Domestic tourism in Thailand experiences modest advancement against strong economic challenges
Thailand's Domestic Tourism Sustains Growth in the First Half of 2025
Thailand's domestic tourism sector has shown resilience and recovery during the first half of 2025. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' Tourism and Sports Economics Division, Thai citizens made over 100.23 million domestic trips from January to June, marking a 2.49% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [1][3].
This growth is a testament to the continued public confidence in domestic travel. The sustained growth in the sector occurred despite ongoing economic challenges such as deflation and high household debt [1][3].
Looking ahead, the upcoming long holiday in August, particularly National Mother's Day, is anticipated to be a crucial period for domestic tourism. Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, expressed his optimism, stating that this period is expected to significantly boost domestic travel [2].
Natural and cultural attractions across Thailand are anticipated to remain popular, helping to revitalize the domestic tourism atmosphere and support continued recovery [1][4]. In fact, these attractions have been highly popular among the public, contributing to the revitalization of the domestic travel atmosphere.
The growth in domestic tourism in 2025 builds upon the previous year's figures. In 2024, the cumulative number of domestic trips by Thai tourists reached 198.27 million, marking a 5.33% increase from 188.23 million trips in 2023 [5].
The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, attributes the increase in domestic tourism to the recovery of the industry [6]. This figure, while encouraging, does not include projections for the rest of 2025 [1].
The growth in domestic tourism may indicate a positive trend for the overall tourism industry in Thailand. However, it is important to note that the figures provided do not include international travel or travel by non-Thai citizens [1][2].
References: 1. Thai PBS World 2. Bangkok Post 3. Nation Thailand 4. TAT News 5. Ministry of Tourism and Sports 6. Khaosod English
- The robust growth in Thailand's domestic tourism sector suggests potential positive impacts on the lifestyle and economy, suggesting potential benefits for the broader tourism industry and national healthcare through increased revenue.
- As the domestic tourism industry continues to recover, it could stimulate related sectors such as sport, travel, and leisure, leading to job creation and crafting a healthy economic environment.
- The increasing trend in domestic travel, coupled with anticipated demand during events like National Mother's Day, may influence politicians to prioritize funding for tourism infrastructure improvements and promotion, further bolstering the industry's long-term growth.
