Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and increasingly fierce tourism competition from Vietnam, Thailand remains the top holiday destination for Russian tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) stated that the number of Russian tourists visiting Thailand in 2025 is expected to reach a new high, demonstrating the market's strong resilience amid global instability and US sanctions.
Kanchana, head of the TAT's Moscow office, revealed confidence in exceeding the 1.74 million Russian tourists seen in 2023. She noted, "For mid-to-high-end Russian travelers seeking sunshine, beaches, and upscale experiences, Thailand remains the most attractive destination."
Although Russian charter flight seating capacity has seasonally declined by about 10% this summer, and some operators have shifted their focus to Vietnam, Kanchana is optimistic about a market recovery in the fourth quarter of this year. Major Thai entry points such as Phuket and U-Tapao are believed to contribute to this rebound.
While destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam are gaining popularity among Russian tourists, Phuket remains the leading destination, with its well-developed infrastructure, diverse hotel options, and abundant wellness services being its core advantages.
As of July 20th, the number of Russian tourists visiting Thailand had reached 1.08 million, making it Thailand's largest long-haul international market and the fourth largest source of foreign tourists overall. By 2024, Thailand is expected to remain among the top five most popular travel destinations for Russian tourists, accounting for approximately 15% of the market share, approaching the historical high of 2013.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to receive 2 million Russian tourists this year, but officials stated they will wait for a clearer picture of winter travel trends before making a final assessment.
It is worth noting that Russian tourists' travel habits are also changing. They are expanding from the traditional "sun and beach" vacation to a wider range of destinations, such as Krabi, Phang Nga, and mountainous cities like Chiang Mai, which are particularly popular with long-stay tourists.
Kanchana added that Thailand's unique charm—a blend of hospitality, wellness services, and family-friendly high-end leisure experiences—is what keeps Russian tourists coming back.
With its rich tourism offerings, reliable high-end services, and inclusive approach to diverse interests, Thailand has not only solidified its appeal to Russian tourists but also continued to turn risks into opportunities in a challenging international environment. Every Russian tourist's arrival injects vitality into Thailand's local economy, propelling the country to remain among the world's top tourist destinations.
