Weaker baht, stronger spending? As the Thai currency slips past 33 to the dollar, foreign tourists may get more bang for their buck—just as the fragile tourism sector needs a boost. But how long will it last amid global uncertainty? PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai baht opened at 33.02 THB to the dollar on May 9, weakening from 32.83 THB the previous day. The currency has been on a continuous decline, surpassing the key 33.00 mark, and is expected to remain within the 32.95–33.30 range over the next 24 hours. This weakening trend is largely attributed to a rebounding U.S. dollar, buoyed by improved investor sentiment and hopes for easing trade tensions between the United States and its global trading partners. For foreign tourists, this shift presents a timely opportunity. A weaker baht means more favorable exchange rates, particularly attractive during Thailand’s low tourism season when visitor numbers typically dip. With the cost of travel, accommodation, and local goods becoming more affordable, Thailand may see a slight bump in spending from long-term visitors and holidaymakers alike. However, the benefits may be short-lived. The baht’s depreciation is being driven not by domestic tourism strategies but by volatile global forces—chief among them the strength of the U.S. dollar, the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates, and the uncertain trajectory of global trade, particularly between the U.S. and China. These dynamics have created what some analysts are calling a “ping-pong baht,” with the currency bouncing in unpredictable directions in response to shifting geopolitical and financial news. Thailand’s tourism sector, still in a fragile state after years of pandemic-related disruptions, is particularly vulnerable to these currency swings. Although a weaker baht could temporarily support spending by tourists, the unpredictability of exchange rates complicates travel planning and may deter some international visitors. Moreover, while some foreign investors may seek short-term gains in Thai equities, overall fund flows are unlikely to provide sustained support for the baht. Gold prices, which often move inversely to the U.S. dollar, also play a key role. If gold rebounds and attracts more investment, the baht could face renewed pressure, further limiting its ability to stabilize. In short, while the current currency dip may make Thailand more appealing to budget-conscious tourists in the immediate term, the long-term outlook for both the baht and the tourism industry remains clouded by external risks and ongoing global economic volatility.