According to data released by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand from January 1 to May 18, 2025, dropped by 1.75% compared to the same period last year. During this period, approximately 13.4 million foreign tourists visited Thailand. China remained the largest source market, with 1.83 million Chinese tourists arriving in Thailand.
Several factors have contributed to the decline in foreign tourist arrivals. One significant reason is the global economic slowdown, which has affected travel budgets and plans for many potential visitors. Additionally, recent natural disasters, such as earthquakes, have also had a negative impact on tourism.
The Thai government is concerned about this trend and is taking measures to address the situation. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha has called for a meeting with tourism officials to discuss strategies to boost tourism. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has also been instructed to develop measures to attract more Chinese tourists, recognizing China’s importance as a key source market.