UK surpasses one million travellers to Thailand in 2025

The UK market has reached a historic milestone for Thailand’s tourism sector. More than one million British travellers have already visited Thailand in 2025, setting a new record and confirming the destination’s strong appeal among UK long-haul travellers. By the end of the year, Thailand is expected to welcome an additional 100,000 visitors from the UK, further strengthening this growth.

This milestone marks a full recovery to pre-pandemic figures and highlights the renewed confidence of British travellers in long-haul destinations, particularly across Asia. Key destinations for the UK market include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani, reflecting sustained interest in a mix of cultural, urban and beach experiences.

The economic contribution of British travellers is substantial. The UK market is estimated to generate £1.9 billion in tourism revenue, positioning it among Thailand’s most valuable and high-spending source markets.

Air connectivity continues to underpin this success. During 2025, five airlines operate direct services between the UK and Thailand, offering a total of 35 weekly flights. These routes are operated by Thai Airways, EVA Air, British Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways and TUI, with capacity expected to continue expanding.

Further reinforcing this trend, British Airways will launch a new London Gatwick–Bangkok route in March 2026, adding approximately 60,000 additional seats and enhancing connectivity between the two countries.

According to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand’s strategy focuses not only on volume but on positioning the country as a globally recognised, high-quality destination, with an emphasis on longer stays, higher value travel and sustainable tourism development.