Arrivals to Thailand from the Middle East rose 11.82% to 321,304 between 1 July and 20 September 2026, compared with the same weeks of 2025, after a weak first half left the year-to-date total down 11.53% at 531,743. The figures were released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand on 2 October, alongside its Amazing Journeys trade event, which brought 40 buyers from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to Bangkok to meet 80 Thai suppliers. This briefing, from a Thailand DMC for travel agents, sets out what the numbers show, where the new seats are and what TAT chose to show Gulf buyers.
Explera DMC is a TAT-licensed ground handler (TAT licence 14/05119, IATA 96215733) trusted by 2,380+ agency partners, with in-house transport, licensed guides and 24/7 support. Reach the trade desk at b2b@explera.co.th.
What the numbers show
- The year so far: 531,743 Middle East arrivals from 1 January to 20 September 2026, down 11.53% year on year.
- The summer: 321,304 arrivals from 1 July to 20 September 2026, up 11.82% on the same period of 2025.
- Saudi Arabia: 121,907 arrivals in 2026 against 142,774 in the same period of 2025, down 14.62%, in figures TAT published on 3 September.
Read together, the two regional figures say the loss was concentrated in the first half and the market has been growing again since July, which is when Gulf families travel for the summer. The year will still finish behind 2025 unless the recovery holds through the cool season.
The new seats
Riyadh Air. The Saudi carrier opened Riyadh–Bangkok on 3 September 2026 with three flights a week on a Boeing 787-9, and TAT says the route steps up to seven flights a week in October 2026. A daily schedule makes short programmes much easier to build.
Air Arabia. TAT lists 21 weekly flights each on Sharjah–Bangkok and Sharjah–Phuket, so a UAE client can fly straight to the beach without connecting in Bangkok.
Visa. Saudi and Emirati passport holders are in the 30-day exemption group of the framework Thailand introduced on 15 September 2026. TAT describes Saudi visitors as typically staying 10 to 12 days, which fits within it. Our briefing on the visa exemption rules explains the categories.
What Gulf buyers were shown
The buyers' familiarisation trip ran from 27 to 29 September on two routes. The Pattaya route covered Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Ocean Marina Yacht Club, an island-hopping and snorkelling day, Central Pattaya and the Sanctuary of Truth. The Hua Hin route covered seaside resorts, heritage areas, wellness and the Vana Nava water park. On 30 September a Bangkok day added riverfront hotels, wellness clinics and spas, Charoen Krung and Talat Noi, Thai design and crafts, halal dining, shopping and a Chao Phraya cruise, before the trade meetings at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit on 1 October.
That list is a fair map of what sells to Gulf families: two easy beach towns within driving distance of Bangkok, water parks and gardens for children, shopping, and wellness. Our Pattaya guide and Hua Hin guide cover both coasts.
How to sell it
Plan for families and long stays: connecting rooms or villas, a private vehicle with space for luggage, and dining that includes halal options at every stop. Our hotel booking team can hold connecting rooms and villas, and our Thailand DMC transport team runs private vans between Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin. Ask your Thailand DMC to check prayer-time and halal-dining needs at each hotel before confirming. A Thailand DMC on the ground can also re-plan the first night if a flight time changes, which matters while new routes settle their schedules. For the wider market, see our guide for GCC and Middle East agents; the full range is on our Thailand DMC services page, agents in other markets can browse our source markets page, and the trade desk is on our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How many Middle East visitors come to Thailand?
TAT counted 531,743 Middle East arrivals from 1 January to 20 September 2026, down 11.53% year on year, but 321,304 from 1 July to 20 September, up 11.82% on the same weeks of 2025.
Which airlines fly direct from the Gulf to Thailand?
Among the services TAT has highlighted, Riyadh Air flies Riyadh–Bangkok, rising to seven flights a week in October 2026, and Air Arabia operates 21 weekly flights each on Sharjah–Bangkok and Sharjah–Phuket. Gulf network carriers also fly to Bangkok and Phuket.
Do Saudi and Emirati travellers need a visa for Thailand?
Not for a tourist stay of up to 30 days. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are in the 30-day exemption group of the framework that took effect on 15 September 2026.
Where do Gulf families usually stay in Thailand?
Bangkok for shopping and the river, with Pattaya or Hua Hin as a beach stay within driving distance, and Phuket for clients flying in directly. TAT's 2026 familiarisation trip for Gulf buyers focused on exactly those places.
