Thailand Tourism Statistics

Published 6 Aug 2024Updated 18 Jun 2025

Published 6 Aug 2024 · Updated 18 Jun 2025

Thailand, also known as the “Kingdom of Thailand,” is a place with a variety of Buddhist temples, magnificent islands, and diverse wildlife.

How many tourists visit Thailand every year?

In 2024, 32.40 million international tourists visited Thailand, ranking it as one of the most visited countries in the world1.

  • Tourist arrivals grew from 2014 to 2019, reaching 39.92 million visitors in 2019 – marking the highest number of international tourists Thailand had ever received.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused an 83.21% decrease in tourist arrivals, a drop of 33.22 million, resulting in only 6.7 million visitors.
  • The global pandemic worsened visitor numbers, and as a result, tourist numbers fell by another 6.27 million, bringing the total down to just 430,000 visitors.
  • Tourism began recovering in 2022, with 9.80 million arrivals. This more than doubled in 2023 to 28.15 million, and rose further to 32.40 million in 2024.
Bar chart of international visitors to Thailand each year from 2014 to 2024, peaking at 39.92 million in 2019, falling to 0.43 million in 2021 and recovering to 32.40 million in 2024
How many people visit Thailand every year?

How many visitors did Thailand welcome in 2025?

Over 12.09 million foreign tourists visited Thailand in the first four months of 2025, a slight 0.26% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Despite the decline, tourism revenue increased by 5.24% year-on-year, reaching 576.85 billion baht.

  • In April 2025, which included the Songkran Festival, 2.54 million international tourists arrived in Thailand, marking a 7.6% drop from April 2024. Malaysia overtook China as the top source of visitors that month.
Monthly Visitors in Thailand 2025
MonthMonthly Visitor
Jan3,709,102
Feb3,119,445
Mar2,720,457
Apr2,547,116

How many visitors did Thailand welcome in 2024?

  • In 2024, 32.40 million tourists visited Thailand, up 15.1% from 2023. However, this is still 18.8% below the 2019 peak of 39.92 million.

How much do tourists spend in Thailand each year?

In 2024, a total of $42.7 billion was spent by international tourists while visiting Thailand.

  • From 2017 to 2019, Thailand’s tourism revenue saw steady growth, increasing from $52.4 billion to a peak of $59.8 billion2.
  • In 2020 tourist spending decreased to $13.4 billion as travel restrictions halted international tourism.
  • Thailand has since shown signs of recovery with revenue increasing to $14.9 billion in 2022. This increased further in 2023 with $29.7 billion.
  • In 2024, international tourism revenue continued to grow, reaching $42.7 billion, a 43.8% increase from 2023 and 71.4% of the 2019 peak.
Bar chart of total international tourist spending in Thailand each year from 2017 to 2024, peaking at $59.8 billion in 2019 and reaching $42.7 billion in 2024
How much do tourists spend in Thailand?

How much do tourists spend in Thailand in 2024

International tourists spent a total of $42.7 billion while visiting Thailand in 2024.

  • This represents a 43.8% increase from $29.7 billion in 2023, reflecting strong growth in travel demand. However, spending remained 28.6% below the pre-pandemic peak of $59.8 billion recorded in 2019.

How much money does Thailand make from tourism?

Total revenue in 2023 was estimated at 1.2 trillion baht (about $35 billion).

  • Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailand’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing employment opportunities across various sectors related to travel and hospitality.

How much does it cost to visit Thailand?

In 2024, international tourists spent an average of 5,690 baht per day, approximately $160 USD while visiting Thailand.

This daily cost typically covers accommodation, meals, local transport, activities, and shopping. Based on this:

  • A 1-week trip would cost approximately $1,120 USD
  • A 10-day trip would average around $1,600 USD
  • A 2-week trip could cost about $2,240 USD

Actual expenses vary by travel style, but Thailand remains a great value destination for all budgets, from backpackers to luxury travelers.

Which countries visit Thailand the most?

  • In 2024, Thailand hosted 6.73 million tourists from China, 4.95 million from Malaysia, 2.13 million from India, 1.75 million from Russia, and 1.01 million from Singapore, illustrating diverse regional and international tourism influences.
  • These five countries represented approximately 50.2% of Thailand’s total 32.40 million international tourist arrivals for the year3.
Horizontal bar chart of the top inbound tourism markets in Thailand in 2024, led by China with 6.73 million visits, Malaysia with 4.95 million and India with 2.13 million
Top Inbound Tourism Markets in Thailand (2024)

What is the number of tourists expected to visit Thailand in 2025?

  • Thailand is forecast to attract between 36 and 40 million international tourists in 2025, according to projections from the Center for Research Kasikorn (KResearch) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports4.
  • These visitors are anticipated to contribute significantly to the economy, with expected revenues reaching 2.3 trillion THB (approximately $65 billion)5.
  • As visitors of Thailand is increasing, overtourism started in 2018 in Thailand, particularly in Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay seeing up to 6,000 daily visitors, causing severe strain on these destinations, as reported by the International Journal of Tourism City (IJTC)

How long do tourists spend in Thailand?

  • In 2024, visitors spent an average of just over 9 days in Thailand6.
  • Swedish tourists have the longest visits, with an average stay of 19 days.
  • On the other hand, Malaysian tourists have the shortest visits, averaging just under 5 days.

When is the best time of year to visit Thailand?

The ideal time to visit Thailand is from November to early April when the weather is cooler and drier. Here’s why this period is perfect:

  • Weather: Temperatures range between 29°C and 34°C (84°F to 93°F), with lower humidity, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
  • Crowds: This is peak tourist season, particularly around Christmas and New Year, so booking in advance is recommended.
  • Activities: It’s perfect for beach trips, sightseeing, and experiencing festivals. Notably, Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated in April, offers a vibrant cultural highlight.

When are the peak tourist months in Thailand?

  • December is the busiest month of the year, with 3.63 million visitors, driven by Christmas and New Year holidays, along with Thailand’s cool and dry season, which is ideal for travel.
  • February welcomed 3.35 million visitors, boosted by the Chinese New Year, drawing large numbers of tourists from East Asia, combined with pleasant weather across the country.
  • November saw 3.15 million visitors, marking the start of Thailand’s high season. The Loy Krathong festival and cooler temperatures made it a popular month for cultural and scenic travel.
  • July recorded 3.10 million visitors, as international school holidays and summer vacations brought in families and tourists, despite the rainy season in some regions.
  • January attracted 3.04 million visitors, benefiting from the post-holiday travel wave and comfortable winter weather, making it ideal for beach destinations and outdoor exploration.
Bar chart of monthly tourist arrivals in Thailand in 2024, with December highest at 3.63 million and September lowest at 2.52 million; the five peak months are highlighted in dark blue
Monthly Tourists Arrival in Thailand (2024)

Why do tourists visit Thailand?

Tourists visit Thailand for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and affordable travel. The country offers:

  • Beautiful islands and coastline like Phuket and Krabi
  • Historic temples and cultural festivals such as Songkran
  • World-famous Thai cuisine
  • Budget-friendly options for all travel styles
  • Adventure activities including diving, trekking, and rock climbing

More Statistics

What are the best beaches to visit in Thailand?

  • Ao Nang Beach in Krabi serves as a vibrant base for island-hopping tours and coastal adventures. It attracted over 2 million visitors in 2024.
  • Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh) is renowned for its iconic cliffs and turquoise waters, famously featured in The Beach. It welcomed approximately 1.8 million visitors in 2024.
  • Railay Beach in Krabi is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and secluded charm. The beach hosted around 1.2 million visitors in 2024.
  • Lamai Beach on Koh Samui offers a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of beach bars and natural beauty. It received roughly 750,000 visitors in 2024.
  • White Sand Beach on Koh Chang is a family-friendly destination with soft sand and calm waters. It saw about 600,000 visitors in 2024.

Best Time to Visit Thailand Beaches

The best time to visit Thailand’s beaches is between November and April, when the weather is generally dry, sunny, and warm—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping.

When to Avoid:

October to December brings heavier rains so plan accordingly.

Places to visit in Thailand

  • Bangkok: Known for its cosmopolitan feel and vibrant street life, Bangkok offers a mix of modernity and history. The capital hosted 22.78 million visitors in 20237.
  • Phuket is popular for itsmany caves, waterfalls, national parks, and beautiful beaches. The province attracts 9.89 million visitors annually.
  • Pattaya is also on the list of top destinations with 9.44 million annual visitors. It offers stunning temples and shrines, inviting tourists to explore its rich cultural heritage.

References

  1. Thailand Tourism Statistics · nationthailand.com ↑
  2. UN Tourism (UNWTO) Tourism Statistics Database · unwto.org ↑
  3. Inbound Tourism Statistics of Thailand — International tourism, number of arrivals (ST.INT.ARVL) · data.worldbank.org ↑
  4. 2024 Inbound Tourism Visitor Forecast (K-Econ Analysis CIS3468) · kasikornresearch.com ↑
  5. 2024 Tourism Revenue Forecast — Ministry of Tourism and Sports (Thailand) · mots.go.th ↑
  6. Thailand Average Stay of Visitors — Tourism Authority of Thailand · tat.or.th ↑
  7. Bangkok crowned world's most visited city in 2023 by Mastercard · benoitproperties.com ↑