Bangkok, August 5 (AseanAll) — Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek on August 4 quoted a report from the website “Travelness” stating that Bangkok, the capital of Thailand ranked as the most-visited city in the world, with 22.78 million international visitors.
Ms. Rachada said that Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan o-cha was pleased with the report, as Bangkok still retains its status as a top holiday destination in the world.
Travelness, an online travel blog, unveiling its recent reviews of the 20 most-visited cities in the world, found that Bangkok has the honor of being the world’s most-visited city, with approximately 22 million international visitors.
Travelness has this to say in Bangkok’s description: “Enjoy the usual city comforts of megamalls and modern spaces before turning towards its collection of golden temples and shrines. Follow your nose to Bangkok’s countless street markets stuffed with spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors, then hop on a boat to reach their floating markets.”
Phuket and Pattaya, two other cities in Thailand, are also on the chart at the 14th and 15th spots, respectively, with 9.89 and 9.44 million international visitors. Paris and London are also in the top three.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), tourism in Thailand was able to generate over 1.12 trillion baht (US$32 billion) from 1 January 2023 to 24 July 2023. In 2023, Thailand is on track to reach at least 25 million foreign visitors, generating 2.38 trillion baht (US$64.50 billion).
Thailand’s 2023-2027 strategic direction continues to elevate the tourism supply and sustainable standards, as well as leveraging Thailand’s “soft power” to promote and develop high-value and sustainable tourism.
Under this plan, tourism operators and local administrative organizations will be equipped with knowledge of tourism management in line with the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard and the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard.
Ms. Rachada also quoted an analysis conducted by the Pew Research Center of the United States that Thai food came third as the most popular Asian food in the United States, after Chinese and Japanese food.
The Pew Research Center said, “Around seven-in-ten of all Asian restaurants in the U.S. serve the food of just three Asian origin groups: Chinese, Japanese, and Thai. These groups together comprise 33% of the U.S. Asian population. Thai establishments make up 11% of all Asian restaurants – the third-most-common cuisine behind Chinese and Japanese food – while just 2% of Asian Americans are Thai. The Thai government has historically supported efforts to increase the number of Thai restaurants around the world as a form of diplomacy.”
Thailand has established a policy to promote different categories of its soft power, so that they would become more attractive among both local and international consumers. Thai food is one part of Thailand’s soft power among others that are being promoted by the Government. It is world-renowned for its flavor, nutrition, and refined presentation.
Thai dishes are usually rich in various natural herbs and spices, which offer specific health benefits. They also help develop Thailand as a world-class gastronomy tourism destination. Bangkok, in particular, has also been considered a gastronomic paradise by many visitors.
