Over 8 millions tipped to visit Thailand during this year's fourth quarter

More than 8 million tourists are expected to visit Thailand during this year's fourth quarter, beginning next month, said a leading tourism official on Tuesday.

Tourism Council of Thailand President Itthirit Kinglek said some 8.1 million travelers from abroad will visit varied tourist spots such as Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and the Thai capital from next month until the end of this year.

The projected number of tourists for this year's fourth quarter will account for a 9 percent increase from the corresponding period last year, Itthirit said.

He said an estimated 11.7 billion U.S. dollars in earnings for tourist industry are expected during this year's final quarter, which usually marks the Thai tourism's high season.

Remarkably, more than 30 million tourists from around the world are expected to visit Thailand throughout this year, according to the council head.

The projected number of the tourists throughout this year will mark a 22 percent rise from last year. Enditem