Thailand Welcomes 22 Million Foreign Tourists Despite 3.65% Decline
Thailand received 22.7 million foreign tourists from January to late September 2025, marking a 3.65% decline year-on-year despite generating 1.1 trillion baht in revenue, with Chinese visitors leading the market.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports released tourism figures for January 1 to September 26, 2025, showing 22,666,429 foreign arrivals, down 3.65% year-on-year, generating total revenue of 1,105,407 million baht. The top five source markets were China with 3,822,928 visitors, Malaysia with 2,891,908, India with 1,680,725, Russia with 1,249,801, and South Korea with 831,716.
Tourism showed signs of recovery in the week of September 20-26, with several key markets expanding. Taiwan surged 33.25% week-on-week, boosted by Mid-Autumn Festival holidays and moving into fifth place from sixth. China grew 42.62% ahead of its Golden Week national holidays, while South Korea increased 32.73% due to Chuseok festivities. That week attracted 482,751 tourists, up 18,551 from the previous week or 4.00%, averaging 68,964 daily arrivals. Top five nationalities were China (94,343), Malaysia (60,254), India (40,284), Japan (24,853), and Taiwan (24,135). China, India, and Taiwan posted strong gains of 42.62%, 17.00%, and 33.25% respectively, while Malaysia and Japan declined 13.00% and 18.50%.
Tourist arrivals are forecast to rise further next week as China's Golden Week, South Korea's National Foundation Day, and Hong Kong's National Day holidays commence.
