Thailand Welcomes One Millionth UK Visitor as Long-Haul Arrivals Reach New Record
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the arrival of the one millionth visitor from the United Kingdom, the first time UK arrivals have reached this level since the COVID-19 pandemic. The milestone coincides with total long-haul arrivals to Thailand surpassing 10 million visitors, indicating steady growth from markets across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa.
The occasion was celebrated at Suvarnabhumi Airport upon the arrival of Thai Airways International flight TG911 from London. Senior representatives from TAT, the airport authority, Thai Airways International, Thailand Privilege, and the Immigration Bureau were present to welcome the milestone traveller.
To mark the occasion, the visitor received a selection of travel-related gifts, including return economy-class air tickets on Thai Airways International for the London–Bangkok route, hotel stays at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, dining vouchers, and wellness experiences from PANPURI Wellness, highlighting Thailand’s tourism and wellness offerings.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, said the UK remains a crucial long-haul source market for Thailand, with consistent travel patterns developed over many years. She noted that future efforts will focus on encouraging longer stays, year-round travel, and visits to destinations beyond established tourism centres, in coordination with airlines and trade partners.
UK arrivals are projected to approach 1.1 million by the end of 2025, generating more than 80 billion Baht in tourism revenue. The UK remains among Thailand’s top 10 inbound markets, with travellers typically visiting independently or in small groups. Common destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and surrounding regions. Average spending per trip is estimated at 60,000–70,000 Baht, with an average stay of around 17 nights.
The UK milestone reflects a wider trend in long-haul travel. As of 15 December 2025, over 10 million visitors arrived from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, making up more than 30% of all international arrivals. Europe reported 7.6 million visitors, a 12.6% increase year-on-year, while arrivals from the Americas numbered 1.5 million, a 7% rise compared with the same period in 2024. TAT credits this growth partly to its Airline Focus strategy, developed in collaboration with airlines to increase capacity and improve connectivity.
During the winter season from October 2025 to March 2026, the TAT London Office is conducting 19 joint marketing initiatives with airlines and tour operators, including British Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways, TUI UK, Trailfinders, Kuoni, and others, supporting demand during peak travel months and into 2026.
Air connectivity between the UK and Thailand continues to expand. During the current winter season, five airlines operate direct services, offering 35 weekly flights and around 11,100 seats, representing a 12% year-on-year increase. Load factors in December 2025 have ranged from 80% to 90%.
Looking ahead, Virgin Atlantic will launch direct London Heathrow–Phuket services in winter 2026/27, while British Airways will operate the London Gatwick–Bangkok route throughout the year from March 2026. TAT’s 2026 strategy will continue to emphasise high-quality growth from long-haul markets, focusing on year-round travel, longer stays, and spreading visitors across Thailand through coordinated marketing and airline partnerships.
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