South Asian arrivals power Thailand’s strong tourism rebound in 2025

India joins Japan, Uzbekistan, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and others in fast-tracking Thailand’s tourism growth in 2025, contributing to a 22.64% year-on-year rise in visitors.

The strong increase in South Asian travellers, supported by new flight routes and improved connectivity, reflects Thailand’s effective tourism policies and its drive to diversify source markets.

As air links expand and arrivals grow from emerging regions, Thailand is set to remain one of Asia’s top destinations, with momentum expected to boost economic growth through 2025 and beyond.

Thailand’s tourism industry is experiencing a major upswing, driven by a surge in visitors from South Asia, especially India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Between January and November 2025, the country welcomed nearly 29 million tourists, generating about 1.34 trillion baht. Arrivals from India, China, Japan, and South Korea have also risen sharply, with India becoming a key contributor.

Sri Lanka has also added significantly to this surge, recording a strong 22.92% growth rate in arrivals. This rise is supported by enhanced air connectivity and Thailand’s appeal as a safe, convenient, and affordable destination for Sri Lankan travellers.

With India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka sending an average of 535,000 visitors per month, South Asia now accounts for a major share of Thailand’s 2025 tourism performance. The trend is driven by demand for budget-friendly travel options and policies encouraging international tourism.

India has long been one of Thailand’s most important tourism markets. In 2025, the Indian market has grown by 18.34%, with over 535,000 visitors per month arriving from the country. IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has played a significant role by expanding its services to secondary cities in Thailand, including Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, and Hat Yai, to accommodate the rising demand.

Pakistan has seen the highest growth rate in the South Asian region, with a staggering 27.57% increase in visitors traveling to Thailand. Pakistan’s growing middle class and increased affordability have led to greater interest in Thailand as a preferred travel destination.