Thai tourism struggles to find workers as visitor numbers swell

Labor shortage creates headwind in sector that once comprised 18% of GDP

Since Thailand fully reopened for tourism in July 2022, the country has welcomed more than 11 million foreign visitors. © Reuters

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

February 6, 2023 12:00 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's tourism industry is struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the sector now facing a labor shortage that could hinder a quick bounce back.

Since the government reopened the country in July 2022, Thailand has welcomed more than 11 million foreign tourists, well above the target of 10 million forecast by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).