Boom in arrivals in Thailand: the 5 countries that send the most tourists

Thailand has welcomed more than 4.18 million foreign tourists between January 1 and February 8, according to the latest official figures.

China regains the top spot among emitting markets, ahead of Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea, confirming a significant rebound in arrivals at the start of the year.

Thailand surpasses 4 million arrivals in five weeks

Tourists in an airport. Photo: Bangkok Post

In an update published on February 10, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports stated:

« Thailand recorded 4,185,291 foreign tourist arrivals, a decrease of 10.77% (compared to 2025), generating approximately 207,066 million baht in revenue from international visitor spending. »

Although the total remains lower than the same period last year, the absolute level of arrivals remains high and demonstrates a strong intensity of tourist flows.

The five main source markets (from January 1 to February 8)

1. China — 569,987
2. Malaysia — 377,860
3. Russia — 340,618
4. India — 285,767
5. South Korea — 207,357

China leads, driven by a continuous dynamic

Chinese tourists in Pattaya. Photo: South China Morning Post

Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports, stated that the preliminary assessment shows that the cumulative number of arrivals between January 1 and February 8 exceeded 4 million.

She added that Chinese arrivals have increased significantly over the past week, ranking first and increasing for more than five consecutive weeks, thanks to government measures to stimulate travel.

She also mentioned a change in the behavior of Chinese tourists, with some abandoning Japan in favor of South Korea and ASEAN countries.

The ministry noted that long-haul travel has also increased, thanks to the rise in the number of visitors from Europe and the Americas.

Nearly 800,000 arrivals in one week

A tourist walks in turquoise water facing karst islets in southern Thailand.

In total, for the week of February 2-8, Thailand recorded 796,978 international arrivals, an increase of 34,586, or 4.54%, compared to the previous week, with an average of 113,854 arrivals per day.

The five main source markets (from February 2 to 8)

1. China — 151,988 (up 30.45% from the previous week)
2. Malaysia — 62,745 (down 20.91%)
3. Russia — 58,945 (up 1.30%)
4. India — 48,396 (up 1.70%)
5. South Korea — 33,811 (down 7.64%)

Measures that promote arrivals

An airplane flying over tourists on a Phuket beach.

For the following week, the ministry expects a further increase in arrivals, supported by various factors, including:

• Long-haul travel promotion measures.
• The “Trusted Thailand” initiative aimed at promoting the country's safety image.
• Government measures to facilitate travel to Thailand.
• Exemption from TM.6 (arrival/departure card).
• Efforts to encourage airlines to increase flight frequency.

Two events expected this month, Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year, are also expected to support tourist arrivals in February.

See also:

Thailand 2026: The silent end of “visa runs” has already begun

Thailand: tourism index falls, weighed down by floods and strong baht

Tourism: Thailand on alert as Vietnam rises in power

The baht too strong threatens Thai tourism and exports

Thailand: what the tourism figures reveal in 2025

Source: The Nation Thailand