Economic Impact of Long Weekend
Holiday Spending Reaches 2.8 Billion Baht
Phuket welcomed a surge of visitors during the four-day religious holiday weekend of Khao Phansa, from July 10 to 13, 2025, generating approximately 2.8 billion baht in tourism revenue. Despite the economic boost, visitor numbers declined compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in Thailand’s tourism sector. The holiday, blending religious observance with an extended weekend, drew both domestic and international travelers to the southern island.
Breakdown of Tourist Spending
Thai and Foreign Contributions
According to the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, domestic visitors contributed around 690 million baht, while foreign tourists accounted for 2.2 billion baht during the holiday period. This significant spending underscores Phuket’s enduring appeal as a top destination. However, the overall economic impact was tempered by a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals, particularly from key markets, compared to 2024.
Decline in Foreign Visitors
Low Season Challenges Persist
The period from May to July marks Phuket’s low tourist season, but 2025 saw a 10% decrease in foreign visitors compared to the same period last year, as reported by Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the Southern Thai Hotels Association. The drop was particularly stark among Chinese tourists, whose numbers fell by over 50%, likely due to safety concerns and economic factors. Middle Eastern visitors also declined, possibly influenced by regional conflicts.
Airport Traffic Insights
Reduced Passenger Numbers
Phuket International Airport recorded around 15,000 arrivals and departures daily during the holiday weekend, according to Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, vice chairman of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce. While these figures surpassed those of neighboring provinces, they were lower than the previous year’s totals. The reduced traffic highlights the broader trend of declining visitor numbers, even during peak holiday periods.
Popular Areas and Weather Impacts
Phuket Old Town Draws Crowds
Phuket Old Town, renowned for its Sino-Portuguese architecture, emerged as the busiest spot during the holiday, attracting visitors with its cultural charm and vibrant atmosphere. In contrast, the island’s beaches saw fewer crowds due to unfavorable weather conditions typical of the low season. The inclement weather likely deterred beachgoers, shifting focus to indoor and cultural attractions across the province.
Outlook for Phuket’s Tourism
Strategies for Recovery
Despite the downturn, Phuket remains a cornerstone of Thailand’s tourism industry, with stakeholders exploring ways to reverse the decline. Efforts to boost safety perceptions and target emerging markets, such as Europe and Southeast Asia, could help offset losses from traditional markets like China. As Phuket navigates these challenges, strategic promotions and infrastructure improvements will be key to sustaining its economic vitality in 2025 and beyond.
