On January 31st, 2025, Mr. Poonpong Nainapakorn, the director of the Commerce Ministry's Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported that Thailand welcomed 35.54 million foreign tourists in 2024, marking a 26.27% increase from the previous year and generating 1.67 trillion baht in revenue, a 34% rise.
National —
Poonpong highlighted tourism as a key economic driver, supporting businesses from hospitality to transport. However, challenges such as economic downturns in source countries, public health risks, and infrastructure readiness remain critical factors affecting growth.
The top five tourist markets were China (6.73 million), Malaysia (4.95 million), India (2.13 million), South Korea (1.87 million), and Russia (1.75 million). While Chinese arrivals are recovering, they remain at only 60.45% of pre-pandemic levels.
Factors boosting tourism included increased international demand, visa exemptions, simplified entry procedures, reduced TM6 requirements, and expanded flight routes. However, most arrivals came from short-haul markets, where average spending and length of stay remain relatively low.
Officials suggest targeting high-spending segments such as wellness and event tourism to drive further economic gains.
Tourism's contribution to Thailand's GDP in Q3 2024 was 650.95 billion baht, accounting for 14.16% of the economy. The Commerce Ministry pledged continued support for tourism businesses and soft power initiatives to attract more visitors and sustain long-term growth.
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