13.06 million Thais travelled overseas in 2025, setting new spending records
Thailand’s citizens took 13.06 million overseas trips last year — the highest number ever recorded — according to Bangkok Bank’s Bnomics Research. Total spending abroad hit 559 billion baht, a 29.5% jump from 2024. This surge reflects not just increased numbers, but deeper budgets, longer stays, and shifting priorities in how Thais experience the world.
China remains top choice — but for cost, not just convenience
China welcomed 3.06 million Thai visitors in 2025, holding the top spot clearly. Its lead comes from affordability: average spending per trip was 39,317 baht, nearly 24% lower than Japan. The permanent visa-waiver agreement, effective since March 2024, removed formal barriers, but it was the value bundle — from budget hotels to high-speed rail, ancient temples to winter resorts — that cemented its dominance.
Many families now treat China as a multi-city itinerary, hopping between Beijing, Xi’an, Kunming and Harbin within a single 7-day trip. Social media trends on TikTok, highlighting local street food in lesser-known cities like Lijiang or Pingyao, have drawn younger travellers beyond the usual Beijing-Shanghai circuit.
Neighboring countries see volume, not value
Malaysia (1.72 million visitors) and Laos (1.44 million) ranked second and third, but with much lower spending. In Malaysia, daily budgets average 4,652 baht, largely due to short weekend escapes by car or bus to Johor Bahru or Penang. Laos offers similar dynamics: easy border crossings, low-priced homestays, and the Laos–China Railway enabling quick day trips to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang.
For many Thais, these are not ‘vacations’ but ‘getaways’ — low planning, low cost, high frequency. The trip to Laos might cost less than a week’s groceries in Bangkok.
UK and Japan: high spenders, different reasons
Though far fewer in number, Japanese trips generated 63.3 billion baht, while the UK brought in 64.6 billion baht — more than Malaysia and Laos combined. But the drivers couldn’t be more distinct.
Japan’s appeal lies in experience quality. Thai visitors spend 51,558 baht per trip on clean, efficient transit, curated food culture, onsen resorts, and retail therapy. Most travel independently, staying 6.5 days — long enough to feel immersion, not just sightseeing. A single meal at a Michelin-starred yakitori spot or a night in a ryokan explains a large chunk of that spend.
The UK is different. Over 492,000 Thais visited — up 39.7% year-on-year — but nearly half went for education or family reunions. With average stays of 13.6 days, many were students paying tuition fees or relatives covering rent and healthcare. A monthly rent for a one-room flat in Manchester or Leeds can easily exceed 30,000 baht. The 131,089 baht average spend per trip isn’t tourism — it’s relocation in disguise. That’s 10 times the national minimum monthly wage.
South Korea’s fall: from trend to caution
South Korea’s drop to 13th place, down 13.8% to just 328,000 visitors, wasn’t accidental. After years of K-pop and beauty culture drawing crowds, strict immigration checks have changed perceptions. Since 2023, over 147,000 Thais have been flagged for undocumented work, triggering mass screening at Incheon Airport.
Stories of even well-documented tourists being turned away — after booking non-refundable flights and hotels — have spread widely on Thai Facebook and Line. While Korea officially denies targeting Thais, the outcome is clear: trust is broken. A destination’s reputation now hinges as much on entry clarity as on cherry blossoms or kimchi.
What this means for the Thai traveller
The data tells two stories: one of the everyday explorer seeking quick, cheap escapes to Malaysia or Laos, and another of the aspirational wanderer spending months abroad for studies or family ties — often in the UK.
What’s new? It’s not about getting farther. It’s about understanding the cost of entry. Visa-free doesn’t mean risk-free. Cheap flights don’t mean cheap stays. And a trending hashtag can turn into a border detention.
For those planning 2026 trips, the lesson isn’t about picking ‘hot’ destinations — it’s about planning for reality: check visa rules early, confirm return flight policies, and budget for living costs, not just souvenirs. The most popular place today might be the most stressful tomorrow.
The Thai traveller is no longer just counting days or discounts. They’re calculating safety, stability, and whether the journey ends with a smile — or a deportation notice.
