India surpasses China, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia to secure second place for…
India has made remarkable strides in the international air travel market to Thailand, surpassing countries like China, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia to claim second place in the summer of 2025. This shift represents a significant change in the balance of global travel power, with various factors contributing to India’s newfound status. Thailand’s relaxed visa policies for Indian visitors, coupled with collaborative marketing efforts between the two countries, have played a crucial role in attracting more Indian tourists to Thailand. Additionally, the growing middle class in India has led to an increase in outbound travel, providing a substantial boost to the number of available seats between India and Thailand, which now stands at over 2.2 million.
Prior to the pandemic, India ranked as the sixth-largest international air travel market for Thailand. However, by the summer of 2025, India had surpassed key regional markets to become the second-largest source of air travelers to Thailand. The number of available seats between the two countries saw a significant increase of over 30% in June and July compared to the previous year, solidifying India’s position as a key player in Thailand’s tourism sector.
In contrast, China, once the largest contributor to Thailand’s international travel market, experienced a notable decline in the number of available seats in 2025. The reduction in Chinese tourism had economic repercussions for Thailand, which heavily relies on international visitors. However, the surge in Indian tourists helped offset the impact of decreased Chinese travelers, offering a lifeline to Thailand’s tourism industry.
Several factors have fueled India’s rapid growth in Thailand’s tourism market, including simplified visa policies, joint marketing campaigns, and the rise of India’s middle class. Thailand’s efforts to streamline visa procedures for Indian nationals have made travel more accessible, while collaborative marketing initiatives have raised awareness of Thailand’s diverse travel offerings. The expanding middle class in India has also contributed to the surge in outbound tourism, with more people able to afford international vacations, making Thailand an attractive and affordable destination for leisure travel.
While India has demonstrated significant growth, other countries in the region have seen more modest increases in travel to Thailand. Vietnam reported a 21% rise in travel year-over-year, while Taiwan and Japan experienced smaller, single-digit increases in available seats. On the other hand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea witnessed declines in seat capacity, highlighting the evolving travel dynamics in Asia.
Despite the challenges posed by a decline in Chinese travel, Thailand’s tourism sector has shown resilience, thanks to the influx of visitors from India, the UAE, Japan, and other markets. By mid-June 2025, Thailand had welcomed over one million Indian tourists, marking a significant milestone in the country’s post-pandemic recovery efforts. Looking ahead, the strong growth in travel between India and Thailand is expected to continue, fostering greater economic and bilateral ties between the two nations. India’s ascent as the largest source of international air travelers to Thailand signifies a new era of tourism between the two countries, driven by increased cooperation, marketing strategies, and the shifting dynamics of the travel industry.