Tourism Hub: Thailand’s Top International Airline Markets

Summary China ranks as Thailand’s top international airline market in Q1 2024 despite a 41% decrease from 2019.
Notable increase in Chinese tourists due to seasonal trends and visa exemption agreements.
Significant disparity between the Chinese market size and other major markets like Singapore and South Korea.
Thailand has been a sought-after tourist hub in Southeast Asia for many years. In 2023, it welcomed 23 million international visitors, and this year, the country aims to surpass its 2019 record by attracting 40 million international arrivals. The analytics company OAG has recently revealed which countries made up Thailand’s biggest international airline markets in the first quarter of 2024, and here is what they found.
China tops the list
OAG reported that China is Thailand’s largest international airline market in Q1 2024, with 2 million seats accounted for. However, this reflects a 41% decrease compared to the same period in 2019. Thailand is now attempting to bridge the capacity gap between Thailand and China, but the process is not progressing as swiftly as hoped.
Though not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels, Thailand experienced a notable increase in Chinese tourists. A report by Thai bank Kasikorn highlights that during the first two weeks of January, China emerged as the leading source of foreign tourists to Thailand, totaling 186,424 arrivals.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
The increase was linked to seasonal trends, as Chinese travelers typically embark on holiday from the end of the year through to the Lunar New Year, which this year fell on February 10, 2024. Adding to these dynamics was the implementation of a permanent, reciprocal visa exemption between Thailand and China, which started on March 1, 2024. Under this agreement, holders of Chinese passports can now enjoy visa-free stays of up to 30 days per entry in Thailand and vice versa.
Photo: nitinut380 | Shutterstock
According to OAG, capacity has partially rebounded at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). However, other airports such as Chiang Mai (CNX), Chiang Rai (CEI), U-Tapao (UTP), Koh Samui (USM), and Krabi (KBV) are experiencing minimal to no resumption of connections to Chinese cities.
China was Thailand’s largest international airline market before the pandemic, accounting for almost 4 million seats in Q1 2019. However, this changed rapidly when China implemented a strict zero-COVID policy, prohibiting travelers for almost three years. In 2023, Malaysia surpassed China to become the biggest feeder market for Thailand tourism, with 4.5 million arrivals.
Significant disparity between China and other markets
The performance gap between the Chinese market and other markets stands out significantly in Thailand’s largest international airline markets. Thailand’s second-largest international airline market is Singapore, with 865,000 seats in Q1 2024. South Korea, Thailand’s third-largest tourist market, saw 747,000 seats in the first quarter. In addition, Hong Kong ranks fourth with 701,000 seats, while Malaysia follows closely behind in fifth place, accounting for 695,000 seats in the first quarter of 2024.
Photo: KITTIKUN YOKSAP | Shutterstock
Another significant factor to note is the marked rise in air capacity from Russia to Thailand, particularly during the winter season. In Q1 2024, Thailand saw over half a million Russian visitors, with Russian air capacity returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to OAG. This is attributed to sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Russian travelers now have limited options for direct flights to alternative destinations, resulting in increased traffic to Thailand.
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What do you make of Thailand’s latest international visitor numbers? Are there any surprises in the list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.