Indians in Thailand

Indians in Thailand
ชาวอินเดียในประเทศไทย
Indian diaspora dressed in sari dancing at Dipavali Bangkok 2022
Total population
Indian nationals
25,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
Bangkok · Pattaya · Chiang Mai · Phuket
Languages
Thai · Telugu · Tamil • English · Gujarati · Marathi · Urdu · Punjabi
Religion
Hinduism · Christianity · Buddhism · Sikhism · Islam
Related ethnic groups
People of Indian Origin

Indians in Thailand, often referred to as Thai Indians, are citizens of Thailand with full or partial Indian ancestry.[2]

In 2025, India became one of Thailand's most significant tourism source markets, recording 2,487,319 arrivals and generating 93,862 million baht in tourism receipts.[3] The market grew by 16.8%, ranking as the third-largest contributor to both visitor volume and overall revenue.[3] Indian tourists are increasingly recognized as high-yield visitors, with high per-capita expenditure driven by specialized sectors such as destination weddings, nightlife and religious tourism.[4] Economically, the market is characterized by a low level of "leakage". Consequently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's 2026 strategy has pivoted toward "value-led growth," prioritizing these high-spending Indian segments to maximize the economic impact per visitor.[3]

An opinion poll in 2010 stated that 37% of Thai people had positive views about India, contrasted with 37% of Thai people having negative views about India.[5]

History

Since ancient time, there have been various exchanges between the India and Thailand. India was known as Jambudvipa and South East Asia was known as Suwannabhumi.[6]

Indo Thai trade relations go back to 500 BCE at least where evidence indicates presence of trade relations with north India (Etched carnelian beads) and south India (Indo -Pacific beads).[7][8]

Buddhism and Hinduism originally arrived to Thailand from India and spread over the centuries. King Ashoka sent monks from India to countries overseas to spread Buddhism, and the first major site was established at the city of Pataliputra in 218 BE. It was also heavily influenced by Theravada Buddhism by contact with Sri Lanka.[9]

The Mariamman Temple, Bangkok is the first modern temple built in the South Indian architectural style.[10] It was built in 1879 by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil Hindu immigrant.[11][12]

British East India Company

Modern Indian communities have been around since the 1860s of the British Raj era. Most of the Indians arrived in the last century, notably from Tamil Nadu and other areas of Southern India. Some others came from Northern India such as Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and some from Gujarat.

Some Thai Muslims, especially in the Southern part of Thailand, have Indian ancestry. A notable number of Sikhs established a small area in Bangkok called Phahurat which grew into a strong town rivaling Chinatown, who tend to have jobs in business rather than as professionals due to their cultural values.[13][14]

The historical number of the Indian population in Thailand can be seen in British consular statistics; however, these figures often lumped Indians together with Sinhalese and Malays. According to 1912 statistics, there were 30 Indians registered in the Chiengmai (Chiang Mai) consular district, 41 Indians and Malays in the Puket (Phuket) consular district, 40 Indians and Malays in the Senggora (Songkhla) consular district, and 423 Indians, Sinhalese, and Malays in the Bangkok consular district.[15]

Tourism

In 2025, India became one of Thailand's most significant tourism source markets, recording 2,487,319 arrivals and generating 93,862 million baht in tourism receipts.[16] While total international arrivals to Thailand declined by 7.2% that year, the Indian market grew by 16.8%, ranking as the third-largest contributor to both visitor volume and overall revenue contribution.[16] Indian tourists are recognized as high-yield visitors with high per-capita expenditure, particularly in specialized segments such as destination weddings, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups, and religious tourism.[17]

Economically, the market is characterized by a low level of "leakage," as spending is heavily concentrated in domestic hospitality, local transport, and local retail sectors. Consequently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's 2026 strategy has pivoted toward "value-led growth," prioritizing these high-spending segments to maximize the economic impact per visitor while decentralizing traffic to secondary destinations.[18]

The Tourism Authority of Thailand granted a 30-day visa-exemption status for Indian citizens between 10 November 2023 and 10 May 2024.[19] Discussions are ongoing as to a long term mutual visa-free status for citizens of India and Thailand respectively, joining Myanmar and soon Sri Lanka.[20][21][22]

India became one of the largest inbound markets for tourism in 2019, and by 2021 it had supplanted China as the largest source of tourism to Thailand.[23]

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has heavily promoted Thailand as a tourism destination in India, and has offered all Indian citizens visa-on-arrival and even periods of visa free entry.[24][25] The country is viewed as having "rich culture, stunning beaches, glittering temples, adventure sports, mesmerizing nature, and buzzing nightlife".[26] Several destinations such as Phuket have been trying to attract more Indian tourists.[27][28]

By 2022 India and Malaysia remained the two top sources for inbound tourism to Thailand.[29] 1.6 million tourists from India visited Thailand during 2023.[30]

Oyo Hotels has a large presence in the country and wider region (South East Asia was the first foray outside India for the company).[31] It attained one million guests within three months soon after opening.[32] A notable number of entertainment establishments in Thailand are owned by Indians, including clubs, bars, ladyboy entertainment, accommodation, gay bars and restaurants.[33][34]

India is a popular tourist destination for Thai people, with over 200,000 visitors from Thailand in 2024.[35][36]

Controversy

East Asia versus West Asia

While the Middle East is often noted for having a large amount of Indian arrivals, the nature of travel to the region is heavily dominated by low income workers, religion and air transit passengers.[37]

In contrast, East Asia and Southeast Asia are the primary destinations for "discretionary" or leisure-focused middle class and high income Indian tourists. Destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan report that the vast majority of Indian arrivals are for tourism and recreation rather than employment or transit.[38] For instance, Thailand welcomed 2.48 million Indian tourists in 2025, a figure largely attributed to visa-free policies and its reputation as a vacation hub, whereas arrivals to South Korea and Japan saw growth of over 50% driven by the burgeoning Indian middle-class interest in cultural experiences.[39] By 2026, Thailand emerged as the premier international leisure destination for Indian tourists. Following the 2024–2026 visa-reform packages, Indian citizens are granted 60-day visa-free entry, leading to a record 2.48 million arrivals in 2025.[40] Thailand holds the largest market share for "discretionary" travel, specifically in the wedding, wellness, and luxury segments.[41]

Notable people

See also

References

  1. ^ https://www.mea.gov.in/population-of-overseas-indians.htm
  2. ^ Kutanan, Wibhu; Kampuansai, Jatupol; Brunelli, Andrea; Ghirotto, Silvia; Pittayaporn, Pittayawat; Ruangchai, Sukhum; Schröder, Roland; Macholdt, Enrico; Srikummool, Metawee; Kangwanpong, Daoroong; Hübner, Alexander (June 2018). "New insights from Thailand into the maternal genetic history of Mainland Southeast Asia". European Journal of Human Genetics. 26 (6): 898–911. doi:10.1038/s41431-018-0113-7. ISSN 1476-5438. PMC 5974021. PMID 29483671.
  3. ^ a b c Nation Thailand (1 January 2026). "Thailand tourism slips in 2025 despite domestic growth". The Nation (Thailand). Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  4. ^ Travel Daily Media (13 January 2026). "'Value is the new volume': Thai tourism chief outlines 2026 India strategy". Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  5. ^ "Global Views of United States Improve While Other Countries Decline" (PDF).
  6. ^ Srichampa, Sophana (2015). "Indians in Thailand: Dynamics of Moving Thai Society to ASEAN Community and Asia" (PDF). Silpakorn University Journal of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts. 15 (3). Centre for Bharat Studies, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand: 121–150 – via Thai Science.
  7. ^ Solheim, Wilhelm G.; FRANCIS, PETER (2003). "Review of ASIA'S MARITIME BEAD TRADE, 300 B.C. TO THE PRESENT, PETER FRANCIS, JR". Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 76 (2 (285)): 129–132. ISSN 0126-7353. JSTOR 41493507.
  8. ^ Bellina, Bérénice (January 2001). "Alkaline Etched Beads East of India in the Late Prehistoric and early historic periods". Bulletin de l'École française d'Extrême-Orient. 88: 191–205. doi:10.3406/befeo.2001.3513.
  9. ^ "The Buddhist Society". www.thebuddhistsociety.org. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  10. ^ Manguin, Mani & Wade 2011, p. 475.
  11. ^ Sandhu & Mani 2006, p. 913.
  12. ^ Kesavapany, Mani & Ramasamy 2008, p. 673.
  13. ^ "วารสาร เมืองโบราณ MuangBoran Journal". Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  14. ^ Samachar, Asia (6 November 2018). "Sikhs in Thailand: Retrospect and Prospect". Asia Samachar. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  15. ^ Bangkok and Siam, directory, Straits Settlements and Siam: Bangkok Times Press, 1914, p. 199
  16. ^ a b Nation Thailand (1 January 2026). "Thailand tourism slips in 2025 despite domestic growth". The Nation (Thailand). Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  17. ^ Travel Daily Media (13 January 2026). "'Value is the new volume': Thai tourism chief outlines 2026 India strategy". Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  18. ^ Pattaya Mail (29 January 2026). "Thailand Tourism and MICE Next 2026 reinforces global partnerships, targets 3 billion baht impact". Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  19. ^ "Thailand may extend visa exemption for Indians beyond 6 months if tourism grows". The Economic Times. 14 November 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  20. ^ Shoowong, Molpasorn (27 February 2024). "Call for visa-free travel between India, Thailand". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  21. ^ "Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand" (PDF). Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Department of Consular Affairs. 1 January 2024.
  22. ^ "Lanka, Thailand sign FTA with facility for visa-free travel". Print Edition - The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  23. ^ "India replaces China as Thailand's top tourism market: TAT". nationthailand. 27 May 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  24. ^ "The Taste With Vir: Why nothing stops the world from visiting Bangkok". Hindustan Times. 25 July 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  25. ^ "Indians Can Travel To Thailand Without Visa From November 10 To May 10". NDTV.com. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  26. ^ "Reasons why Thailand is popular with Indian Tourists | Trawell Blog". 12 May 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  27. ^ "Indian tourists a godsend to Phuket". nationthailand. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  28. ^ Siri, Raktida (May 2009). "Indian tourists' motivation, perception, and satisfaction of Bangkok, Thailand". UNT Digital Library. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  29. ^ Bloomberg (28 June 2022). "Malaysians, Indians lead tourist rush to Thailand". Free Malaysia Today (FMT). Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  30. ^ "Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand cross 27 million in 2023". nationthailand. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  31. ^ "OYO opens 250 hotels in Thailand". mint. 25 November 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  32. ^ Paul, Megha (28 January 2020). "OYO welcomed 1,000,000 guests in Thailand in 3 months". Brand TD. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  33. ^ Petpailin, Petch (15 June 2023). "Kamaa drama: Indian-owned club sparks chaos as tourists become targets in Pattaya (Video)". Thaiger. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  34. ^ Rose, Samantha (8 June 2023). "Indian squatters run bar and rent rooms in abandoned Pattaya building". Thaiger. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  35. ^ Erawan, Theera (7 February 2020). "India's destination image and loyalty perception in Thailand". International Journal of Tourism Cities. 6 (3): 565–582. doi:10.1108/IJTC-08-2019-0129. ISSN 2056-5607. S2CID 212970956.
  36. ^ "Summary of tourism expenses of Thai tourists traveling outside the country in 2024 (TOURISM EXPENDITURE BY OUTGOING THAI TRAVELLERS 2024)".
  37. ^ Mondal, Anish (15 February 2026). "Dubai Airport passenger traffic 2025: India retains top spot". The Indian Express.
  38. ^ "With India's help, Vietnam challenges for Thailand's tourism crown". Mastercard Economics Institute. 29 March 2025.
  39. ^ "Which Southeast Asian country welcomes highest number of Indian tourists in 2025?". VnExpress International. 11 February 2026.
  40. ^ "Thailand doubles visa-free stay for Indians to 60 days". VisaHQ. 18 February 2026.
  41. ^ "With India's help, Vietnam challenges for Thailand's tourism crown". Mastercard Economics Institute. 29 March 2025.

Sources

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