Stronger Baht Impacts Tourist Spending Power in Pattaya
Exchange Rate: 33.20-34.00 THB per US Dollar
PATTAYA, Thailand – The strengthening Thai baht is affecting the spending power of tourists in Pattaya, making foreign exchange rates less favorable for visitors exchanging their currency.
As of February 21, the baht closed at 33.60 THB per US dollar, appreciating slightly from the previous day’s rate of 33.66 THB. While the baht continues to show strength, its upward momentum is moderating due to global factors, including fluctuations in gold prices and the weakening of the Japanese yen.
For international tourists, a stronger baht means receiving fewer Thai baht for their exchanged money, potentially reducing overall spending. As Pattaya remains a top destination for foreign visitors, this could impact their purchasing behavior, particularly for travelers from countries with weaker currencies.
Meanwhile, foreign investors have been offloading Thai assets, with net sales reaching 689.45 million THB in stocks and 3.3 billion THB in bonds. This contributed to some baht depreciation later in the day.
Looking ahead, the baht is expected to fluctuate between 33.20 and 34.00 THB per US dollar from February 24-28. Key factors influencing the currency’s performance include the upcoming Bank of Thailand meeting on February 26, January’s export data, and potential changes in U.S. trade policies.
For tourists, a stronger baht could mean slightly higher costs for accommodation, dining, and entertainment, making it necessary to adjust travel budgets accordingly to maintain their desired experience.
