The robust spending trends indicate a positive recovery in a post-pandemic era. Consequently, this maintains the position of Thailand as a preferred travel destination.
Thailand remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. According to the latest data from Visa, it still sits in a good position in terms of cross-border travel spending. Tourists keep returning in significant numbers as they travel across the globe with growing spending confidence.
Inbound Tourism Surge for Thailand
According to Visa, tourist spending in Thailand jumped 26 percent year-on-year during the first two months of 2025. Notably, travelers from the UK and France led this surge.
Moreover, spending wasn’t limited to luxury alone. Tourists spent significantly on accommodation, restaurants, retail goods, healthcare, and groceries.
Bangkok, Phuket, and Chonburi emerged as top Thailand destinations for spending. Additionally, Samut Prakan and Surat Thani saw considerable increases.
Interestingly, Chonburi and Chiang Mai reported major growth in quick-service restaurant sales. This trend peaked during the Lunar New Year, signaling a shifting traveler preference for fastfood.
Outbound Spending Expands
On the flip side, Thailand travelers are venturing abroad more than ever. In particular, Japan remains their top international destination. However, Visa reported a triple-digit growth in Thai spending in Mainland China.
Besides Japan, Thais also favored Hong Kong, the UK, South Korea, and France. Furthermore, their spending patterns revealed strong interest in department stores and fashion. Other notable spending categories included restaurants, retail goods, and accommodations.
Overall, travelers in Thailand are embracing new experiences and spending freely across global hotspots. Consequently, this indicates a burgeoning international travel industry.
Affluent Growth in Thailand
Within Thailand, domestic spending also shows a healthy trend. In particular, emerging affluent and affluent Thai consumers are driving this upward momentum. Specifically, healthcare, home improvement supplies, and retail goods are gaining attention for face-to-face spending.
Meanwhile, restaurants, fuel, and groceries continue to see strong domestic demand. In addition, spending on professional services and education has grown notably. This trend reflects a rising middle class willing to invest in quality and convenience.
As more Thais travel and spend domestically, economic benefits ripple across the country. Therefore, the travel and service industries are seeing a wave of renewed activity.
Thailand’s Role in Travel Trends
Thailand now holds a dual role in global travel spending. It is both a top destination and a major source of outbound tourists. With growing inbound interest and affluent Thai consumers driving spending at home and abroad, the future looks promising.
“Thailand remains one of the world’s top travel destinations, and we are pleased to see continued growth in tourist visits,” remarked Visa Thailand Country Manager, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa.
“Our data insights enable us to collaborate with our partners to offer relevant benefits to our cardholders, ensuring a seamless and secure experience when they travel and pay with Visa,” he added.
Overall, Visa’s data highlights Thailand’s strategic value in global tourism. Not only does it attract high-spending visitors, but it also contributes significantly to international markets. As travel rebounds post-pandemic, Thailand’s economy is set to benefit from both ends.
Photo by CardMapr.nl on Unsplash
