Indian and Russian tourists are fast becoming Pattaya’s top visitors, as Chinese arrivals slow down. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s tourism landscape is undergoing a noticeable shift, with Indian and Russian travelers increasingly claiming the spotlight. While Chinese tourists remain a dominant force, recent data shows that visitors from India and Russia are quickly gaining ground — and Pattaya is undoubtedly one of their favorite holiday destinations. According to figures from Airports of Thailand (AOT), Suvarnabhumi International Airport saw a total of 48,025,451 passengers (Thai and foreign) pass through its gates in the first half of 2025 — from January through June — marking a 6.79% increase over the same period last year. Flight operations also rose to 278,923, an 8.46% increase year-on-year. In terms of nationalities passing through Suvarnabhumi, Thai nationals topped the list with 6,307,344 travelers, a 6.07% decrease from the previous year. Chinese visitors followed with 5,222,836 arrivals, down 12.19%. Indian nationals ranked third with 2,246,710 passengers, representing a strong 9.28% increase. South Koreans came in fourth with 1,725,020 travelers, a significant drop of 22.54%, while Japanese arrivals rounded out the top five at 1,408,167, reflecting an 8.77% decline. The rise in Indian and Russian arrivals is not only reflected in passenger data but also in the way businesses are adapting. King Power Duty Free, one of Thailand’s largest retail groups for tourists, has begun hiring interpreters fluent in Russian and Hindi — a clear sign that both groups are expected to play a larger role in the tourism economy. In contrast, demand for Chinese interpreters has slowed somewhat, though still remains relevant. Kanokkan: The face of Pattaya’s tourism pivot, embracing new markets with style and strategy. Kanokkan Preampresert, Deputy Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport (Operations Division 2), noted that while Chinese travelers continue to visit in large numbers, their spending behavior has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels — likely a result of global economic uncertainty and prolonged geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Indian and Russian travelers have shown not only stronger arrival numbers but also a higher spending potential, particularly in popular resort areas such as Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi. “The changing trends in travel behavior reflect a new reality for the tourism industry. India stands out as the fastest-growing market, while Russian arrivals, though not yet in the top five, continue to rise steadily both in quantity and spending quality,” Kanokkan said. She added that the real challenge for the Thai tourism sector lies in its ability to adapt. “This is a test for the resilience of our tourism industry. We can no longer rely solely on one dominant market. Flexibility and market diversification will be key to long-term growth.” With numbers like these, Pattaya’s beaches, nightlife, and leisure attractions are set to see more Russian and Indian visitors soaking in the tropical charm — a trend that businesses across the city are watching closely. Suvarnabhumi Airport welcomes over 48 million passengers in 6 months — India and Russia show strongest growth.