Over a million Indians visited Kingdom last year

Over a million Indians visited Kingdom last year

Thailand is experiencing a significant surge in Indian tourist arrivals, with over 2 million Indian visitors in 2024, more than doubling from approximately 951,000 in 2022. This growth can be attributed to several key factors and strategic initiatives employed by Thailand to attract more Indian travelers.

Indian travelers are increasingly seeking transformative experiences during their trips, and Thailand's combination of cultural familiarity, affordability, and popular tourist attractions has proven to be a winning formula. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been instrumental in fostering these ties, with Pattaronong Na Chiangmai, the Deputy Governor for International Marketing at TAT, playing a pivotal role.

Improved air connectivity has played a significant part in this growth. Between June and July 2025, available seats on flights between India and Thailand increased by over 30% annually, making India Thailand's second-largest international air passenger market. This increased connectivity has facilitated easier and more frequent travel for Indians.

Thailand's tourism recovery post-pandemic has also been bolstered, with India emerging as a leading source market to offset declines elsewhere, such as the drop in Chinese tourists. The surge aligns with broader trends of a rising Indian middle class with increasing disposable income and demand for international travel.

To attract even more Indian travelers, Thailand is employing various strategies. These include expanding flight capacity and air connectivity, targeted marketing and promotional campaigns, focusing on diverse experiences, leveraging India-Thailand cultural and tourism ties, addressing sustainability and security concerns, and supporting domestic tourism to offset market fluctuations.

The "Asean-India Forum", held from July 22 to 25 in Bangkok, was a testament to Thailand's commitment to strengthening tourism ties. The forum's theme, "Journey of Opportunities: Ignite Indian Travel to ASEAN", brought together distinguished guests, including Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand, and representatives from Malaysia and other ASEAN countries.

Santosh Kumar, country head for the Indian sub-continent and Indonesia at Booking.com, highlighted the enthusiasm of Indian travelers, stating that they are eager to explore new destinations. Mr. Kumar suggested that hospitality businesses could attract more Indian tourists by offering value-added deals such as last-minute promotions.

In 2024, Thailand placed India among its top three inbound markets for tourism, underscoring the critical role India plays in Thailand’s tourism recovery and growth. With continued strategic investments in flight capacity, traveler experience customization, and bilateral cooperation, Thailand is poised to attract even more Indian tourists in the coming years.

1. The surge in Indian tourist arrivals in Thailand, with over 2 million visitors in 2024, can be attributed not only to improved air connectivity but also to the country's lifestyle offerings that cater to the growing demand of Indian travelers seeking transformative experiences.
2. Given the rising Indian middle class with increasing disposable income and demand for international travel, Thailand's political and general news landscapes, alongside tourism recovery post-pandemic, have played significant roles in attracting even more Indian tourists, as the country competes with other destinations for travelers' interests.

Read also: