals from Thailand, where cannabis has been decriminalized. The number of Thai tourists visiting Japan may not match the 1.3 million recorded in 2019, according to Mr Chotechuang, as several factors are contributing to sluggish outbound travel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stricter immigration processing in Japan is unlikely to significantly affect Thai tourists due to factors such as Japanese authorities cracking down on foreign guides who have overstayed their visas.
  • Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) vice-president Chotechuang Soorangura estimated that the number of Thai tourists visiting Japan in 2025 will likely be lower than last year's total.
  • Outbound travel from Thailand has been hindered by sluggish economic growth, with many people choosing to save money instead of traveling abroad and companies cutting back on business trips.
  • China may overtake Japan as the top outbound destination for Thai tourists, with an estimated 1 million Chinese visa-free entries for Thai tourists.
  • Japan's relatively low wages and a weakened yen have resulted in a lower number of foreign workers in the country, largely not returning to pre-pandemic levels.
  • According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, Japan welcomed 1.1 million Thai travellers last year.
  • Government stimulus measures, such as the 10,000-baht digital wallet giveaway, have yet to show positive momentum for Thailand's outbound travel sector.

Statistics:

  • Japan welcomed 1.1 million Thai travellers last year.
  • The number of Thai tourists visiting Japan is expected to fall short of last year's total in 2025.
  • An estimated 1 million Thai tourists will visit China, exceeding the number of tourists visiting Japan.
  • The number of foreign workers in Japan has not returned to pre-pandemic levels due to relatively low wages and a weakened yen.
  • Thailand's outbound travel sector has been hindered by sluggish economic growth, causing many people to save money instead of traveling abroad.

Sources:

  • Japan National Tourism Organisation
  • Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA)
  • Chotechuang Soorangura, vice-president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA)