Travel historian Imtiaz Muqbil addresses tourismin Thailand from economic, historical and social viewpoints. He says tourism is so key to Thailand’s post-Covid recovery that the government’s recent relaxation ofimmigration restrictions was necessary for both theeconomy and social stability. He worries that countries will compete with each other for tourist revenue in a race to the bottom that risks overtourism in certain areas. But he says the industry itself can solve these problems byusing better marketing and promotion strategies. He says that the loosening of borders brings an inevitable rise in criminal activity that can only be mitigated, not prevented. And finally, he says that since the end of the second world war, travel and tourism has had a higher purpose – to promote cultural understanding andpeace in the world.