Thailand is no longer seen as an "edgy" destination. The United States has officially elevated the Kingdom to Travel Advisory Level 1 - the highest safety ranking - placing it among the world’s safest countries, alongside Japan, Australia, Canada, and Singapore.

Thai officials welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm. Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong expressed appreciation to the U.S. government, noting that this recognition would greatly enhance the confidence of international travelers, particularly American tourists, who are often considered high-spending and quality visitors.

Thailand’s tourism industry has been steadily recovering since the country reopened following the global pandemic. While tourist arrivals have not yet reached the pre-pandemic peak of 39 million in 2019, there is optimism that numbers will continue to rise.

The Thai Government aims to match or exceed that benchmark this year. However, the pace of global travel remains influenced by economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions in certain regions.

The U.S. Department of State clarified that the Level 1 advisory does not extend to Thailand’s four southernmost provinces — Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla — where occasional security-related incidents have occurred over the years. These areas remain under a more cautious advisory.

Nevertheless, these provinces are not typical destinations for most international visitors. The remaining 73 provinces, including major tourist hubs such as Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, are all covered under the Level 1 designation. This places them on par with globally recognized safe destinations such as Sydney, Toronto, and Tokyo.

This improved safety ranking is expected to positively impact the Kingdom’s economy. In addition to benefiting core tourism businesses such as hotels and travel operators, related sectors including retail and hospitality may also see increased revenue as more visitors feel assured about traveling to Thailand.

Photo: PR Thai Government