PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite persistent concerns from local business operators and long-term foreign residents about rising costs, stricter visa conditions, and the strength of the Thai baht, the hard data suggests that Thai tourism is still climbing—not crashing.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand welcomed over 14.45 million international tourists from January 1 to June 1, generating an estimated 676 billion baht in revenue. That’s a strong rebound, especially when compared to previous post-pandemic years.
During the most recent reporting week (May 26 – June 1), 575,136 foreign tourists entered the kingdom—up 24.11% from the previous week, averaging 82,162 visitors per day.
Short-Haul Tourists Lead the Charge
Thailand continues to see sharp increases from neighboring countries. The short-haul market jumped by 29.28%, with Malaysians leading the pack—88.25% more Malaysians visited Thailand this week compared to the last. Other key contributors included tourists from South Korea, China, and Singapore.
Long-Haul Recovery Gains Steam
The long-haul market saw a 9.60% increase, thanks to growing arrivals from the Middle East and Australia. These figures may signal improving global confidence in Thailand as a travel destination, especially in light of recent political stability and infrastructure development.
Top 5 Source Markets (YTD):
China – 1,967,399
Malaysia – 1,926,984
India – 985,197
Russia – 964,167
South Korea – 677,448
What’s Driving the Numbers Up?
Officials cite multiple tailwinds:
-Regional public holidays (particularly in Islamic countries)
-Thailand’s declaration of “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025”
-Ease of travel policies, including the waiver of the TM.6 immigration card
-Strong airline partnerships and more frequent flights
-Ongoing sports and tourism promotion campaigns
While the Indian market dipped slightly week-on-week (down 9.71%), other key segments are holding strong or growing. This resilience suggests that concerns about a tourism downturn may be overblown—at least for now.
The reality is nuanced. While sentiment among long-stay visitors may be shifting due to inflation and lifestyle costs, mass tourism is surging. The industry may be evolving, but Thailand hasn’t passed its tourism peak—it may not have even reached it yet.
