Phuket sees 5.85 million visitors in first 5 months

Russians, Chinese and Indians were Phuket’s largest groups of tourists in the first five months of this year, generating around 223 billion baht in revenue, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

- ACHADTHAYA CHUENNIRAN

Kamolphan Chalermsakulrat, deputy director of TAT Phuket, said yesterday the island province welcomed 5.85 million visitors between January and May, a 3.14% increase year-on-year.

Thai tourists accounted for 1.59 million visitors on the island (a 6.73% increase) and there were 4.26 million international tourists (1.86% increase), generating 223 billion baht, up 5.19% from the same period in 2024.

The average hotel occupancy stood at 82%.

In May alone, Phuket welcomed 900,000 visitors — 247,000 Thais and 668,000 foreigners.

That month's international arrivals dropped by 8.8%, generating 34.77 billion baht, and marking a decline of 2.93% from May 2024.