Indian Arrivals Surge to 1.5 Million This Year Thanks to Visa-Free Policy
The waiver, effective from November 10 through May 10, 2024, has increased daily Indian visitors from 4,000 to between 5,000 and 5,500. The TAT has leveraged marketing efforts in New Delhi and Mumbai, targeting groups like corporate, golf, and wedding tourists to continue this growth.
Phuket welcomed the first Air India flight from New Delhi, marking the start of a four-times-weekly service, set to expand to daily in January. This boosts flight capacity nearly to pre-pandemic levels, with Indian travelers already contributing an average of 39,500 baht each.
Most visitors are independent travelers, frequenting destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket. India now ranks as Thailand's third largest tourist source. With Air India increasing its flights, Phuket expects even more Indian tourists, building upon the 235,070 who have visited this year.