Thailand’s Tourism Pulse: Over 17 Million Visitors in 2025

As of 5 July 2025, Thailand has welcomed 17,101,793 international tourists, reflecting the country’s continued recovery and strong performance in the global tourism market. The latest statistics released by the Thai Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the TRT Intelligence Center, offer a detailed look at inbound tourism trends, revealing which countries are contributing most significantly to Thailand’s visitor numbers and what it means for the economy.

Daily Snapshot: 5 July 2025

On just one day, 5 July 2025, 91,014 tourists arrived in Thailand. The top five source countries were:

  1. Malaysia – 19,351
  2. China – 13,737
  3. India – 6,114
  4. Australia – 3,629
  5. Indonesia – 3,306

This reflects not only regional proximity but also Thailand’s enduring popularity as a preferred destination among Asian travellers.

Cumulative Arrivals (1 Jan – 5 July 2025)

Looking at the broader trend for the year:

  1. Malaysia: 2,364,184
  2. China: 2,329,619
  3. India: 1,214,304
  4. Russia: 1,046,541
  5. Republic of Korea: 788,635
  6. United Kingdom: 583,087
  7. USA: 565,888
  8. Japan: 519,642
  9. Taiwan: 516,066
  10. Laos: 509,173

These figures highlight a balanced mix of short-haul and long-haul markets, with strong showings from ASEAN neighbours and sustained interest from European and North American tourists.

Short-Haul vs Long-Haul Market Dynamics

Thailand’s short-haul markets continue to dominate, particularly from Malaysia, China, and India. These countries not only provide high visitor numbers but also frequent, repeat travellers, often arriving via overland routes or short-haul flights. For the short-haul market, 5 July saw particularly strong inflows from:

  • Malaysia (again leading with 19,351)
  • China
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Korea

In contrast, the long-haul market shows slightly lower volume but represents high-value tourism. On 5 July 2025, top long-haul visitors included:

  1. USA – 2,796
  2. United Kingdom – 2,374
  3. Russia – 2,040
  4. France – 1,945
  5. Germany – 1,760

Over the full period, Russia leads the long-haul segment with over 1 million visitors, reflecting continued interest despite global geopolitical fluctuations.

What These Numbers Indicate

The consistent inflow of tourists both regionally and internationally suggests Thailand has effectively maintained its status as a global tourism hub. The country’s diverse offerings, from tropical islands and historic temples to luxury resorts and vibrant cities, continue to appeal to a wide spectrum of travellers.

Despite global economic uncertainties and shifting political landscapes, Thailand’s tourism infrastructure, relaxed visa policies, and competitive hospitality services appear to be drawing consistent interest. The rise of Indian travellers, for instance, aligns with increasing middle-class affluence in South Asia, while Russia’s strong presence underlines Thailand’s enduring popularity among Russians seeking a tropical escape.

The drop in Chinese tourists compared to pre-COVID levels is still notable, even as numbers are recovering. Visa facilitation and air connectivity could further unlock this market’s potential in the coming months.

Implications for the Thai Hospitality Sector

For real estate and hospitality investment firms such as LuxeInvesta, these figures provide clear signals:

  • Steady occupancy potential for hotels, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.
  • High demand from short-haul travellers translates to repeat stays and flexible booking patterns — ideal for mid-range and boutique properties.
  • Long-haul travellers, particularly from Europe and the U.S., are more likely to seek upscale accommodation and longer stays, aligning with luxury resorts and branded residences.

With over 17 million tourists already in the country in just over six months, and peak season still ahead, investing in hotel operations, serviced apartments, and F&B ventures remains a strategic opportunity. LuxeInvesta with its strong foothold in Phuket and partnerships across Thailand is well-positioned to support international investors and operators looking to capitalise on this upward trend.

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