File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Thailand is experiencing a tourism surge in 2025, driven by increased visitors from Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, and the UK. Newly established long-haul flights from cities like Oslo, Stockholm, and Paris have brought a fresh wave of tourists who tend to stay longer and spend more during their visits.

 

Phuket, in particular, is bustling, receiving between 60,000 and 80,000 international arrivals each day, supported by around 400 daily flights. Hotel prices on the island are around 30% higher than in 2019, and accommodation is expected to operate at about 90% occupancy this season, reflecting the strong demand from European visitors.

 

Europe continues to be a crucial market, particularly with robust demand from Russia, Germany, and the Nordics, alongside the UK and Australia. The rise in advanced bookings has contributed to elevated hotel prices and limited room availability, especially in popular destinations like Phuket. Meanwhile, Krabi is witnessing growth due to new flight routes, such as Air Arabia's Sharjah-Krabi service.

 

Thailand expects around 850,000 visitors from the Middle East this year, with an average spending of about 100,000 Thai baht per trip. The Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipates about 10% growth in tourism for 2026, thanks to expanded routes and high-spending travellers from long-haul markets. Thailand, with its emphasis on infrastructure and sustainability, anticipates a surge in visitors from the Nordic region, reported ScandAsia.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, and the UK are boosting Thai tourism.
• Phuket sees daily arrivals of 60,000 to 80,000 with rising hotel prices.
• Middle Eastern visitors are anticipated to spend 100,000 thai baht per trip. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ScandAsia 2025-12-03

 

 

 

I bet they are practically swarming over themselves in order to be first in the flood waters. Perfect getaway.

So, tourism is booming this morning.
I expect that it will be doom and gloom by the afternoon!

No doubt the Frozen North is not so popular these days

 

This is what met me when I arrived soon 4 weeks ago. Chaotic long line of people, thank god I had my visa and pink card. Through in 15 minutes. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/712455451912981?fs=e&fs=e

scientists say climate change may be to blame, but that aside, this is a solid reason to give scandinavians one year visas hand over fist

On 12/2/2025 at 6:56 PM, webfact said:

Thailand expects around 850,000 visitors from the Middle East this year, with an average spending of about 100,000 Thai baht per trip.

TAT can predict the future like no other entity on earth!!!

14 hours ago, Hummin said:

 

This is what met me when I arrived soon 4 weeks ago. Chaotic long line of people, thank god I had my visa and pink card. Through in 15 minutes. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/712455451912981?fs=e&fs=e

Funny I arrived Dec 1 and was in same line at 11am and each officer had 4-6 people in line. I even switched lines once to get by even faster. Waited about 8 minutes. No pink nothing no visa. 

Every year nordic people go to Thailand during xmas and new Year.So its nothing special about this time.

But TAT knows how to brag about even small things.

No wonder no many chicks in Thailand are bipolar 

6 hours ago, alex8912 said:

Funny I arrived Dec 1 and was in same line at 11am and each officer had 4-6 people in line. I even switched lines once to get by even faster. Waited about 8 minutes. No pink nothing no visa. 

Good on you, make sure you mark that flight that day and that time in to your calendar and next booking 👏🌞