The Government is focusing on stimulating Thailand’s tourism with four major policies to be implemented throughout 2024 in order to revive the economy and distribute income to various areas across the country.

Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that the four policies include (1) event marketing by organizing activities and festivals nationwide throughout the year and promoting Thailand as a “World Festival Hub,” (2) promoting 55 secondary tourism destinations, with an emphasis on local identities, cultural assets, tourism activities, and community products, (3) inviting local and international celebrities and influencers to join Thailand’s tourism campaigns to create confidence in the country and to publicize tourist information, and (4) encouraging spending by both local and foreign tourists, together with providing visa exemptions for international tourists, as well as upgrading tourism products and services in various provinces on a full-cycle basis. 

The Government Spokesperson said that the policies are expected to attract 34 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, with a growth rate of 26.12 percent, generating about two trillion baht for the country. As for domestic tourism, it is expected to generate another one trillion baht. Altogether, Thailand’s tourism income in 2024 is forecast to reach three trillion baht.

He also said that the Prime Minister was pleased with a report on the Lonely Planet website that Ao Maya, or Maya Bay, in Krabi province was ranked third among 20 of the best beaches in the world. The publication sent its writers everywhere in search of sublime, surf-pounded shorelines, and remote pockets of hard-to-reach paradise for Lonely Planet's new book Best Beaches in the World. 

According to the report, Ao Maya is a slip of a beach hidden by limestone cliffs. Yet it caught the eye of film director Danny Boyle, who used its ombré turquoise waters and fine white sand as the setting for The Beach, the 2000 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie's popularity attracted around 6,000 tourists daily to Ao Maya.

Maya Bay is located in Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, in the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with superb, unforgettable scenery.