The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has released the latest statistics on international tourist arrivals in Thailand during the first four months of 2025 (January 1 – April 30). During this period, Thailand welcomed a total of 12,096,120 international tourists, generating over 603,947 million Thai Baht in revenue.

International Tourist Traveling To Thailand

According to data from January–April 2025, top 5 countries with the highest number of tourist arrivals to Thailand are as follows: 

1. China – 1,648,647 visitors

Proportion of tourists from China remains the largest, accounting for nearly 14% of total arrivals during the first four months of 2025. 

2. Malaysia – 1,516,132 visitors

Visitors from Malaysia often visit Thailand either on a one-day trip or short overnight stay, primarily via highways through Hat Yai and Songkhla.

3. Russia – 877,516 visitors

Tourists from Russia, primarily in the premium travel segment, tend to travel in Andaman coastal destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga.

4. India – 750,056 visitors

Visitors from India often travel as families or couples, with Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya being their preferred destinations.

5. South Korea – 582,385 visitors

South Korean tourists, making up approximately 5% of total arrivals, commonly visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, particularly during the high season.

Collectively, tourists from these five countries accounted for around 44% of all international arrivals during January–April 2025.

Top 10 Thai Destinations Most-Visited By Foreign Tourists

The following ten provinces were the most visited by international tourists during the first four months of 2025:

1. Bangkok – 8,821,344 visitors (31%) Bangkok is a hub for retail, cultural attractions, and offers convenient transportation.

2. Chonburi – 4,015,255 visitors (14%) Home to Pattaya, known for its beaches, marine activities, and vibrant nightlife.

3. Phuket – 3,598,757 visitors (13%) A major island destination in the Andaman Sea, renowned for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and comprehensive tourism services.

4. Surat Thani – 1,499,423 visitors (5%) A paradise for divers and the gateway to popular islands such as Samui, Phangan, and Tao.

5. Songkhla – 1,350,142 visitors (5%) A border province with a blend of Thai-Malaysian cultures, featuring Samila Beach, birdwatching, and marine activities.

6. Chiang Mai – 1,239,374 visitors (4%) A northern city known for ancient temples, Lanna architecture, lantern festivals, and cool climate.

7. Krabi – 1,237,353 visitors (4%) A destination for nature lovers, famous for Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and excellent diving spots.

8. Phang Nga – 950,675 visitors (3%) Home to Ao Phang Nga National Park, Khao Lak beaches renowned for surfing, and iconic destinations such as James Bond Island (Koh Ta Pu), and Similan Islands.

9. Ayutthaya – 736,208 visitors (3%) A UNESCO World Heritage City with historical ruins and temples.

10. Nong Khai – 379,691 visitors (1%) A Mekong riverside province that serves as a cultural link and a gateway between Thailand and Laos.

These ten provinces together accounted for more than 83% of all international tourist arrivals to Thailand during the January to April of 2025.

Top 10 Provinces With The Highest Tourism Revenue From International Visitors

In terms of revenue generated from international visitors from January to April 2025, the top ten provinces are as follows:

1. Bangkok – 220.70 billion baht (37%) The capital remains the top revenue-generating destination due to high tourist spending on accommodation, luxury goods, and various services.

2. Phuket – 174.92 billion baht (29%) A premium destination attracting high-spending tourists who reside in luxury hotels, enjoy fine dining, and marine activities. 

3. Chonburi – 81.55 billion baht (14%) Pattaya continues to appeal as a beach resort town with major spendings on entertainment, water sports, and fresh seafood.

4. Surat Thani – 37.07 billion baht (6%) Islands such as Samui and Phangan have five-star resorts cater to travelers with mid- to high-budget. 

5. Krabi – 24.42 billion baht (4%) Numerous world-renowned natural wonders contribute to a high average spending per visitor.

6. Chiang Mai – 15.43 billion baht (3%) Known for cultural experiences, local cuisine, and nature tourism. The majority of spending is in hostels, boutique hotels, and handicrafts.

7. Phang Nga – 15.43 billion baht (3%) James Bond Island and nearby attractions draw tourism revenue from one-day trips and diving tours.

8. Songkhla – 9.31 billion baht (2%) Coastal tourism and cross-border trade with Malaysia contribute to tourism revenue.

9. Prachuap Khiri Khan – 2.79 billion baht (1%) Hua Hin, a classic and serene resort town, gains revenue through resorts and restaurants appealing to international visitors. 

10. Rayong – 2.53 billion baht (1%) Although not a primary destination, its revenue came from nature-based tourism, fruit orchards, and coastal retreats.

Together, these ten provinces accounted for more than 98% of the total 603.95 billion baht in tourism revenue, reflecting high volume of revenue from major tourist destinations.

In early 2025, Bangkok continued as the primary destination for international tourists in terms of both arrivals and revenue. Phuket, despite hosting fewer visitors than Bangkok, generated 29% of the country’s total tourism revenue—highlighting its appeal to high-spending travelers.

Popular destinations were spread across southern and northern Thailand, including Surat Thani, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. Emerging secondary provinces like Nong Khai and Ayutthaya also gained popularity, especially among tourists seeking cultural and nature-based experiences.

Major tourism trends in Thailand include the rebound of tourists from China and India, the growth of high-value tourism, and ongoing improvement on infrastructure to support travel and transportation to the secondary provinces. These developments align with the strategic direction for sustainable tourism, which aims to enhance the long-term value and tourism resilience.