Thailand Tourism Hits Strong Start in 2026!
Thailand welcomed over 1.12 million foreign tourists in just the first 11 days of January 2026, generating approximately 55 billion baht in tourism revenue.
Top 5 Source Countries (Jan 1-11, 2026):
Malaysia - 117,039 visitors
China - 112,204 visitors
Russia - 109,600 visitors
India - 77,455 visitors
South Korea - 55,262 visitors
Key Highlights:
South Korean arrivals jumped 47% from the previous week, moving from 8th to 5th place
Chinese tourists remain the largest group overall
Tourism demand continues strong recovery across all markets
What This Means for Expats:
Expect busier tourist areas especially in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai
Popular attractions and restaurants may have longer wait times
Great networking opportunities with international visitors
Consider visiting tourist spots during weekday mornings for smaller crowds
Thailand's tourism sector is showing remarkable resilience and growth as we start 2026. The diverse mix of visitors from Asia, Europe, and beyond continues to make Thailand one of the world's top travel destinations.
Are you noticing the tourism boom in your area? Share your observations below!