Turkmenistan Tops Tourist Growth to Thailand in Early 2025
Surge in Tourist Arrivals to Thailand from Central Asia and Beyond
Recent data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as reported by INTERFAX and referencing the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), highlights a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals from Turkmenistan, which has seen the largest increase at an impressive 155%. Over the first four months of 2025, 1,473 travelers from Turkmenistan visited Thailand, marking a significant recovery and interest in this Southeast Asian destination.
The statistics reveal a positive trend in tourist flows from other post-Soviet nations as well. Kazakhstan has emerged as a key player, with 91,000 travelers journeying to Thailand between January and April. Furthermore, there has been a notable spike in interest from Uzbekistan, which experienced a 65.8% increase, bringing in 26,000 tourists. Armenia and Azerbaijan have also reported significant growth, with increases of 153.36% (1,619 tourists) and 145.42% (2,707 tourists) respectively. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals from Belarus have similarly exceeded 150%, totaling around 16,000 visitors.
In terms of tourist arrivals from non-Asian countries, Russia continues to dominate the market, ranking among the top five sources of tourists to Thailand. Notably, the number of Russian tourists has reached new heights, with over 880,000 visiting in the first four months of this year—a 15.2% increase compared to the same time frame in 2024. Overall, Thailand has welcomed more than 4.5 million foreign tourists since the start of the year, reflecting a growth rate of over 18% compared to last year.
This surge in tourism underscores Thailand’s allure as a destination, capable of attracting visitors from diverse regions, fostering economic growth, and enhancing cultural exchanges among nations.
Photo: realtyjournal.pro
