13.06 million Thai travellers spent record 559bn baht abroad in 2025

Thai outbound traveller numbers reached a record 13.06 million in 2025, up 11.4% from 2024, while overseas spending hit an all-time high of 559 billion baht. China was the most popular destination. The destination figures show how affordability, transport connections and confidence about entry requirements can influence travel decisions, alongside the attractions themselves. Spending also varied considerably, with longer stays helping make the United Kingdom a much higher-spending destination per trip than the leading Asian markets.

Which five countries attracted the most Thai travellers in 2025?

China headed the 2025 ranking, accounting for nearly a quarter of Thai outbound travel. The five leading destinations in the Bnomics figures were:

1. China: 3.06 million Thai visitors, spending more than 120.253 billion baht. Average expenditure was 39,317 baht per trip, or 5,670 baht per day, with an average stay of 6.9 days.
2. Malaysia: 1.72 million Thai visitors, spending approximately 33.381 billion baht. Average expenditure was 19,407 baht per trip, or 4,652 baht per day, with an average stay of 4.2 days.
3. Laos: More than 1.44 million Thai visitors, spending approximately 22.057 billion baht. Average expenditure was 15,313 baht per trip, or 4,229 baht per day, with an average stay of 3.6 days.
4. Japan: More than 1.23 million Thai visitors, spending approximately 63.269 billion baht. Average expenditure was 51,558 baht per trip, or 7,902 baht per day, with an average stay of 6.5 days.
5. United Kingdom: More than 492,000 Thai visitors, up 39.7% from the previous year, spending more than 64.627 billion baht. Average expenditure was 131,089 baht per trip, or 9,619 baht per day, with an average stay of 13.6 days.

Source: Bangkok Bank's Bnomics Research 

Visa-free access and transport links strengthen Asian destinations

China’s appeal combines easier entry with value for money. The permanent Thailand–China visa-waiver agreement, which took effect in March 2024, reduced the cost, time and paperwork involved in preparing a trip.

Analysis identifies China’s extensive transport network and varied attractions as further advantages, ranging from major cities and historic destinations to natural landscapes and snowy destinations. Average spending by Thai visitors per trip in China was about 24% lower than in Japan in 2025, strengthening China’s position beyond the benefits of visa-free travel alone.

Malaysia benefits from proximity and a shared border with Thailand, giving travellers a choice of journeys by car, coach, train or plane. Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru serve as both tourism destinations and transport hubs, making accessibility an important part of Malaysia’s competitive appeal.

Laos also benefits from relatively low costs, proximity and established links with Thailand. The Laos–China Railway, which opened in 2021, has shortened journeys from Vientiane to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, while providing connections onwards to southern China. Better connections reduce the time tourists spend travelling and create opportunities beyond trade and logistics.

Japan and the UK attract higher spending per trip

Japan generated substantially more spending from Thai visitors in 2025 than either Malaysia or Laos, despite receiving fewer travellers. This was attributed to Japan’s appeals for its scenery, food, culture, shopping, cleanliness, safety and transport system, which make independent travel straightforward.

For Japan, the figures point to the value generated by each visitor as well as the number of arrivals. Thai travellers’ willingness to pay more for those experiences helps explain Japan’s stronger spending performance relative to the other leading Asian destinations.

The United Kingdom’s much higher average spending per trip in 2025 partly reflected longer stays. Travel for leisure, education and visits to relatives contributed to demand, indicating that the recovery in Thai outbound travel extended beyond nearby or lower-cost destinations to long-haul markets.

South Korea falls to 13th as Thai visitor numbers decline

South Korea ranked 13th among Thai outbound destinations in 2025, with visitor numbers falling 13.8% from the previous year to 328,000. Before the pandemic, more than 559,000 Thai travellers visited South Korea in 2019.

Analysis links the decline partly to uncertainty surrounding entry checks. South Korea retains its appeal through food, culture, K-pop and tourist attractions, but concerns about unauthorised employment by Thai nationals have led to stricter immigration screening, while cases of Thai tourists being refused entry have attracted attention in Thailand.

For travellers considering South Korea, uncertainty about admission creates a financial and practical risk after flights and hotels have been booked and leave arranged. Some travellers may therefore choose destinations where entry feels more predictable.

For Thailand’s tourism industry, the analysis draws attention to the entire visitor experience: finding information, booking flights, clearing immigration, using local transport, making payments and accessing services during a trip. Attracting visitors also depends on whether the journey feels straightforward, reassuring and worth both the money and time involved, giving travellers a reason to return.