File photo for reference only

Thailand has seen a staggering influx of tourists in 2026, with over 1.1 million foreign arrivals in the first 11 days alone, generating about 55.03 billion Thai baht. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported this impressive figure, which underscores the nation's strong draw for international visitors. Despite a slight 7.02% decrease from last year's numbers, the sustained tourist interest signals recovery and growth in the tourism sector.

The major contributors to these numbers include:

• Countries:

  • Malaysia: 117,039 visitors

  • China: 112,204 visitors

  • Russia: 109,600 visitors

  • India: 77,455 visitors

  • South Korea: 55,262 visitors

• Top Markets (January 5-11, 2026):

  • China: 81,863 visitors (up 24.07%)

  • Russia: 67,839 visitors (down 3.89%)

  • Malaysia: 66,495 visitors (down 26.49%)

  • India: 52,570 visitors (up 8.20%)

  • South Korea: 39,327 visitors (up 46.70%)

Natreeya Thaveewong, the permanent secretary for tourism and sports, highlighted the robust recovery across all market segments. Chinese tourists particularly drove this trend, constituting the largest group during the week of January 5-11, 2026. With South Korea moving up the ranks from eighth to fifth place, the diversity of tourist origins bodes well for Thailand’s tourism economy.

Encouraging indicators include a 2.78% increase in arrivals from January 5 to 11, 2026, amounting to 745,158 tourists. China's weekly arrivals soared by 24.07%, contrasting with a 3.89% dip in Russian visitors. In contrast to Malaysia, which saw a notable 26.49% decline, Indian tourists increased by 8.20%.

Looking ahead, there's anticipation of a potential dip in arrivals, but the European and US high seasons, alongside efforts to boost airline capacities, could offset this. The Ministry remains optimistic about sustaining momentum and achieving further growth in the months to come, as the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways

• Over 1.1 million foreign tourists visited Thailand in the first 11 days of 2026, generating 55.03 billion Thai baht.

• China led the weekly arrivals, with South Korea showing a notable 47% increase.

• Future tourist numbers might decline slightly, but seasonal factors may support continued growth.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2026-01-14

 

 

Yeah, and right now, it´s what they call the high season. Let´s look at it. They predict a minimum of 3 trillion baht for tourism this year. Once again, a number without thinking. They never learn, and not even the ones put in position to head the tourism sector has a clue.

So, the first 11 days this year, during the high season, generated about 55 billion baht. Let´s be kind and make it simple. We think it will be high season all year, and every 10 days will generate 50 billion baht. That will be a staggering 150 billion per month. To sum their dreams up, that will be 1,8 trillion baht for the whole year. As with every single year, they are missing 1,2 trillion baht, which will be the same as a calculation error of 40%. They are truly professionals! Now we all know, it´s not high season all year, which will force their calculation error up over 50%. Amazing Thailand!

A year on year decrease in tourist numbers of 7% is not sustained interest neither is it recovery and growth in tourism. Only in cloud cuckoo land could such a decline be touted as a robust recovery.

3 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

They predict a minimum of 3 trillion baht for tourism this year. Once again, a number without thinking.

I must have missed where in the OP they made that prediction.

Oh wait, it was only in your head?

1 hour ago, CallumWK said:

I must have missed where in the OP they made that prediction.

Oh wait, it was only in your head?

No it´s not in my head. It´s only you that are unable to remember recent news. Or maybe you are just a selective reader, and don´t have a clue what you are talking about.

As an alternative, you are just pure ignorant, and needed to post something negative. In all cases you are totally wrong! Please click below:

TAT Targets 3 Trillion Baht with LISA as Global Ambassador - Thailand News - Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

5 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Yeah, and right now, it´s what they call the high season. Let´s look at it. They predict a minimum of 3 trillion baht for tourism this year. Once again, a number without thinking. They never learn, and not even the ones put in position to head the tourism sector has a clue.

So, the first 11 days this year, during the high season, generated about 55 billion baht. Let´s be kind and make it simple. We think it will be high season all year, and every 10 days will generate 50 billion baht. That will be a staggering 150 billion per month. To sum their dreams up, that will be 1,8 trillion baht for the whole year. As with every single year, they are missing 1,2 trillion baht, which will be the same as a calculation error of 40%. They are truly professionals! Now we all know, it´s not high season all year, which will force their calculation error up over 50%. Amazing Thailand!

I walk around the Wongamat area early every morning and I don't believe the lack of tourist buses where many of the prestige hotels are. Over the holiday season the number of tour buses there was no better than a low season.

In early to late October/November, arrivals were at ~25 million. They predicted 15 million more in Nov-Dec, up to 40 million. Didn't happen.

Even if high-season numbers were to be maintained for the remainder of the year, it's only 100,000/day, or 36.5 million for the year, and we know that numbers will show a precipitous low-season drop in a month or so, lasting until next November.

As always, they just invent crpa to look good.

People came back from their holiday abroad with their families and now back in Thailand for their work or to live.. Hardly to find out if all arrivals are tourists... It would explain the "huge" booming tourists numbers"... but TAT has its own truth of course

It is a massive boom, even though numbers are down 7.02% on last year!!!

And Thailand is a global hub of health and wellness, even though the air pollution data would suggest otherwise?

19 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

No it´s not in my head. It´s only you that are unable to remember recent news. Or maybe you are just a selective reader, and don´t have a clue what you are talking about.

As an alternative, you are just pure ignorant, and needed to post something negative. In all cases you are totally wrong! Please click below:

TAT Targets 3 Trillion Baht with LISA as Global Ambassador - Thailand News - Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

That links talks of targeting 3 trillion baht, not predicting. The two are different.

Both are of course fantastical figures, but they are different.

I spent an hour queueing at Phuket immigration the other day. Albeit only 3 out of 8 desks were manned. I’m guessing 80% Russians, didn’t see any Chinese, a number of Singaporeans.

Anecdotal tourism evidence. Who to believe, TAT or my own eyes 🤷

18 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

It is a massive boom, even though numbers are down 7.02% on last year!!!

And Thailand is a global hub of health and wellness, even though the air pollution data would suggest otherwise?

Thats a slight 7 percent.

Seven percent decrease ..... 7% - being a "light" impact. Wondering what kind of excellent weed is smoked at the tourism promotion board's offices.

Whatever applies, it is certainly and guaranteed NOT the endless endeavours of the The Ministry of Tourism and Sports; they are just responsible for overhanging increments of percentages in arrivals per capita and percentage - just another useless governmentally blessed club of, well, ........... I have to stop here to avoid becoming impolite ;-)

The Never Ending Story of hope and desperation.

Basically people who waited for Xmas and new year prices to drop before coming on holiday or returning home after being out of the country for Xmas etc.

Thailand has seen a staggering influx of tourists in 2026, with over 1.1 million foreign arrivals in the first 11 days alone, generating about 55.03 billion Thai baht. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported this impressive figure, which underscores the nation's strong draw for international visitors.

Nothing to do with the New Year celebrations then?

A lot of Russians with zero money to spend.... I not want to sound like a racist but they only care about money right?

How they gonna bring back them rich Germans, Swedes and Americans

If any business saw a year on year decline of 7% I do not think they would be bragging at their incredible success for the year

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

Thats a slight 7 percent.

True, but, remember, 2025 numbers were also down from 2024. So, if 2026 is starting down from 2025, and 2025 was down from 2024, not exactly a 'boom', in my opinion. At least, not yet. Numbers may improve as the year goes on, with perhaps millions of Americans seeking ecape from Trump's madness.

4 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

That links talks of targeting 3 trillion baht, not predicting. The two are different.

Both are of course fantastical figures, but they are different.

Target or predict, mmmm....sure. If that one doesn´t suit you, you already know how many times they go out with this kind of info. minimum 4-5 times per year, and the numbers are never correct.

Thought everyone was going to Vietnam.

One swallow does not a summer make.

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Thailand has seen a staggering influx of tourists in 2026, with over 1.1 million foreign arrivals in the first 11 days alone, generating about 55.03 billion Thai baht. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported this impressive figure, which underscores the nation's strong draw for international visitors.

Nothing to do with the New Year celebrations then?

How do TAT arrive at the conclusion, that 1 million visitors, will generate 55 billion baht in income/ spending for Thailand.?

Pie in the sky again?

On 1/14/2026 at 7:20 AM, Gottfrid said:

No it´s not in my head. It´s only you that are unable to remember recent news. Or maybe you are just a selective reader, and don´t have a clue what you are talking about.

As an alternative, you are just pure ignorant, and needed to post something negative. In all cases you are totally wrong! Please click below:

TAT Targets 3 Trillion Baht with LISA as Global Ambassador - Thailand News - Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

Gottfrid the man that knows everything but really nothing. A legend in his own mind. 🤷🏼

In these number you have to factor in that there are cheap trashy tourists staying LONGER - the so called DIGITAL NOMADS - also known as backpackers with laptops.

So overall you have more trashy 'tourists' around, as well as those on holidays.

Before you had 30 day visa, now it's 2 months, and then the other visas on top.

It's a terrible chavy council estate out there.

I see many pro Thai types pushing the whole 'Bangkok most visited city' on social media. Thailand has basically removed all border controls on which countries can visit (meaning you are letting in very low spending developing nations, those seeking work to stay longer, scammers, trash, etc). Countries that are developed want sustainable tourism, and key in on quality tourists as opposed to an arbitary total number.

Not a single country except Thailand has such a generous offer for low spending indian visitors. You are then turning away quality tourists.

2 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Target or predict, mmmm....sure. If that one doesn´t suit you, you already know how many times they go out with this kind of info. minimum 4-5 times per year, and the numbers are never correct.

As I said, both are fantasies, but predicting a number and targeting a number have different dynamics. It’s ok to just acknowledge the fact.

T A T, it is high season so a lot more people should be expected to visit Thailand from other

cold northern countires. I am glad that there are still people who can afford to escape to the hot countries

as that means the world economy has not tanked, at least not yet.

21 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

I spent an hour queueing at Phuket immigration the other day. Albeit only 3 out of 8 desks were manned. I’m guessing 80% Russians, didn’t see any Chinese, a number of Singaporeans.

Anecdotal tourism evidence. Who to believe, TAT or my own eyes 🤷

How do Russian tourists bring revenue to Thailand. Let me guess, Thailand is sanction busting?

14 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

As I said, both are fantasies, but predicting a number and targeting a number have different dynamics. It’s ok to just acknowledge the fact.

Yes, I can acknowledge that fact, if it was an independent group, person, organization or authority that gave the information. In this case it´s TAT, and here predicting a number, means that they also target that number as they are the authority that stands behind the result.