File photo for reference only

 

The Thai hotel industry is expecting a decrease in Chinese tourists in the latter half of 2025 due to concerns over safety and perceived higher costs compared to Thailand's regional competitors. A recent survey highlighted that over 57% of hoteliers anticipate fewer Chinese visitors, with almost a quarter predicting a drop exceeding 15% from the first half of the year. This sentiment is echoed by expectations of decreased international and domestic tourist numbers.

 

The "Hotel Operator Confidence Index for August 2025" surveyed 104 hotel operators from August 13 to 30, revealing that 43% expect fewer domestic tourists, and more than a third foresee a downturn in international visitors. Primary reasons for the decline include safety worries, economic challenges in tourists' home countries, and the view that competitor destinations offer better value. Additionally, a lack of fresh attractions and tourism incentives is seen as a detractor.

 

Amid these challenges, there is some optimism as operators believe existing attractions, easing safety concerns, and current stimulus efforts might bolster tourism. Long-haul market bookings from Europe and the U.S. show positive trends, especially for northern and southern four-star hotels. In August, the average hotel occupancy rose to 62%, aided by the European summer holiday, but a slight dip to 54% is forecasted for September.

 

The Thai Hotels Association president, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, attributed a notable economic boost in August to the "Women's Volleyball World Championship 2025" hosted in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phuket, generating an estimated 8.4 billion baht.

 

Hotel operators are urging the government for support measures, including tourism stimulation, cost reductions, low-interest loans, and enhanced infrastructure and public utilities. Improvement in the foreign worker registration system is also a priority to bolster the industry.

 

Key Takeaways

• More than 57% of Thai hoteliers predict fewer Chinese tourists in late 2025.
• Safety issues and cost perceptions are main reasons for the decline.
• Optimism remains due to strong attractions and long-haul bookings.

 

Related stories:

Thai Hotels Challenge Minimum Wage Hike in Court

Safety Fears Drop Chinese Tourism to Thai Hotels by 30%

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-09-23

 

 

Greed coupled with a strong baht... What could possibly go wrong? 😆 

Not just Chinese tourists... others too, as they are not geting their bang-for-their-buck anymore, but are in neighbouring countries. You reap what you sow... and we all know why the Thai baht is so strong, because it serves the elite with thier buying/spending operations in foreign countries.

When they want to bring their money home, the baht will fall... this is how it works. The BoT is completely a currency manipulator, as it takes care of the rich... been like this for a long time, despite their lame statements.

Less Chinese tourists is not really bad news. 

 

I am also bracing myself for less Chinese tourists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Greed coupled with a strong baht... What could possibly go wrong? 😆 

Nothing, they will put the price up so half pay the same as a full house, simple 

The only hotels that are crying are those mainly catering for the Chinese tours groups ect 

As the old saying goes putting your eggs in one basket 🧺 😱

Don't panic TAT are expecting larger numbers of Muslim visitors that can bridge the Gap for the loss of chinese visitors as reported earlier last week.

1 hour ago, shackleton said:

The only hotels that are crying are those mainly catering for the Chinese tours groups ect 

As the old saying goes putting your eggs in one basket

 

I think you're underestimating the effect all those empty rooms will have on the other hotels. 

 

I've travelled to Bangkok for a few days each of the past 30 months, so I get to see what the rates on the lower end are doing.  Last week, I got over 60% off on my normal hotel rate.  I've never seen it that cheap, even during the low season.  And it wasn't just the Chinese centric hotels that were dropping their prices to compete.

 

To be fair, I don't have a clue what the high end hotels are doing.  I don't shop those prices.

 

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

almost a quarter predicting a drop exceeding 15% from the first half of the year.

 

It's best to compare 2nd half '25 expectations to the second half of '24 rather than the first half of '25.

17 hours ago, impulse said:

 

I think you're underestimating the effect all those empty rooms will have on the other hotels. 

 

I've travelled to Bangkok for a few days each of the past 30 months, so I get to see what the rates on the lower end are doing.  Last week, I got over 60% off on my normal hotel rate.  I've never seen it that cheap, even during the low season.  And it wasn't just the Chinese centric hotels that were dropping their prices to compete.

 

To be fair, I don't have a clue what the high end hotels are doing.  I don't shop those prices.

 

The Indra is convenient for me but the place is a skeleton of its former glory, no bed spreads breakfast is in the lobby and not worth eating, gym is broken down and lots of space boarded up, price is expensive unless you book on the net, yet the website says hurry one room left, I think they closed 2 top floors recently, it was never the same since they turned it into a covid hospital 

 

 

 

 

Well if there is less Chinese tourists, licking the inside of the bus windows

around jomtien and pattaya that got to be good.