Malaysia recorded 21.1 million foreign arrivals so far in 2026, slightly ahead of Thailand's 20.9 million for January to August. Chinese arrivals grew 17% to Malaysia and 16% to Thailand in the first half. Thailand projects 34 million foreign visitors this year. For a Thai tourism-linked business, the signal is that regional competition for Chinese visitors is tightening. Minor International's chairman called for easing the 30-day visa-free policy for wellness tourists, but no change has been announced.