Thailand on track to welcome one million UK arrivals in 2025

Thailand is on track to welcome one million UK tourists this year, marking its best-ever year for visitation from the country.

Worapa Angkhasirisap, UK & Ireland director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, told Aspire at World Travel Market in London that the destination welcomed 833,000 visitors from the UK between January 1 and October 31, marking a 13% year-on-year increase.

She said: “Before the end of the year, we will probably hit a million. That will be the first time for Thailand to welcome one million UK visitors.

“Normally, in the months of December and November, we receive quite a big number [of UK tourists]. Last year we had more than 100,000 visitors in December.”

She is optimistic visitation will continue to increase, with 1.1 million people expected to travel to Thailand from the UK in 2026.

Following this boost in tourism, airlift to the destination is set to increase next year. From next summer, British Airways’ winter service from Gatwick to Bangkok will operate year-round, while Virgin Atlantic is set to introduce thrice-weekly flights from Heathrow to Phuket from October 2026.

Angkhasirisap said: “This is the first time that Virgin has ever flown to Thailand, which is quite exciting.”

Thailand is currently holding an official mourning period following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit on October 24, but Angkhasirisap said visitors “won’t see much impact on tourism”.

She said the main effects are on companies and offices. The only tourist site affected is the Grand Palace in Bangkok, which will reopen after a temporary closure on Sunday (November 9) for members of the public to “pay their respects”.

A raft of new openings is also helping to boost Thailand’s appeal among luxury travellers. The Langham, Custom House is set to debut in 2026 in a historic building on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Praya River, while Aman Nai Lert opened its doors earlier this year in the city’s Nai Lert Park.

Luxury sleeper train Blue Jasmine will also launch this month, with its maiden journey scheduled for November 16.

Pictured: Wat Arun temple in Bangkok

Credit: Shutterstock/Pinglabel