Over 1.18 million Indian tourists visited Thailand in the first half of 2025 — a 13.8% jump that places India as Thailand’s No. 3 tourism market. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand is setting its sights firmly on India as its next tourism powerhouse, and Pattaya is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this booming market. With India’s economy expanding at breakneck speed and direct flights increasing, a wave of Indian tourists is headed to Thailand’s most iconic beach destination. According to recent forecasts, India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, overtaking Japan by 2025. In 2024, India’s GDP grew by 6.5%, and the first quarter of 2025 has already posted a staggering 7.4% growth rate—a stark contrast to global economic uncertainty. This economic momentum is fueling strong outbound tourism demand, and Thailand is reaping the rewards. In the first half of 2025, 1.18 million Indian tourists visited Thailand, representing a 13.82% increase year-on-year, making India the third-largest source market after Malaysia and China. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects a total of 2.5 million Indian arrivals for the full year. The Thai Hotels Association places the number slightly lower at 2.4 million, still a significant leap. “Indian tourists are now one of Thailand’s strongest and most resilient visitor segments,” said Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chayapathranan. “They’re not just coming in greater numbers—they’re spending more than the Chinese, especially on shopping. And that matters a lot for places like Pattaya.” With its mix of beachfront luxury, vibrant nightlife, family attractions, and shopping options, Pattaya is well-positioned to attract Indian travelers. Especially during long holidays like Diwali, many are expected to trade bustling Mumbai or Delhi for Pattaya’s seaside leisure. In fact, Diwali 2025 (October 20) is expected to be a key driver of Indian arrivals. The Thai government is going all in with the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025, headlined by a grand celebration at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, and additional events planned for Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Surat Thani—all destinations now more accessible than ever from Indian cities. More direct flights from India to Thailand than ever before. Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and VietJet Thailand ramp up routes as demand soars — now connecting travelers to 13 cities across India. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) The Diwali festival will feature processions of Hindu deities such as Lakshmi and Ganesha, Bollywood-style parades, performances by Indian and Thai artists (including Milli and Hanumankind), cultural exhibitions, shopping zones, food stalls, and illuminated photo backdrops—all aimed at embracing Indian culture and making visitors feel at home. “India is a cultural powerhouse and economic superpower in the making,” said TAT’s Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific, Phattharanong Na Chiang Mai. “We’re creating a Diwali experience here so Indian tourists don’t just visit—they celebrate.” To support this surge, airlines are rapidly expanding direct connectivity between India and Thailand: Thai AirAsia now operates the most extensive network, flying from Thailand to 13 Indian cities on 16 routes, including direct services to Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and more—many also connecting with Phuket, a gateway city for Pattaya-bound travelers. Thai Lion Air serves 7 Indian destinations, adapting quickly after a sluggish recovery in the Chinese market. VietJet Thailand has just launched its first direct Phuket–Mumbai service, flying four times a week from August 14, linking India’s financial capital with Thailand’s premier southern beach hub. These flight additions make it easier than ever for Indian tourists to arrive not just in Bangkok or Phuket, but also connect onwards to Pattaya via U-Tapao Airport or road transfer, especially from the capital. Aside from Diwali, Indian travelers are drawn to Thailand by its affordable luxury, shopping opportunities, and warm hospitality. Indian visitors typically spend more on retail than Chinese tourists, though they are more budget-conscious on hotels—a perfect match for Pattaya’s wide range of accommodation options. Pattaya’s cosmopolitan charm also appeals to India’s growing middle and upper-middle classes, with selfie-worthy locations, beach clubs, and family attractions that complement their holiday preferences. With international organizations predicting India’s rise as an economic giant and its outbound tourism expected to grow in tandem, Thailand—and Pattaya—are gearing up to capture long-term loyalty from Indian visitors. As Thienprasit puts it: “In a year where global tourist demand is uncertain, locking in the Indian market isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity. Pattaya is ready.” Despite spending less on hotels, Indian travelers splash out more on retail, making them key contributors to Pattaya’s tourism economy. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)