BANGKOK, May 19th, 2025 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is forecasting a surge in tourist arrivals this year, with Europe expected to lead the influx, according to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
In a recent statement, the TAT chief expressed optimism about the country’s tourism recovery, projecting substantial growth in visitor numbers for 2025. The anticipated increase is largely attributed to a strong rebound in European travelers.
“Europe remains a key market for us,” Thapanee said. “We’re seeing a growing appetite for travel among Europeans, and Thailand is well-positioned to capture this demand with our unique offerings and strategic promotions.”
The TAT’s confidence comes on the heels of targeted marketing campaigns and relaxed travel policies, which have improved Thailand’s appeal as a top global destination. The agency expects these efforts, combined with Europe’s increasing interest in long-haul travel, to drive a big recovery in the tourism sector, a critical pillar of Thailand’s economy.
Industry experts predict that the uptick in European visitors will particularly benefit popular destinations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, while also boosting local businesses and job creation. The TAT has yet to release specific projections for visitor numbers from Europe though, and there have been concerns for Chinese tourism as we have noted here at The Pattaya News previously.

Picture: Recent tourist events in Jomtien.