Published on
September 10, 2025
Thailand’s tourism sector is having an impressive revival as the nation surpasses 22 million international visitors in 2025, bringing more than 1 trillion baht into the economy. Thailand has experienced significant growth in the number of tourists since the pandemic’s end, and is currently approaching its goal of 1 trillion baht in revenue by the end of the year. This success is a big leap towards the revival of the sector and indicates the continued appeal of Thailand as an international tourist destination.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Revenue Growth
From January 1 to September 7, 2025, Thailand welcomed a total of 22,387,817 foreign tourists. This influx of visitors has resulted in a revenue generation of over 1.037 trillion baht for the tourism sector. The top nationalities driving this growth include:
- China: 3,163,562 visitors
- Malaysia: 3,135,600 visitors
- India: 1,612,386 visitors
- Russia: 1,211,616 visitors
- South Korea: 1,059,615 visitors
These countries have remained Thailand’s primary source markets for tourism, contributing significantly to the overall increase in tourism revenue. The rise in international visitors is a clear indication of Thailand’s appeal as a global tourism leader and its effective measures to revive the sector post-pandemic.
Notable Rise in Tourist Numbers from Singapore and India
The period from September 1 to 7, 2025 saw a 0.44% increase in the number of foreign arrivals, with 508,341 visitors recorded during this week alone. This brought the daily average of arrivals to 72,620 visitors per day.
A significant increase in tourist numbers came from Singapore, which experienced a 47.27% rise in arrivals. This surge is mainly attributed to school holidays in Singapore, with many families traveling to Thailand during this period. Similarly, India saw a 29.89% rise in visits, driven by the country’s long national holidays, further contributing to the overall tourism growth.
Challenges: Decline in Arrivals from Certain Countries
Despite the overall increase in foreign arrivals, there were slight declines in visitor numbers from some countries. Malaysia, one of Thailand’s key tourism markets, saw a 14.87% decrease, while South Korea experienced a 6.04% drop and China recorded a 4.66% decline. These decreases, while modest, highlight the fluctuations in global travel patterns that still impact tourism numbers.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports attributes some of these declines to external factors, such as economic conditions and shifting travel habits. However, officials remain confident that Thailand’s tourism will continue to grow with the upcoming national and regional events.
Future Expectations and Key Factors Driving Growth
Tourism officials expect the increase in arrivals to continue through the week of September 8-14, 2025, driven by several key factors. These include extended holidays in Malaysia and various promotional activities under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” initiative. This campaign focuses on attracting more international visitors by promoting tourism destinations and events across the country.
Additionally, the government’s “Ease of Travelling” measures, which include waiving the TM.6 immigration form and encouraging airlines to increase flight frequencies, are playing a pivotal role in facilitating smooth travel experiences for tourists and enhancing Thailand’s attractiveness as a travel destination.
Promoting Thailand’s Tourism with Strategic Campaigns
Thailand has focused on promoting itself as a well-rounded destination that offers more than just beaches and shopping. The “Amazing Thailand” initiative highlights a range of experiences, from cultural exploration and culinary tourism to sports tourism and eco-tourism. By diversifying its tourism offerings, Thailand ensures that visitors from various markets can find something that suits their preferences.
Moreover, the government has also been investing in improving infrastructure, such as modernizing airports and expanding transport networks, to accommodate the increasing number of international tourists and facilitate easy access to tourism destinations throughout the country.
The Role of MICE Tourism in Thailand’s Recovery
MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) continues to be a critical growth segment for Thailand. The convenient infrastructure, high-quality venues, and business-friendly environment make Thailand a prime destination for international conferences and corporate events. As global business events begin to resume, Thailand stands to benefit from the synergy between leisure and business tourism.
The MICE sector’s growth is also helping to drive high-value tourism, encouraging both local and international business travelers to extend their trips and enjoy Thailand’s tourism offerings beyond just business activities.
The Path Forward: A Bright Future for Thai Tourism
With global tourism recovery underway, Thailand is on track to meet its revenue targets and further establish itself as one of the world’s top travel destinations. As the tourism sector continues to expand, it will be essential for the country to maintain its competitive edge by focusing on sustainable travel, enhancing visitor experiences, and continuing to invest in infrastructure.
The combination of promotional campaigns, government policies, and strategic partnerships will ensure that Thailand remains a top choice for tourists from around the world. Whether visitors are drawn to the country for its cultural heritage, luxury resorts, or adventure tourism, Thailand’s diverse offerings will continue to attract millions of visitors, making it a global tourism leader in the years to come.
Thailand’s Tourism on Track for a Strong 2025
The tourism industry of Thailand is expected to exceed its 1 trillion baht target turnover, fueled by the growth in foreign visits and domestic tourism. With the government’s concerted efforts, such as the “Amazing Thailand” campaign and the Ease of Travelling initiatives, the nation stands to benefit from its expanding tourism industry. Through ongoing diversification of products and tourism infrastructure investments, Thailand will continue to be a leading international destination for culture, relaxation, adventure, and business tourism.
