Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

Thailand has exceeded 30.2 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2025, according to new data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The milestone reflects strong short-haul demand and steady revenue generation, with visitors contributing more than 1.4 trillion baht so far this year. However, despite the high volume, total arrivals remain 7.19% lower than during the same period in 2024.

 

As of 7 December 2025, Thailand recorded 30,273,872 foreign visitors, marking a substantial economic contribution through tourist spending. Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, confirmed the figures and highlighted the robust revenue inflow. The performance comes even as the sector continues to stabilise following fluctuations in key markets.

 

Malaysia and China were the top two source markets, each surpassing 4 million arrivals. India followed with 2,280,823 visitors, while Russia and South Korea contributed 1,685,931 and 1,438,827 arrivals respectively. These five countries formed the backbone of Thailand’s inbound tourism throughout 2025.

 

Short-haul travel played a decisive role in recent momentum. Between 1 and 7 December 2025, arrivals rose 8.10% week-on-week, totalling 669,991 visitors. The seven-day average reached 95,713 arrivals per day, supported by early December holiday travel and improving regional conditions.

 

Malaysia’s market recorded a sharp rise of 27.74% week-on-week. This surge followed the easing of floods across ten southern Thai provinces, which had previously disrupted cross-border movement. The rebound reinforced Malaysia’s position as Thailand’s top 2025 source market.

 

Analysts note that while year-to-date arrivals have dipped, Thailand’s visitor base remains diversified across regions. The combination of revenue stability and growing short-haul demand may help support sector performance into early 2026. Industry agencies will continue monitoring market recovery patterns, particularly among neighbouring countries.

 

The Nation reported with December typically a peak travel month, further gains are expected in the closing weeks of the year. The ministry anticipates continued momentum driven by holiday travel and improving connectivity. Full-year results will depend on sustained performance across key Asian markets.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand has welcomed over 30.2 million foreign tourists in 2025 but remains 7.19% below last year’s level.

• Malaysia and China each contributed more than 4 million visitors, leading the top five markets.

• A strong weekly surge, driven by Malaysian travellers after recent floods eased, boosted early December figures.

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Nation 2025-12-10

 

These reports do make me laugh:

Thailand’s tourism crisis deepens as arrivals plunge 9.8% amid crime shocks, flooding, border clashes and a surging baht. Confidence is collapsing, Vietnam is racing ahead, and officials admit there is no hope of recovery with just days left in the year

• December 10, 2025 at 5:21 am

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2025/12/10/thailands-foreign-tourism-sector-in-crisis-as-visitor-decline-accelerates-9-8-fewer-arrivals-than-2025/

How many of them were the "quality tourists" that Thailand is aiming for?

21 minutes ago, anchadian said:

These reports do make me laugh:

Thailand’s tourism crisis deepens as arrivals plunge 9.8% amid crime shocks, flooding, border clashes and a surging baht. Confidence is collapsing, Vietnam is racing ahead, and officials admit there is no hope of recovery with just days left in the year

• December 10, 2025 at 5:21 am

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2025/12/10/thailands-foreign-tourism-sector-in-crisis-as-visitor-decline-accelerates-9-8-fewer-arrivals-than-2025/

Its good until its bad, then bad until its good, day by day...

No real surprise, 33 million full year is around what TAT have been consistently saying for the last 6 months. In simple terms the absence of the Chinese explains the drop from last year.

 

Congratulations.  I miss Thailand.

 

550 days left.

32 minutes ago, Celsius said:

Congratulations.  I miss Thailand.

 

550 days left.

Going by your recent activity you seem to be missing the place, why absent yourself for so long.? Yes not my business just curious.

22 minutes ago, saintdomingo said:

Going by your recent activity you seem to be missing the place, why absent yourself for so long.? Yes not my business just curious.

 

Because I don't want my wife's permanent residency to go to waste. It was quite a feat to apply for it during covid. Actually she prefers Thailand too, but I think it's always good to have "one more option".

30 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

Because I don't want my wife's permanent residency to go to waste. It was quite a feat to apply for it during covid. Actually she prefers Thailand too, but I think it's always good to have "one more option".

Green card? One of the most precious possessions a human can have. Only thing better is US citizenship

1 hour ago, Celsius said:

Congratulations.  I miss Thailand.

 

 

The way it was 20 years ago

1 hour ago, MarkT63 said:

How many of them were the "quality tourists" that Thailand is aiming for?

 

Considering that the average international tourist spent 46,357.61 baht (or about 1,500 dollars), probably not too many... 😆

4 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Considering that the average international tourist spent 46,357.61 baht (or about 1,500 dollars), probably not too many... 😆

Love it when spending figures are quoted to the last satang, yet it says 'about $1500" which is Bht 47,715 at the moment

18 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Green card? One of the most precious possessions a human can have. Only thing better is US citizenship

 

Off topic response to off topic post deleted.

8 minutes ago, Will Iam Not said:

Love it when spending figures are quoted to the last satang, yet it says 'about $1500" which is Bht 47,715 at the moment

 

Thailand's currency exchange rates are not fixed. (Wonder, what exchange counter currently pays out 31.81 baht for a dollar.) - For detailed rates, please contact your nearest bank. 😊

4 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Thailand's currency exchange rates are not fixed. For detailed rates, please contact your nearest bank. 😊

Don't answer as if I am an idiot, I know the exchange rate changes, which is why I pointed out the current rate.

It is the spending figure to the last satang I was really mentioning.

Thai banks quote the rate which THEY will give you. Better to have an online currency app, or look at WISE.

 

30 million tourists.

How many million actual non Thai arrivals?

7 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

30 million tourists.

How many million actual non Thai arrivals?

Ask TAT 555

 

Could it be the difference between arrivals and departures, minus the number of staying visas they issue.

Wonderful news... today.

But it seems as if every other week, there's a completely different tune being sung by the Thai tourist folks.

One week it's 'Woe is us! Tourism is crashing!,' only to be followed the next week with "Wow! Tourism is great and expected to even get better by X/zz/20xx!"  Then it's back to "Oi, why aren't the tourists coming?"  

The following day, we hear about the wonderful new air routes being opened and the hordes of Chinese, Russian, Indian tourists, etc., etc., etc., that are expected... shortly.

 

Bangkok taxi driver who drove us from BKK to Korat last week told us this is the quietest high season he's seen in recent years, he said very few foreign tourists. I presume he means since the post-pandemic bounce-back. And he mentioned Vietnam a few times, so it seems the average Thai is fully aware that Vietnam is replacing Thailand for many tourists and holiday makers.

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Green card? One of the most precious possessions a human can have. Only thing better is US citizenship

 

I can't say I disagree.

I read the other article that said it was almost 10% down, Here in Rawai, Phuket there is tourist here but they are not spending, when you drive around all the motorbikes parked up outside the rental shops, loads, We drive by makro most mornings and it's not busy, car park empty, 

30 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

I can't say I disagree.

I certainly can.

2 hours ago, Celsius said:

 

Because I don't want my wife's permanent residency to go to waste. It was quite a feat to apply for it during covid. Actually she prefers Thailand too, but I think it's always good to have "one more option".

But you hate Canada. Why do you want a Canadian residency if you hate the country? Wouldn't you be happier in Serbia?

1 hour ago, grain said:

Bangkok taxi driver who drove us from BKK to Korat last week told us this is the quietest high season he's seen in recent years, he said very few foreign tourists. I presume he means since the post-pandemic bounce-back. And he mentioned Vietnam a few times, so it seems the average Thai is fully aware that Vietnam is replacing Thailand for many tourists and holiday makers.

Maybe if the government wasn't unilaterally closing borders and flying fighter jets to bomb jungle buildings more people would want to come. Take a look at social media where visitors are asking time after time is it safe to come to this area

47 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

I read the other article that said it was almost 10% down, Here in Rawai, Phuket there is tourist here but they are not spending, when you drive around all the motorbikes parked up outside the rental shops, loads, We drive by makro most mornings and it's not busy, car park empty, 

is Makro typically a tourist destination in Phuket?

53 minutes ago, Will Iam Not said:

I certainly can.

 

Yea me too depending on mood

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thailand has exceeded 30.2 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2025, according to new data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The milestone reflects strong short-haul demand and steady revenue generation, with visitors contributing more than 1.4 trillion baht so far this year. However, despite the high volume, total arrivals remain 7.19% lower than during the same period in 2024.

And almost 25% lower than 2019 tourist figures.

A flame has been removed 

3 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Green card? One of the most precious possessions a human can have. Only thing better is US citizenship

 

They don't have green cards in Canada, which is not a US state either

5 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

They don't have green cards in Canada, which is not a US state either

 

Not yet.