Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the “Smile@South Malaysia–Thailand Caravan” to restore travel confidence among Malaysian visitors and stimulate tourism in Hat Yai during the New Year period.
The caravan was officially sent off in Hat Yai on December 24, with TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaiboon joining board members, executives, local business leaders, partner associations, and media representatives to dispatch a convoy of 30 cars and 22 big bikes from Malaysia, carrying more than 100 participants, from the Buri Sriphu Hotel in Songkhla province.
The group is scheduled to tour major attractions across Songkhla before continuing to Satun, promoting cross-border travel and reinforcing Hat Yai’s standing as a primary destination for Malaysian tourists. From Jan. 1 to Dec. 21, a total of 4,378,522 Malaysian travellers visited Thailand, making Malaysia Thailand’s largest inbound tourism market in 2025.
Tourism officials expect the caravan to support the recovery of Hat Yai and the surrounding provinces affected by recent flooding, strengthening confidence ahead of the New Year 2026 holiday season and supporting projections that Malaysian arrivals will exceed 4.5 million by the end of this year./.
Thailand, Cambodia reach preliminary agreements
The initial talks focused on setting the agenda for a full-delegation meeting scheduled for 9:00 am on December 25.