PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket province reportedly led Thailand’s tourism revenue rankings in 2024, generating 497.5 billion baht, as the government steps up efforts to boost the sector’s economic contribution. Chonburi (Pattaya) and Surat Thani (Samui and islands) followed, earning 316.8 billion baht and 119.1 billion baht, respectively. Other high-performing provinces included Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan, indicating strong demand for coastal and cultural destinations.
The government has set 2025 as the “Golden Year of Thai Tourism,” seeking to establish year-round travel with no low season while distributing tourism income more evenly across major and secondary cities. Authorities are working to increase both visitor numbers and per person spending by improving infrastructure, hosting international events, and expanding travel opportunities to less-visited destinations.
To support long-term growth, authorities are improving tourism standards through the Department of Tourism Homestay Standard Program, ensuring high-quality experiences, building traveler confidence, and attracting high-value visitors.
Officials see the success of Thailand’s leading tourism provinces as a clear sign of the sector’s continued importance to the economy. The performance of these destinations is now guiding future strategies in marketing, event planning, and infrastructure development to sustain long-term growth. (NNT)
