Thailand Tourism in January 2026: Visitor Trends & Key Insights

Thailand Tourism in January 2026: Record Numbers and Fresh Energy

The year 2026 has kicked off with a surge in international travel to Thailand. According to fresh updates from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the country welcomed a whopping 2,625,921 foreign visitors from January 1-25, 2026, generating an estimated 129.9 billion baht in revenue. If you're in Thailand, thinking about visiting, or keeping an eye on local travel trends, these figures tell a lot about the renewed energy in the Kingdom's hospitality and tourism sector.

January 2026: Tourism at a Glance

With borders fully open and several government-backed initiatives in full swing, January saw tourism hit numbers that are encouraging for the Thai economy. Averaging over 107,800 foreign arrivals per day, the country is buzzing with international guests once again.

Revenue generation from tourism is also impressive: nearly 130 billion baht from just 25 days of foreign tourist spending. This reinforces the vital role tourism continues to play in Thailand’s economy—contributing to jobs, hospitality businesses, and livelihoods across the country.

Top 5 Source Markets: Who's Visiting Thailand Now?

The diversity of visitors highlights Thailand’s broad global appeal. Here are the top five source markets for January 2026, according to the Ministry's latest update:

• China: 301,484 arrivals
• Malaysia: 235,780 arrivals
• Russia: 223,482 arrivals
• India: 189,786 arrivals
• South Korea: 136,939 arrivals

China’s resurgence is particularly notable. After a slow return to international travel, the Chinese market is showing solid signs of recovery with January figures the highest since travel restrictions were lifted. Malaysia and India, as important neighbors and frequent visitors, continue their upward trajectory, while Russian and South Korean numbers indicate steady, ongoing interest in Thailand as a holiday spot.

Weekly Tourism Trends: A Deep Dive

Zooming in on the week of January 19-25, 2026, inbound tourism remained robust with the following weekly statistics:

• China: 100,920 arrivals (up 14.21% week-on-week)
• Malaysia: 61,897 arrivals (up 8.89%)
• India: 59,295 arrivals (up 11.80%)
• Russia: 54,552 arrivals (down 8.05%)
• South Korea: 40,591 arrivals (down 1.20%)

China stands out as the driver of the recent growth, with weekly arrivals breaking the 100,000 mark for the first time in over three months—and jumping over 14% compared to the prior week. Malaysia and India have also ramped up significantly, reflecting the importance of regional, short-haul travel for Thailand’s tourism sector.

Why Are People Coming Now?

January is a prime month for visitors thanks to the cool, dry weather. It’s festival season in parts of the country, with locals and foreigners alike enjoying New Year celebrations, flower festivals, and the start of peak travel for beach destinations, mountain escapes, and cultural experiences in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

If you're looking for inspiration for your own trip or want to know what's drawing tourists, explore our tips for traveling Thailand cheaply and efficiently or discover Bangkok’s best hotels for every budget.

Supportive Policies & Travel Ease

The Thai government has been proactive in making travel more seamless:

• TM.6 Immigration Card Waiver: The removal of this entry paperwork has saved time and streamlined passport control at airports and borders, a welcome change for regular travelers.
• "Trusted Thailand" Safety Campaign: New safety protocols and public health measures have boosted confidence among international tourists, reassuring families and group travelers in particular.
• Flight Capacity Support: Efforts are being made to encourage airlines to increase direct services, especially from major cities in China, Malaysia, India, and Eastern Europe.
• Visa-on-Arrival and eVisa Expansion: Easing red tape is essential and ongoing, bringing more spontaneous and last-minute travelers to Thailand’s shores.

What Are Tourists Doing in January?

With the perfect blend of climate and cultural festivals, the most popular activities for January visitors include:

• Exploring national parks during the cool season—check our national parks guide for camping and stargazing tips.
• Shopping and street food experiences, especially at night markets. Don’t miss our ranking on where to eat at Korat night markets.
• Island hopping and beach holidays, with peak crowds flocking to places like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi.
• Sightseeing in heritage cities and temple hopping; see our picks for the top must-visit temples in Ayutthaya.
• Seasonal festivals like the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. For a full local’s guide on this blooming extravaganza, check our Chiang Mai Flower Festival guide.

If you're booking last-minute, there’s still plenty to see and do in Bangkok—browse all activities with Get Your Guide - Bangkok.

Key Factors Shaping Thailand Travel in Early 2026

• Chinese Market Recovery: January’s growth is a strong indicator of the rebound in Chinese outbound tourism. Expect further gains as confidence grows and flight options expand.
• Regional Neighbors: Malaysia and India continue to be core source markets as travel becomes easier and more affordable, benefiting from short-haul demand, convenient direct flights, and cultural ties.
• Safety and Image: The Trusted Thailand initiative and a focus on traveler confidence remain key in drawing cautious but keen international tourists.
• Ease of Entry: Process improvements, from eVisas to paperwork waivers at borders, are winning back spontaneous and repeat visitors.
• Variety of Experiences: From beach escapes and jungle adventure to city fun and cultural immersion, Thailand’s appeal is as wide as ever, being reflected in the profiles of arriving tourists.

Tourism Outlook for the Coming Weeks

The Ministry expects a slight easing of arrivals in early February as the post-holiday rush settles, but the underlying trend remains positive. Seasonal highlights in February, including Chinese New Year and romantic getaways around Valentine’s Day, are set to attract fresh waves of tourists.

Supportive exchange rates, new airline routes, and international events—like the build-up to major festivals—continue to spell good news for hotels, local businesses, and communities nationwide.

For a sense of which destinations and cultural spots remain favorites, check out our in-depth look at Thailand’s most popular traditional festivals and the most local islands to visit for a more authentic experience.

Key takeaways

• Thailand welcomed over 2.6 million foreign tourists in January 2026—Chinese arrivals made a strong comeback.
• Tourism spending hit nearly 130 billion baht in just the first 25 days.
• Top visitor markets: China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea.
• Policies like the TM.6 waiver and safety campaigns make travel easier and safer.
• January’s cool weather and festival season fill hotels, Bangkok’s streets, and the islands.
• The outlook for February remains strong, especially with Chinese New Year and romantic holidays ahead.