Thailand climbs 10 places in the world tourism rankings — culture did the lifting

Thailand has jumped 10 places to 38th among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, placing it among the index's 10 most improved economies. Its overall score rose 5.6% since 2024, and the standout was culture: Thailand's Cultural Resources score rose 42%, the biggest improvement of any economy in that pillar. Former tourism chief Yuthasak Supasorn pointed to the assets travellers already love — culture, nature, visa-free entry and fair prices. South-East Asia as a region posted the largest global gains in cultural resources and digital readiness, a reminder that the welcome a country offers is becoming as measurable as its beaches.

SDG 8 · Decent work and economic growth