Prachuap Khiri Khan saw steady growth in its tourism sector in 2024, with visitor numbers and revenue both increasing compared to the previous year, according to provincial officials.
At a meeting on 26 February 2025, chaired by Governor Sittichai Sawatsan, the Joint Public-Private Committee for Economic Development and Problem-Solving in Prachuap Khiri Khan reviewed the province’s economic performance. The meeting, held at the provincial hall, included discussions on tourism trends, economic challenges, and upcoming events such as the Thailand Art Biennale Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Tourism performance in 2024
Prachuap Khiri Khan welcomed 11,381,178 visitors between January and December 2024. This included 10,630,651 domestic tourists and 750,497 international visitors, reflecting an overall increase of 1.47% compared to 2023. The number of international tourists rose significantly, increasing by 34.86%.
Total tourism revenue reached 45.7 billion baht, with domestic visitors contributing 43.5 billion baht and international tourists generating 8.26 billion baht. This marked a 13.14% increase in revenue, or an additional 6 billion baht, compared to the previous year.
Accommodation data showed 5,665,037 recorded stays, representing a slight increase of 0.38% from 2023. The average occupancy rate was 71.21%.
Top five international tourist nationalities
Officials identified the top five nationalities visiting Prachuap Khiri Khan in 2024 as:
- China
- Malaysia
- India
- South Korea
- Russia
The significant rise in international visitors contributed to the overall tourism growth, reinforcing the province’s appeal to a diverse range of travellers.
Economic overview
While tourism performed well, the province’s economy contracted by 1.6% in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. However, agricultural income increased by 4.4%, attributed to reduced market supply leading to higher prices and increased farmer revenue.
In border trade, the Singkhon Special Border Pass saw a 39.3% decline in total trade value in December 2024 compared to the previous year, amounting to 185.5 million baht. Key imports included tin ore, seafood, and salted fiddler crabs, while exports primarily consisted of fresh oranges, tractors, excavators, and plastic pellets.
The meeting highlighted both opportunities and challenges for the province, with officials emphasising the importance of tourism in supporting economic resilience. Continued efforts to attract international visitors, alongside planned events and economic initiatives, are expected to play a key role in the province’s development in 2025.