Thailand has set an ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors in 2025, with a special emphasis on drawing in Chinese tourists, said Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents.
Starting in January, visitors to Thailand can apply for an electronic visa through an online system available at all Thai embassies and consulates-general worldwide, ensuring a streamlined application process and convenient online payment options.
Currently, tourists from 93 countries and territories are allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, including those from key markets such as China, India, South Korea and Russia.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country targets at least 7.5 percent growth in its vital tourism industry for 2025, aiming to generate a revenue of 3.4 trillion baht (about 94.16 billion U.S. dollars).
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, explained how visa-free policies and changing travel trends are shaping the future of tourism between China and Thailand and why China remains a critical focus for Thailand's tourism recovery.
"The visa-free policies have made travel more convenient, with Thai tourist visits to China reaching record highs. Last year, 6.7 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand -- about 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels, and below the Thai government's 7 million target. This year, Thailand aims to attract 40 million tourists. To reach that number, the key focus will be China. We're now seeing younger, independent Chinese travelers coming, and I think Thailand's tourism sector must adapt to small-group tourism. We also hope China encourages more group tours and increases flight availability. Thailand has launched the Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 -- a year that also marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties. I see a promising future, and great hope for economic cooperation," the industrial insider said.
Thailand received over 35.54 million foreign tourists in 2024, a rise of 26.27 percent from a year earlier, official data released by the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports showed.
With 6.73 million arrivals, Chinese tourists made up the largest source market for the Southeast Asian country last year, followed by 4.95 million from Malaysia and 2.12 million from India.
Thailand generated approximately 1.67 trillion baht (about 48.45 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue from international tourists in 2024, representing a 34 percent increase from the previous year, the ministry said in a statement.
Thailand's tourism industry sets sights on 40 million visitors in 2025
