India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka Push Thailand’s Tourism to New Heights with 535,000 Monthly Visitors

Published on November 29, 2025

Thailand has long been known as a global tourism hotspot, attracting travelers with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. But in 2025, Thailand’s tourism sector reached new heights with a remarkable surge in visitors from South Asia. India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have emerged as key drivers of this growth, contributing to a 22.64% increase in arrivals, with over 535,000 visitors per month. This sharp rise in tourism reflects Thailand’s strong appeal to travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure, and it is a direct result of the country’s strategic tourism policies, which are working in tandem with the growing demand for new air routes and enhanced connectivity.

In the first eleven months of 2025, Thailand welcomed a record-breaking 28.96 million visitors, generating approximately 1.34 trillion baht in revenue. The South Asian market, in particular, has seen explosive growth, with Pakistan registering the highest growth rate at 27.57%, followed by Sri Lanka at 22.92% and India at 18.34%. This surge in visitors has been complemented by a significant expansion in air routes and flight frequencies to key secondary cities within Thailand, such as Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, and Hat Yai, driven by the demand from major carriers, including India’s IndiGo.

As Thailand’s tourism sector rebounds strongly, the country’s upcoming SEA Games 2025 and ASEAN Para Games 2025, scheduled to be hosted in December 2025, are expected to further accelerate visitor arrivals. This article takes an in-depth look at the South Asian tourism boom and how it is shaping the future of Thailand’s travel industry, along with the new routes and developments supporting this growth.

Key Highlights of Thailand’s Tourism Growth in 2025

• Record-breaking visitor arrivals: In 2025, Thailand saw 28.96 million international visitors, marking a strong recovery in the tourism sector.
• 22.64% increase in South Asian tourism: Thailand welcomed over 535,000 South Asian visitors per month in 2025, with significant increases from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Flight route expansion: New flights from Thailand to secondary cities, like Chiang Rai and Hat Yai, are increasing connectivity and driving further tourism growth.
• Revenue generation: The tourism sector has generated a remarkable 1.34 trillion baht in revenue, contributing significantly to Thailand’s economy.
• Upcoming major events: The SEA Games 2025 and ASEAN Para Games 2025 are expected to further boost tourism to Thailand, bringing in additional visitors and enhancing the country’s global tourism reputation.

The Surge in South Asian Tourism to Thailand

South Asian travelers have become an integral part of Thailand’s tourism landscape, with India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka now accounting for a substantial portion of international arrivals. This surge in demand is primarily driven by the growing middle class in South Asia, who are increasingly able to travel internationally for leisure and business purposes.

• India: As Thailand’s largest source market in South Asia, Indian tourists have shown a steady growth trend, with a 18.34% increase in visitors. The strong cultural ties, proximity, and affordable travel options make Thailand an attractive destination for Indian travelers. The presence of India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has helped fuel the demand for new flight routes from India to Thailand’s secondary cities.
• Pakistan: Pakistan has seen the highest growth in tourism to Thailand, with a 27.57% increase in arrivals. This can be attributed to the country’s improving economic conditions, growing outbound tourism, and the increasing interest of Pakistanis in exploring Thailand’s diverse offerings—from beaches to cultural landmarks.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has also contributed to the growth in South Asian visitors, with a 22.92% increase in arrivals. Sri Lankans are drawn to Thailand’s natural beauty, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

The increase in South Asian visitors reflects Thailand’s appeal as a family-friendly destination, with affordable travel options, luxury experiences, and a wide range of cultural and leisure activities. Furthermore, Thailand’s visa policies, which make it easier for South Asian travelers to visit, have also contributed to the growing tourism numbers.

Enhanced Air Connectivity: New Routes and Flight Expansions

As the demand for travel to Thailand has surged, the country has seen a significant expansion in its air connectivity. This expansion is largely driven by IndiGo, which has become the key player in facilitating increased air travel from India to Thailand’s secondary cities. In response to rising demand, IndiGo has requested new flight routes to key cities like Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, and Hat Yai, improving connectivity for travelers from South Asia.

In addition to new routes from India, the 2025/2026 winter flight schedule includes international routes to Riyadh, Almaty, Sendai, Chongqing, and Tianjin, providing enhanced access to high-potential markets. Furthermore, direct flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), Hong Kong, and Los Angeles have been reinstated, marking the return of U.S.-based airlines to Thailand after 11 years.

This expansion of air routes is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Thailand’s tourism recovery and supporting the growth in South Asian travel, as it provides more convenient and affordable options for travelers. These efforts align with Thailand’s long-term vision to strengthen its position as a global tourism hub by improving air accessibility to key international markets.

The Role of Major Events in Boosting Tourism

Thailand’s tourism growth is further supported by the country’s strategic focus on major events, including the SEA Games 2025 and ASEAN Para Games 2025, which will be hosted in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025. These events are expected to significantly increase visitor arrivals, particularly from neighboring ASEAN countries and beyond.

With South Asian visitors already representing a key demographic for Thailand, these sporting events will further attract a diverse range of tourists. The increased air traffic and flight frequencies tied to the SEA Games and Para Games will also help elevate Thailand’s global visibility as a destination for international events, leading to long-term growth in tourism and economic benefits.

Thailand’s Strategic Tourism Policies: Ensuring Sustainable Growth

Thailand’s ability to accommodate the growing number of international visitors, especially from South Asia, is a direct result of its forward-thinking tourism policies. These policies have been designed to make Thailand more accessible and attractive to travelers, while ensuring that the country’s natural resources and cultural heritage remain preserved.

Key elements of Thailand’s tourism strategy include:

• Sustainable tourism initiatives: Promoting eco-tourism and responsible travel to protect Thailand’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
• Diversified tourism offerings: Expanding tourism beyond traditional attractions like Bangkok and Phuket to include secondary cities such as Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, and Hat Yai.
• Targeted marketing campaigns: Strengthening efforts to promote Thailand as a family-friendly and affordable destination for South Asian travelers.

These efforts ensure that Thailand can handle the increasing number of tourists while maintaining its reputation as a premier tourism destination.

Conclusion: Thailand’s Future as a Premier Travel Destination

Thailand’s tourism sector is on a remarkable upward trajectory, with South Asian markets playing an increasingly significant role in the country’s tourism recovery and growth. With 535,000 visitors per month and a 22.64% growth in tourism from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, Thailand’s strategic investments in air connectivity and major-event tourism are paying off.

As Thailand continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism, and attract new flight routes, the kingdom is well on its way to solidifying its status as a leading global travel destination. With upcoming events like the SEA Games 2025 and ASEAN Para Games 2025, Thailand’s tourism sector is poised for continued success in the coming years.