Thailand Foreign Tourist Arrivals Decline Over 7% Impacting Economy

Thailand's tourism industry is experiencing a downturn in 2025, with foreign tourist arrivals dropping by about 7% compared to the previous year, totaling around 26.25 to 26.89 million visitors. Malaysia remains the largest source of tourists, followed closely by China, despite some short-term surges such as during China's Golden Week. This decline follows ongoing global challenges including economic uncertainties, inflation, disrupted travel routes due to the war in Ukraine, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the downturn, tourism remains a vital part of Thailand's economy, contributing approximately 12% of GDP and supporting over 4.4 million jobs, with strong investments in infrastructure and a growing focus on sustainable and community-based tourism. Travelers are advised to visit certain islands like Koh Lanta before the peak season to enjoy better weather and less crowding, as the tourism sector adapts to changing conditions. The Bank of Thailand and the finance ministry have both revised growth forecasts downward, reflecting the cautious outlook for the recovery pace in the tourism sector.