Tourism Thailand’s Tourism Record: 2025 Sees Surging Traveller Numbers

[snoop1130]

Photo of Koh Tao courtesy of Travel Gay

 

Thailand is setting tourism records again in 2025, with Chinese, Malaysian, and South Korean tourists leading the charge. New data from Agoda reveals that Thailand remains a top draw for visitors in the region, with Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket as the most popular stops.

 

However, a rising star in the tourism scene is Hat Yai. Known for its affordability, Hat Yai has become a favourite for budget-conscious travellers, ranking among Asia's top three cheapest destinations for two years running. The city is especially appealing to Malaysian and Singaporean visitors due to its vibrant cultural offerings and easy coastal access.

 

Chinese tourists continue to dominate in numbers, while South Korean visitors’ longer stays are notable, trailed by tourists from Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Agoda highlights distinct preferences:

 

• Koh Tao is a diving haven for travellers from China, Japan, and Singapore.
• Koh Pha Ngan attracts Malaysians with its blend of tranquil beauty and lively nightlife.
• Pathum Thani is becoming a hot spot for South Koreans looking for an authentic Thai experience outside the hustle of Bangkok.

 

In the first half of 2025 alone, Thailand has welcomed approximately 16 million international visitors, generating an impressive 743.58 billion baht (around 16 billion USD) in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Government initiatives like the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, alongside improved flight connections, are fuelling this continued growth.

 

Meanwhile, Thai travellers are exploring international destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul, in search of new experiences.

 

Akaporn Rodkong, Agoda’s Country Head for Thailand, stated, “We are honoured to be the platform that travellers across Asia trust. We are proud to support tourism in Thailand by offering a variety of accommodation options, making travel easier and more enjoyable for all.”

 

As Thailand enjoys this tourism surge, it remains a vibrant and welcoming destination, enticing travellers with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and an ever-growing list of attractions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

 

 

[ozz1]

I don't understand one minute tourism is down now there is a surge i think they are extremely optimistic who writes this stuff just ask the locals in the tourists areas and they will tell you the truth 

[DonniePeverley]

It's the same every low season. You have agencies, authorities all coming out spelling the end, wild claims that tourism is over and struggles. Government panics and gives agencies mad money. 

 

High season comes and it's back to normal. 

 

TRUTH is they on course to smash nearly 40 million tourists - ALBEIT CHEAP TRASHY TOURISTS. Not quality tourism. 

 

World economic authorities have constantly warned Thailand it must diversify it's economy and not be reliant so much on tourism. It never listens, as it seeks short term gains due to political unrest. 

 

Thailand is obsessed with 'numbers' - so 40 million touirsts, an arbitrary figure is things they like to see. DOesn't matter if they're trashy tourists (eg 6 sex pest men sharing 1 women at a discount rate).

 

If Europe, USA opened their borders like Thailand has done to cheap tourism they would get tourists in the hundreds of millions.