The number of people from the Middle East visiting Thailand increased 9% despite three negative factors causing a decline since late 2008.  The ongoing economic slowdown, political problems, and outbreak of H1N1 swine flu virus have caused arrivals to Thailand to slow since that time.

Thailand’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications briefed the press about the trend in tourist arrivals at the five day Thailand Travel Mart which ended in Bangkok on Sunday.  Juthaporn Rerngronasa said Thailand tourist arrivals plunged 3.2 million or 19 percent compared to the same period last year. However, the number of visitors from the Middle East increased nearly 9%, ASEAN was up 13%, and Oceana increased about 4.5%