PROSPECTS
The future direction of inbound tourism in Thailand is projected to experience positive growth even though the political chaos reduced demand during 2013-2014. Integration of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 should be a key stimulus to international tourists to move across the ASEAN border more often. ASEAN tourists themselves will expect to freely move among ASEAN countries as well as low cost carriers which will expect to further reduce prices in order to attract more frequent flying. However, one key obstacle to growth of arrivals in 2014 and a few years ahead is the lack of a solution to the Thai political situation. Assuming that the political factor is certain and stable, then Thai tourism should see great prospects and record a new high in number of arrivals over the forecast period.