Pattaya sees drop in Chinese tourists, welcomed by Europeans (2025)

Pattaya is seeing a noticeable decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, a shift met with mixed feelings by locals and long-term visitors. Business owners reliant on mass tourism have voiced concern, while many European tourists and residents are quietly welcoming the change.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that daily Chinese arrivals in Pattaya have fallen to around 5,000, compared to the pre-pandemic average of 15,000 to 20,000.

Several factors have contributed to the slowdown, including dissatisfaction among Chinese travellers with rising costs in Thailand, competitive travel deals offered by other Southeast Asian destinations, and tensions between Thailand and China over trade negotiations.

Beijing recently criticised Thailand’s refusal to lower tariffs, a move believed to have further discouraged travel.

One European unnamed resident interviewed by Pattaya Mail commented on the drop in Chinese tourists.

“The concerns mentioned are all true, but everyone knows after Songkran starts the low season, and numerous are happy that the massive levels of Chinese are going elsewhere.”

For years, Chinese tour groups filled Pattaya’s hotels, beaches, and shopping malls, often arriving in large, organised groups. Their absence is now being felt by sectors that heavily depended on them. However, many European visitors are embracing the quieter streets and beaches.

European tourists and long-term visitors say they appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere, fewer crowds, and a return to a slower-paced, less commercialised Pattaya.

Smaller, independent businesses, particularly those targeting individual travellers, are reportedly receiving steadier support from Western visitors seeking a different travel experience.

Tourism operators in Pattaya are closely monitoring the situation. While China’s outbound travel market remains significant, there is a growing belief that a more diversified tourist base could help Pattaya achieve greater balance in the future.

With the city now entering its traditional low season following Songkran, many will be watching to see whether this trend continues, and whether Pattaya attracts a different type of visitor moving forward, reported Pattaya Mail.

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