PHUKET: Once again Russia became the first non-Asia tourist market to record 1mn visits to Thailand. Australia, the US and European countries are yet to make it.
According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS), some 106,693 Russian nationals visited Thailand in October doubling the numbers for the months from May through September and showing 5.41% growth against October last year. This growth falls in line with the standard pattern, according to which Russia normally provides Thailand with around 100,000 tourists in April and October and twice as much through December to March.
Overall Russian arrivals for the 10 months of the year totaled 1.08 million representing 2.19% decline against the same period last year. Yet, Russia still keeps its status of the most important tourism market among non-Asian countries. Additionally significant upticks in recent months show that they may end up ahead year over fiscal year.