Pattaya has officially become the jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown, with 2024 marking an extraordinary surge in visitor numbers. Tourism authorities and local businesses are riding high on this success, with a strong start to 2025 adding to the optimism.

According to a report by Pattaya Mail, Pattaya continues to solidify its reputation as one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The surge has led to significant growth in Pattaya’s tourism industry, with money generated from tourism activities spurring remarkable economic growth in the city.  

Whether you’re looking to party your night in the famous Walking Street, relax at a popular tropical botanical garden, or explore the Pattaya floating market, go hill-climbing at Wat Phra Khao Yai, visit Buddha Engraving on a hill at Khao Chi Chan, enjoy some Asian dishes at a famous restaurant in the fishing village of Naklua, or spend your day in the island of Koh Larn, the city provides diverse experiences great for every tourist.

Record-breaking Number of Visitors

According to estimates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Pattaya Office, the province welcomed a staggering 24.7 million visitors for a period between January and November 2024, recording an impressive 17.92% increase from the previous year’s number.

The record influx of visitors to the beach city contributed significantly to Thailand’s economy, injecting 264.3 billion baht (about US$7.6 billion), up from 208.8 billion baht (about US$6 billion).

As reported by TAT, international tourism remained key to the remarkable growth experienced in the beach city and Thailand at large, with 10.45 million foreign tourists bringing in a significant revenue of 168.19 billion baht (about US$4.6 billion) in 11 months.  

Most international visitors to the city came from Asia’s leading tourist sources, such as China, Russia, Malaysia, India, and South Korea. As one of the World’s leading travel destinations, Pattaya also attracted hundreds of thousands from Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Pattaya’s domestic tourism also experienced a promising surge. More than 14 million Thai tourists visited the province, contributing some 96.1 billion baht (about US$2.7 billion), an increase of more than 23% from the previous year (2023).

The booming travel and tourism activities in Pattaya signal a significant recovery of the sector years after the COVID-19 pandemic threatened its very existence. City lockdown, border closures, social distancing, restricted flights, and cumbersome travel protocols made it almost impossible for millions to visit tourism hotspots across the world.

The near collapse of Thailand’s economic lifeline during the pandemic highlights the vulnerability of the country’s tourism-dependent economy and the need for diversification as the industry continues to recover.

After the crash in 2020-2021, Thailand’s tourism sector began recovering significantly in 2022, as the country welcomed some 10 million visitors. However, a much bigger progress was recorded in 2023, with arrivals reaching about 28 million. In 2024, the country received a record number of visitors, with Pattaya only receiving nearly 25 million visitors within 11 months .

A Promising Trajectory in 2025

Pattaya's tourism sector is all set for nothing short of an impressive trajectory, according to industry experts. The city is already boasting promising results, with 505,411 visitors received in just the first five days of January, becoming one of the premier destinations for international travellers from across the globe.

Boonanan Pattanasin, President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, said that “the numbers speak for themselves,” adding that the beach city has not only positioned itself as the top destination in Thailand but also as a “favoured spot globally.”

The city’s popularity can be attributed to its diverse attractions, ranging from serene beaches to vibrant nightlife cherished by millions of international visitors. The government’s efforts to enhance connectivity and marketing of the country's tourist destinations have also played a pivotal role in boosting the number of arrivals.  

With the recent growth trend, industry experts are optimistic the city will maintain the upward trajectory, contributing immensely to Pattaya’s tourism economy.