Southeast Asia's 2nd largest economy eyes 34.9 million visitors next year

By VNA December 12, 2025 | 06:42 pm PT

Chinese tourists take pictures in downtown Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, expects to receive 34.9 million foreign visitors next year, a 4% increase, earning 1.63 trillion baht (US$51.7 billion) in revenue, up 8% year-on-year.

Total tourism revenue, including domestic travel, is forecast at 2.79 trillion baht ($88 billion).

Thailand’s tourism industry is bracing for a decline in foreign arrivals this year, with authorities projecting about 32 million international visitors by year-end, down 9.8% from 35.5 million in 2024.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) attributes the drop to flooding in southern provinces during peak season and tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border that have dampened tourism sentiment in recent months.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said that given the overall negative circumstances, the over 30 million foreign tourist arrivals is already an excellent figure.

According to Thai Government’s preliminary data, by Dec. 7, Thailand recorded 30.3 million foreign tourists who spent 1.4 trillion baht (approximately $44 billion).

Malaysia led source markets with 4.2 million visitors, followed by China with 4.1 million, India 2.3 million, Russia 1.7 million and South Korea 1.4 million.

Thailand is spending 25 million baht on year-end countdown celebrations across the country, including events in Chiang Mai and Phayao expected to draw 150,000 people. Private sector venues including ICONSIAM, CentralWorld and One Bangkok are hosting additional festivities.