Phuket Booms - Over 3.8 million tourists in Q1 2025 generate 149 ...

*Phuket is off to a strong start in 2025, attracting over 3.8 million Thai and international tourists in the first quarter alone, generating an impressive 149*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:11 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket welcomed over 3.8 million tourists in the first quarter of 2025, generating 149 billion baht in tourism revenue, according to data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office. The figures, covering January to March, signal robust growth for the island’s tourism sector, with both domestic and international arrivals contributing to the strong start of the year.

Of the total visitors, more than 1.01 million were Thai tourists, representing a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year. International arrivals also saw a rise, reaching 2.8 million, up 5.77 percent from 2024. Tourism revenue increased by 8 percent, with 11 billion baht coming from domestic travelers and 138 billion baht from overseas visitors. The top five international markets were Russia, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

To sustain this momentum, TAT Phuket and Phuket City Municipality organized the second annual “Sip&Chill: Zoociety” event, held from April 18 to 20 at Saphan Hin King Rama X Public Park. The festival, designed to appeal to young travelers and families, showcased more than 50 cafes and offered a range of lifestyle activities that blend leisure with local culture. The event’s theme, “Zoociety Style,” encouraged guests to dress as zookeepers while participating in creative workshops and exploring Phuket’s unique attractions.

The Sip&Chill festival was structured around the TAT’s “5 Must Do in Thailand” campaign, which highlights signature local food and drinks, hands-on activities, local shopping, community experiences, and must-see attractions at special prices. Last year’s event drew over 5,000 visitors daily and generated 1.7 million baht in sales. Organizers anticipated even stronger turnout this year, expecting over 7,000 attendees per day and at least 2 million baht in sales over the three-day festival.

The influx of tourists and successful local events have had a visible impact on Phuket’s economy and community. Increased visitor numbers have boosted sales for local businesses, particularly in hospitality, food, and retail sectors. For residents, the economic benefits are balanced with the need to manage the island’s resources and infrastructure to accommodate rising tourist demand.

With the high season approaching, local authorities and tourism officials are closely monitoring visitor trends and planning additional initiatives to maintain growth. The continued collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is expected to play a key role in sustaining Phuket’s momentum as a leading destination for both Thais and international travelers in 2025.

Source: https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/phuket-booms-over-3-8-million-tourists-in-q1-2025-generate-149-billion-baht-498195