Published on
November 19, 2025
South Korea, alongside China, Malaysia, India, and Russia, has significantly accelerated Thailand’s tourism growth in the first 10 months of 2025, contributing to a record 28.3 million foreign arrivals between January and November. This influx has driven the country’s tourism revenue to a remarkable 1.308 trillion baht, highlighting the strong recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector and its ability to attract key international markets despite global challenges. This impressive surge in foreign visitors reflects Thailand’s strategic focus on key markets, with South Korea emerging as a standout contributor alongside traditional powerhouses like China and India. While the total number of arrivals showed a slight 7.18% decline compared to the previous year, the substantial boost in revenue underscores the nation’s resilience and the appeal of its diverse attractions. The country’s ability to maintain strong economic returns from tourism, despite global uncertainties, showcases its evolving status as a global tourism hub. This growth is a testament to Thailand’s commitment to enhancing its offerings and ensuring that its tourism industry remains a cornerstone of its economy.
Thailand’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable recovery and growth in 2025, welcoming a total of 28,277,276 foreign tourists between January 1 and November 16, according to the latest report by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. While the total arrivals showed a 7.18% decline compared to the previous year, the country’s tourism revenue surged to an impressive 1.308 trillion baht, underscoring the resilience of Thailand’s tourism sector and the ongoing recovery despite global challenges.
A major highlight in the tourism landscape of Thailand this year is the surge in arrivals from key international markets, including South Korea, China, Malaysia, India, and Russia. These countries have contributed significantly to the inflow of tourists, especially during the winter holidays and the high season, further boosting the nation’s appeal as a top destination for international travelers.
The following table provides a breakdown of the top foreign markets driving Thailand’s tourism during the first 10 months of 2025:
RankCountryForeign Arrivals (Jan–Nov 2025)Market Share1Malaysia4,058,16914.35%2China3,946,22513.94%3India2,110,4697.46%4Russia1,527,8005.4%5South Korea1,339,6044.73%Top Markets for Thailand Tourism in 20251. Malaysia – The Leading Market
Malaysia remains the largest source of foreign visitors to Thailand in 2025. With 4,058,169 arrivals, Malaysia continues to be a key market, accounting for more than 14% of total foreign arrivals. The proximity between the two countries, combined with strong cultural and economic ties, has helped maintain this steady flow of visitors. Whether for business, leisure, or cross-border travel, Malaysia has consistently been a strong pillar in Thailand’s tourism sector.
2. China – A Vital Contributor
China ranks second with 3,946,225 tourists visiting Thailand between January and November 2025. Although there was a slight dip compared to the previous year, China remains one of Thailand’s most important markets, consistently contributing to the country’s tourism revenue. China’s return to global travel after pandemic-related restrictions has played a crucial role in driving up foreign arrivals. This is especially true as travel from China to Thailand is further facilitated by favorable air routes and visa policies.
3. India – A Growing Force
India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets for Thailand. In 2025, 2,110,469 Indian nationals visited Thailand, making it the third-largest source of foreign tourists. The upward trajectory of Indian tourism is driven by a rising middle class, an increasing appetite for international travel, and promotional efforts targeting Indian tourists. Moreover, India’s close proximity to Thailand, coupled with the ease of air travel and competitive travel packages, has made it an attractive destination for Indian families, honeymooners, and business travelers alike.
4. Russia – A Strong Presence
Russia continues to maintain its position as a major contributor to Thailand’s tourism, with 1,527,800 Russian tourists visiting the country in 2025. Although the overall figures for Russia have slightly decreased, it remains a vital market, particularly in terms of long-haul travel. Russia’s cold winters make Thailand’s tropical climate an appealing option for those seeking sun and warmth. The Thai government has worked to promote the country as a safe and affordable destination for Russian travelers, leading to consistent arrivals each year.
5. South Korea – A Rising Star
One of the most notable trends this year is the rise of South Korea as a major player in Thailand’s tourism industry. South Korea moved up from the 8th to the 5th position in terms of foreign arrivals, with 1,339,604 South Korean tourists visiting Thailand between January and November. South Korea’s significant increase of 15.98% week-on-week in November highlights the growing demand from short-haul markets, driven in part by the winter holidays and the start of the high season. South Korea’s growing affluence, combined with an increase in direct flight routes, has made Thailand an appealing destination for South Korean travelers.
Weekly Trends: Nov 10–16, 2025
During the week of November 10–16, Thailand welcomed 689,431 foreign tourists, marking a slight 1.28% drop from the previous week. This was in line with the typical fluctuations seen during the shoulder period before the peak holiday season. The country continued to see strong arrivals from short-haul markets, particularly South Korea, which surged by nearly 16% compared to the prior week. Below is a breakdown of the top five countries sending tourists to Thailand in this particular week:RankCountryForeign Arrivals (Nov 10–16, 2025)Week-on-Week Change1Malaysia86,386–3.94%2China76,147+2.16%3India53,536–3.48%4Russia49,633+4.89%5South Korea31,094+15.98%
The performance of these markets clearly illustrates the growing interest in Thailand, particularly from short-haul markets like South Korea, where winter holidays have encouraged more people to travel. Additionally, despite a slight dip in arrivals from Malaysia and India, both markets continue to maintain a solid presence in the country’s tourism industry.
Outlook for the Remainder of 2025
Looking ahead, Thailand’s tourism industry is expected to continue its positive trajectory in the coming months, fueled by a series of key factors:
Public Holidays in Japan: The consecutive public holidays in Japan are likely to contribute to an increase in travel demand from Japanese tourists, who have consistently been a major source of visitors to Thailand.Peak-Season Travel: The high season in Thailand typically sees a surge in foreign arrivals, as travelers from both short- and long-haul markets flock to the country for its warm climate, festive atmosphere, and rich cultural offerings.Government Initiatives: Thailand’s government has been proactive in making travel easier through measures like the removal of the TM6 arrival card, which should help streamline the entry process for international visitors.Increased Airline Capacity: With more flights scheduled and additional airline capacity, international tourists will have greater accessibility to Thailand, making it even easier to travel to the Kingdom.The Role of Government Measures and Airline Capacity
The government’s “Ease of Travelling” initiative has played a vital role in facilitating the inflow of tourists by removing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a hassle-free destination. Additionally, the removal of the TM6 arrival card is expected to ease the entry process and reduce wait times at immigration, making Thailand more attractive to tourists from around the globe.
Furthermore, airlines have been increasing their capacity to meet the growing demand, with additional flights to key markets. This boost in air connectivity will make Thailand an even more accessible destination for travelers.
In 2025, Thailand’s tourism industry has proven its resilience, overcoming challenges posed by global uncertainties. The country has maintained strong performances in foreign arrivals, bolstered by key markets such as Malaysia, China, India, Russia, and South Korea. As the country continues to recover and thrive, the combination of government measures, increased airline capacity, and growing demand from short- and long-haul markets positions Thailand as a prime destination for global travelers in the years to come.
South Korea joins with China, Malaysia, India, and Russia, has played a key role in accelerating Thailand’s tourism growth in 2025, contributing to a record 28.3 million foreign arrivals between January and November. This influx has boosted the country’s tourism revenue to an all-time high of 1.308 trillion baht, driving its remarkable recovery despite global challenges.
Thailand’s ability to attract visitors despite setbacks underscores its enduring appeal, and as the high season kicks in, the country is poised to exceed expectations once again, driving further economic growth and reinforcing its status as one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism hubs.
