PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket raked in a staggering 263 billion baht from tourism in the first half of 2026, pulling in nearly seven million visitors.
The return of international travellers is driving numbers skyward on Thailand’s dream island. Guests from Russia and China are storming the beaches in force.
263 billion baht in six months
Between January and June, tourism pumped exactly 263.01 billion baht into Phuket’s coffers. That’s according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand office on the island, which reported the figures on Tuesday.
Phuket welcomed 6.96 million visitors in that period. Hotels hit an average occupancy rate of 81.85 percent – a blistering performance.
Russians and Chinese dominate the guest list
Russia remains Phuket’s top source market with 574,315 visitors. China trails in second place with 314,130 guests — a distant but solid runner-up.
The United Kingdom takes third with 123,413 visitors, nipped at the heels by Australia with 123,332. Germany sent 98,143 holidaymakers, France 96,712, Kazakhstan 77,022, Malaysia 76,445 and South Korea 69,958.
Long holiday fuels business
Tourist activity stayed strong as the three-day holiday weekend kicked off on Tuesday. The extended break includes His Majesty the King’s birthday, Asalha Bucha Day on Wednesday, and the start of Buddhist Lent on Thursday.
Siriwan Seeharach, director of the TAT Phuket office, confirmed the lively demand over the long weekend. Hotels reaped clear benefits from both domestic and international guests.
Thai tourists spend an average of 5,454 baht per day
said Siriwan Seeharach, director of the TAT Phuket office.
Thai tourists spend 5,454 baht daily
A separate survey of about 30 percent of hotels across the island shows 60.79 percent occupancy for the holiday period. Guests stayed an average of 2.02 nights.
Hoteliers expected 62,211 visits from Thai tourists over the entire holiday stretch. Those visitors were projected to spend an estimated 329.73 million baht — that’s 5,454 baht per person per day.
New flights for the second half
To keep the momentum rolling, several international airlines have launched or announced new routes to Phuket. The added capacity aims to keep the island supplied with guests from around the globe.