Malaysian tourists are estimated to have spent up to RM4.6 billion in Thailand last year, assuming each person spent RM1,000.

According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, 4.56 million of the 28 million international tourists entering Thailand were from Malaysia.

Overall, tourists spent RM161.52 billion in Thailand during this period.

Speaking to the paper, Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, mentioned that the number of tourists visiting Thailand is expected to rise this year.

"We anticipate an increase in tourist numbers based on current trends in arrivals to Thailand," he said.

In November, it was reported that three million Malaysian tourists visited Thailand, particularly Hatyai, from the beginning of the year until October.

During the same period, about 700,000 Thai tourists visited Malaysia.

Popular vacation spots in Thailand, such as Hatyai, are frequently crowded with Malaysian tourists, especially during school holidays and weekends.

Surveys conducted by the paper previously found that tourist locations, eateries, and hotels were packed with Malaysian visitors, and tourist buses filled the roads.

Fahmi cited several factors driving tourist arrivals to Thailand, including relatively low costs compared to other countries.

"The variety of tourist attractions in Thailand acts as a magnet for visitors. Additionally, the delicious food that appeals to Malaysians and the country's proximity are significant draws," he said.

Fahmi also noted that Thailand’s tourism industry places a strong emphasis on hospitality towards every tourist.

He suggested that Malaysia could adopt this welcoming attitude to attract more foreign visitors.

"Thailand truly celebrates their guests. We in Malaysia could learn from this approach and warmly welcome our guests," he said.

He added that friendly hospitality, combined with attractive tourist locations, could help Malaysia draw more foreign visitors.

"Alongside appealing tourist spots, the friendly hospitality from the Malaysian community and tourism industry players can attract more visitors to our country," he said.