Thailand Accommodates 18.3 Million Visitors, Amassing Over THB850 Billion earnings
Thailand's inbound tourism in 2025 has seen a slight decline compared to the previous year, with over 18.3 million international tourist arrivals recorded in the first seven months of the year. This represents a 5.9% decrease from the same period in 2024, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on 22 July.
Despite the decline, the tourism sector has managed to generate more than THB 850 billion in revenue during this period. The top source markets for inbound tourism in Thailand this year are led by China, Malaysia, and South Korea, followed by Japan and Singapore.
Notably, there has been a surge in arrivals from Japan, especially during the summer of 2025, when Japanese tourists surged by over 70%, boosting Japan to the fifth largest source market weekly.
Several factors are contributing to the current trend. The ongoing "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025" campaign, aimed at promoting tourism, is one such factor. Government measures such as the exemption of TM6 immigration forms and efforts to increase flight frequencies are also aimed at easing travel access.
Seasonal trends, such as summer holidays in Europe and East Asia, particularly China and Japan, are expected to further increase arrivals. The rise of new tourism segments, including digital nomads, retirees, and long-stay travelers, is another positive trend.
However, Thailand's inbound tourism is facing challenges related to slower-than-expected recovery from China, which remains a crucial source market but is rebounding cautiously. The sector has experienced a 4-6% decline in tourist arrivals in early 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting global economic shifts and regional competition.
Despite these challenges, the government and industry expect arrivals to rise during the peak travel season later in 2025, with a target of 37 million foreign arrivals by year-end if current initiatives and travel conditions persist. The trajectory is cautiously optimistic, relying on continued marketing efforts, eased travel regulations, and growing connectivity.
In summary, Thailand's inbound tourism in 2025 is experiencing moderate declines overall but is supported by strong regional markets (China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore) and government initiatives that aim to boost arrivals and revenue through diversified offerings and improved travel facilitation.
- The ongoing international campaign, "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025", is aimed at promoting tourism and boosting arrivals, targeting new segments like digital nomads, retirees, and long-stay travelers.
- Despite the moderate decline in overall inbound tourism, Japan has seen a significant surge, especially during the summer of 2025, with Japanese tourists increasing by over 70%.
- The tourism sector anticipates an increase in arrivals during the peak travel season, with a target of 37 million foreign arrivals by year-end, relying on continued marketing efforts, eased travel regulations, and growing connectivity.
