Thai outbound travel has shaped up dynamically in 2025, with Tokyo, Singapore, and Shanghai emerging as the top destinations for Thai travellers.
“Based on Thai passenger statistics from January to July 2024, the top five routes were Tokyo (Narita), Hong Kong, Osaka, Singapore, and Seoul,” noted Kittiphong Sansomboon, chief commercial officer of Thai Airways International (THAI).
“In 2025, Tokyo remains the champion while Singapore and Shanghai climbed to second and third place, replacing Hong Kong and Osaka,” he stated.
Seoul still ranks in the top 10.
He added that new hotspots are emerging, with China’s visa-free policy fuelling demand among Thais seeking alternatives to Japan and South Korea: “The rising star is Guangzhou, China… Thais don’t just go shopping there, but are also interested in museums, history, sightseeing, and trying diverse street food.”
Growth in secondary routes is equally striking.
“Colombo saw over 100 per cent increase in Thai travellers, while Shanghai experienced over 80 per cent passenger growth,” Kittiphong said, noting that THAI has increased flights to match demand on routes to Shanghai, Colombo, and Denpasar (Bali).
Beyond destinations, behaviour is also shifting to what Juthasree Kuvinichkul, founding partner of the YouTrip Thailand multi-currency wallet, called a “cut the cost, not the holiday” mindset.
She observed: “In the first half of 2025, international travel among Thais grew by 45 per cent compared to last year. But travellers are adopting a smarter approach by opting for Asia destinations that offer the same luxury experience as longhaul trips at a fraction of the price.”
“We’re also seeing Thais become more financially savvy, with a 25 per cent increase in travellers monitoring exchange rates and pre-exchanging currencies to lock in favourable rates and stretch their budgets further,” she added.
She underlined the rise of the digital-first traveller, calling smartphones “the new passport” that powers every journey”.
Kittiphong noted that Thai travellers are increasingly prioritising convenience, with a growing preference for full-service flights where a single payment covers all their travel needs, rather than low-cost flights and piecemeal add-ons.
THAI underscored its response to these evolving demands with new service upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and a Mastercard promotion offering a discount of 2,000 baht (US$63) per seat on Asian routes booked by September 30 for travel through the end of 2025.
