BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand has launched an ambitious tourism offensive that aims to draw 12 million international visitors in the final four months of 2025 and generate some 580 billion baht (around €14.5 billion) in spending through a slate of high-profile festivals and events.
Diwali Festival kicks off the campaign
The campaign begins in October with the “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025,” celebrating cultural ties between Thailand and India. Events are scheduled along Khlong Ong Ang (16–20 October) and in the Phahurat neighbourhood (18–20 October), where visitors can expect Bollywood parades, Thai‑Indian cultural shows and illuminated landmarks.
Nat Kruthasoot, vice president for tourism products, said organisers expect at least 100,000 visitors and some 200 million baht in revenue from the Diwali festivities. The Indian market is already strong: 1.8 million Indian tourists have arrived in Thailand since the start of the year, and numbers are rising.
Loy Krathong elevated to a world event
In November the government will stage the “Maha Loy Krathong World Event 2025,” positioning the traditional lights festival as a global brand. Major celebrations will take place in Sukhothai (27 October–5 November) and Ayutthaya (1–5 November). Authorities forecast around 450,000 attendees and revenues of 800 million baht.
“We want Loy Krathong to become Thailand’s intellectual property — much as Maha Songkran has achieved,” Nat said. Songkran 2025 was a major success and is slated to return in 2026.
Light spectacles, marathon and countdown
Other headline events include:
– “Vijit Chao Phraya 2025”: a 45‑day light and sound extravaganza along the Chao Phraya River (1 November–15 December) expected to draw 1.5 million visitors and produce 500 million baht in revenue.
– “Amazing Thailand Marathon 2025”: on 30 November an estimated 28,000 Thai runners and 8,000 international participants will take part, with an anticipated economic impact of 894 million baht.
The New Year countdown will be amplified with “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025” events in Chiang Mai and Phayao, while Bangkok will support private celebrations at venues such as ICONSIAM and CentralWorld. A combined budget of 25 million baht has been allocated for these activities.
Planning beyond 2025
Looking ahead, authorities have already earmarked 100 million baht for “Maha Songkran 2026” at Sanam Luang, with hopes it will increase economic circulation by 5–10 percent.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand remains upbeat: it forecasts 33.4 million international visitors in 2025, generating 1.51 trillion baht, alongside 204.57 million domestic trips bringing 1.15 trillion baht. For 2026 the target is 34.9 million international arrivals and 1.63 trillion baht in tourism receipts.
Despite a slight dip compared with the previous year, officials say the tourism engine is back at full throttle as Thailand leverages large-scale festivals to revive inbound travel and strengthen the economy.
Which events would prompt you to travel to Thailand — Diwali, Loy Krathong or the countdown festivities? Source: The Nation