Thailand Tourism Sees Growth with Malaysia, China and India Leading the Charge

Published on November 18, 2025

Thailand’s tourism industry has been experiencing continuous growth as it welcomed over 28.27 million international visitors from January 1 to November 16, 2025. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the revenue generated by the industry is 1.308 trillion baht which proves the tourism industry remains resilient to the small dip in arrivals. The greatest portion of revenue accrued is from the influx of tourists which Thailand receives seasonaly during the tourist high season.

In this article, we will analyze weekly trends in Thailand which shape the patterns of movement in the kingdom and detailing the impact of the various markets in tourism, as well as the contributions of different nations to the arrivals in Thailand.

Thailand’s Impressive Tourist Arrival Numbers for 2025

Thailand has long been a popular destination for international travelers, and the latest data confirms its status as a top tourist hotspot in Asia. From January to November 2025, Thailand welcomed a total of 28,277,276 foreign visitors, generating a significant economic boost. Although this figure represents a 7.18% decrease from the same period in 2024, the revenue generated remains substantial, surpassing 1.3 trillion baht. The drop in arrivals could be attributed to several factors, including global travel fluctuations and economic conditions in key source markets.

Despite this, the increase in overall revenue highlights the strength of Thailand’s tourism industry, especially in terms of high-spending tourists and the continued growth of short-haul travel markets. The winter holidays and the onset of the high season further fueled this demand, making it clear that Thailand remains a favored destination for tourists worldwide.

Top Foreign Markets Contributing to Thailand’s Tourism Boom

Three countries stand out as the largest contributors to Thailand’s tourism figures in 2025: Malaysia, China, and India. Together, these nations account for a significant portion of the total number of arrivals, reflecting Thailand’s strong ties to its neighboring regions and its growing appeal as a vacation destination.

1. Malaysia: The Largest Source of Tourists

Malaysia continues to be the leading source of tourists to Thailand, with a total of 4,058,169 arrivals between January and November 2025. The geographical proximity between the two nations, along with strong cultural and economic ties, makes Malaysia a key market for Thai tourism. The close travel distance and ease of access by land, sea, and air contribute to the high number of Malaysian visitors, who flock to Thailand for shopping, leisure, and family vacations.

2. China: A Strong Contender Despite Challenges

With 3,946,225 visitors, China remains one of the largest markets for Thai tourism, second only to Malaysia. However, the number of arrivals from China in 2025 represents a slight dip compared to previous years, likely due to global economic factors and China’s evolving travel policies. Still, the Chinese market is essential to Thailand’s tourism industry, with Chinese tourists known for their high spending on luxury goods, shopping, and group tours. Thailand’s accessibility, coupled with the country’s rich cultural offerings and beautiful landscapes, makes it an attractive destination for Chinese travelers.

3. India: Growing Demand for Thai Tourism

India ranks third with 2,110,469 arrivals, showing an increase in the Indian market’s interest in Thailand. The increasing number of Indian visitors highlights the growing trend of outbound tourism from India, where more middle-class travelers are seeking international vacations. Thailand’s appeal to Indian tourists lies in its proximity, affordability, and diverse attractions, including its vibrant cities, beaches, and cultural landmarks.

Other Significant Markets: Russia and South Korea

Russia continues to be a strong market for Thailand, with 1,527,800 arrivals in 2025, while South Korea’s tourism to Thailand has surged recently, moving up to the fifth spot with 1,339,604 arrivals. Both countries are vital to Thailand’s tourism industry, with Russian tourists particularly drawn to Thailand’s beaches and resorts, while South Korean visitors enjoy the shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities available.

Weekly Travel Trends: Seasonal Surge and Shifts in Market Demand

The week of November 10-16, 2025, revealed interesting travel trends, particularly in short-haul markets. While the total number of foreign tourists arriving in Thailand that week was 689,431, a slight dip of 1.28% from the previous week, there was strong growth from certain regions.

Short-Haul Markets Drive Growth

South Korea saw the most significant surge in arrivals, with a 15.98% week-on-week increase. This spike can be attributed to the start of the high season and the winter holidays, a time when many South Koreans choose to travel abroad. As a result, South Korea moved up from the 8th to the 5th position among the top tourist markets for Thailand. This highlights the increasing importance of regional tourism, with short-haul markets like South Korea showing strong growth potential.

Trends in Long-Haul Markets

Malaysia and China remained the top contributors to Thailand’s tourism that week, with Malaysia reporting 86,386 arrivals (down by 3.94%) and China contributing 76,147 visitors (up by 2.16%). Despite the slight decline in Malaysia’s arrivals, the overall trend indicates that these long-haul markets remain stable sources of tourists to Thailand. India’s numbers also reflected a slight dip, with 53,536 arrivals (down by 3.48%).

Russia, however, showed growth, with a 4.89% week-on-week increase in arrivals, reflecting the ongoing demand from Russian tourists for Thailand’s resorts, beaches, and luxury offerings.

The Economic Impact: Revenue and Spending by Foreign Tourists

Thailand’s tourism revenue for 2025 has reached impressive figures, with total earnings from foreign tourists exceeding 1.3 trillion baht by mid-November. Despite the slight decline in tourist arrivals, spending by international visitors has been robust. This revenue is critical for Thailand’s economy, particularly in regions that heavily rely on tourism, such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket.

The high spending of tourists, especially from markets like China, Malaysia, and Russia, ensures that Thailand’s tourism industry remains a major contributor to the country’s GDP. The diversity of Thailand’s tourist offerings—from luxury shopping and resorts to cultural experiences and adventure tourism—appeals to a broad spectrum of travelers, ensuring a continued influx of spending.

Looking Ahead: Optimism for Thailand’s Tourism Sector

Despite a slight decline in overall arrivals, Thailand’s tourism sector is showing resilience, bolstered by the continued demand from key markets. With the winter season underway and the upcoming high season, there is optimism that tourist arrivals will increase. Efforts to diversify the tourism market and focus on high-spending tourists are likely to help Thailand continue its recovery and growth in the years to come.

The country’s appeal as a top travel destination for both short-haul and long-haul tourists ensures that Thailand will remain a major player in the global tourism industry for the foreseeable future. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and the continued development of its tourism offerings, Thailand is well-positioned to attract even more visitors in 2026 and beyond.

Thailand’s Tourism Resilience

Every year Thailand welcomes millions of guests, particularly from Malaysia, China, and India. Although there was a small influx of new arrivals in 2025, there has been an increased contribution to spending, reaffirming Thailand’s position as a leading global gateway. There are also evident seasonal spikes as well as a continous influx of interest from neighbouring markets throughout the period. Thailand’s tourism industry continues to flourish despite global instability.