Thailand tourist arrivals are close to 25 million for the year so far, but they are still behind 2025. Ministry figures show 24.9 million foreign arrivals from 1 January to 24 October, down 4.43%. The long-haul markets are picking up. China is not. And some long-haul guests are not arriving at all because of visa delays. For hotel owners and revenue managers, the next ten weeks of high season will decide whether 2026 ends flat or clearly down.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrivals, 1 Jan to 24 Oct | 24,925,645, down 4.43% |
| Visitor spending | About THB 1.21tn |
| Week of 18 to 24 Oct | 501,965, up 2.99% week on week |
| Daily average that week | 71,709 |
| Long-haul that week | 199,954, up 12.03% |
| Short-haul that week | 302,011, down 2.24% |
| Top markets so far | China 4.19m, Malaysia 3.16m, India 1.88m, Russia 1.37m, South Korea 912,597 |
| 2025 full year | 32.97m, down 7.23% |
| Visa proposal | 15-day visa-free for Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan, to committee on 9 Nov |
What happened
The tourism ministry’s latest weekly figures show 24,925,645 foreign arrivals this year to 24 October. That is 4.43% fewer than a year ago. Visitors spent about THB 1.21tn.
The latest week was better. Arrivals rose 2.99% to 501,965. Long-haul markets grew 12.03%. Short-haul fell 2.24%, and China dropped 24.17% on the week before.
Visas are the new problem. Emirates has reported dozens of no-shows per flight on its Mexico routes, as passengers fail to get visas in time. Show-up rates on some flights are down 20% to 30%, and some tour operators are moving packages to Vietnam. Uzbek travellers have to route e-visa applications through the Thai embassy in Russia. Arrivals from Saudi Arabia are down nearly 40%, and the Middle East is expected to send 600,000 to 700,000 visitors this year, against more than 800,000 in 2025.
The government will consider 15-day visa-free entry for Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan at the Visa Policy Committee on 9 November. Nothing is approved yet.
Our read
The full-year number is now a high-season question. Our calculation: at last week’s pace of about 71,700 a day, Thailand would end the year near 29.8 million. Reaching 31.4 million, the figure KResearch has used, needs about 95,000 a day from now to 31 December. That is about a third more than last week. High season normally brings a lift, but China will not supply it.
Spending per visitor is about THB 48,500 so far this year, by our calculation. The mix is moving towards long-haul markets, India and Russia. Long-haul guests tend to stay longer, which helps resorts most.
The visa story matters more than its size. Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan are small markets. But a lost booking goes to a competitor, often Vietnam. If the committee approves visa-free entry on 9 November, the effect will show in 2027, not this year.
What it means for you
1. Resort owners in Phuket, Samui and Krabi
Long-haul is your growth market this winter. Protect rate for December and January rather than discounting early.
2. Bangkok hotels
China weakness hits the city harder. Lean on India, the Middle East and events. See our Bangkok hotel market review for Q3 2026.
3. Revenue managers
Watch no-shows on group and tour bookings from visa markets. Tighten deposits and release dates.
4. Owners of weaker hotels
A flat year adds pressure on hotels already struggling. Our report on Thailand hotel closures in 2026 shows where that pressure is landing.
FAQ
How many tourists visited Thailand in 2026 so far?
24,925,645 foreign arrivals from 1 January to 24 October, down 4.43% on last year.
Which countries send the most tourists to Thailand?
China, Malaysia, India, Russia and South Korea, in that order so far this year.
Is Thailand bringing back visa-free entry?
For Mexico, Colombia and Uzbekistan, a 15-day visa-free proposal goes to the Visa Policy Committee on 9 November. It has not been approved.
Will Thailand reach 2025’s arrivals?
Unlikely. 2025 had 32.97 million. By our calculation, even reaching about 31 million needs a strong high season.
