Thailand posts higher Indian tourist arrivals despite Nipah

Thailand recorded a 20% increase in tourist arrivals from India between January 1–25, 2026, while airports including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket International stepped up health screening procedures to reassure travellers amid reports of the Nipah virus in West Bengal.

Current arrivals and enhanced airport screening

Official data from the national tourism authority show that Indian visitor numbers rose sharply even during the week of January 20–26, when the outbreak received intense media coverage; arrivals were estimated to be roughly 35% higher year‑on‑year during that week. For the whole of January, projections put Indian arrivals at around 200,000, an increase of about 8%. Thai authorities emphasize that no infections have been detected in-country and have framed screening at major international gateways as a precautionary measure rather than a travel restriction.

Airport-by-airport breakdown

These figures indicate not only persistent demand from Indian travellers but also a pronounced shift toward coastal and island destinations such as Phuket, where marine tourism infrastructure and leisure services are concentrated.

Public health posture and market sensitivity

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool has stated that authorities are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with health agencies to ensure swift containment in the event of imported cases. Measures implemented at airports were described as targeted screening for travellers arriving from affected regions rather than blanket travel bans or flight suspensions. Officials also noted that some markets—particularly those with heightened health sensitivities such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan—may delay trip decisions temporarily, potentially suppressing short‑term outbound demand from those source markets.

Key immediate actions in place

• Enhanced health screening at primary international airports and selected seaports.
• On‑site medical triage and referral pathways for symptomatic travellers.
• Information campaigns and traveller advisories to reduce panic and misinformation.
• Coordination with airlines and tour operators to monitor passenger flows.

Historical perspective on India–Thailand tourism ties

India has been a steadily growing source market for Thailand over the past decade, driven by improving air connectivity, budget carrier networks, and expanding middle‑class outbound travel. Prior health crises, most notably the COVID‑19 pandemic, drastically reduced arrivals in 2020–2021 and forced the region to develop robust border health protocols, contact tracing capabilities, and travel‑industry contingency planning. Those systems have since been refined and reactivated during subsequent localized outbreaks, allowing Thailand to maintain much of its tourism infrastructure and to restore confidence among both travellers and tourism businesses.

Historically, Thai destinations have benefitted from Indian demand for beach and island experiences, shopping, culinary tourism and short‑break charters. The rapid rebound of Indian visitors in January 2026 suggests a combination of pent‑up demand and perception that Thailand remains a safe, accessible resort destination.

Implications for marine tourism, charters and marinas

The concentration of Indian arrivals at Phuket has direct implications for the marine leisure sector. A surge in arrivals typically increases demand for activities such as day cruises, island hopping, fishing charters, and private yacht charters. For operators, the main considerations are operational resilience, health protocols aboard vessels, and flexible booking policies.

How rising arrivals may affect boating and charter services

• Higher occupancy for day‑charter boats and island tours, particularly around popular destinations and marine parks.
• Increased demand for crewed yacht charters and skippered sailing trips as groups seek private, controlled environments for recreation.
• Pressure on marinas and tender operations during peak arrival windows, necessitating careful scheduling and berth management.
• Opportunities for higher‑value services (private captains, luxury transfer, bespoke itineraries) as travellers opt for comfort and perceived safety.

Recommendations for tourism and boating operators

To convert the uptick in arrivals into sustainable revenue while safeguarding public health, operators should consider the following measures.

1. Adopt clear pre‑boarding health checks and transparent communication of safety measures to prospective customers.
2. Introduce flexible booking and refund terms to reduce friction for travellers monitoring health developments.
3. Coordinate with local marinas and authorities to manage peak flows and ensure sanitation of high‑touch areas onboard.
4. Train captains and crew in basic infection control and passenger triage protocols.
5. Promote private or small‑group charters as an alternative to crowded excursions, emphasising exclusivity and safety.

These practical steps can help maintain traveller confidence and protect the reputation of destinations reliant on beach, sea and island activities.

Outlook and significance for international tourism

Provided that containment in India remains effective and Thailand’s screening procedures continue to reassure visitors, the broader outlook is cautiously optimistic. Short‑term volatility is still possible, particularly from markets sensitive to health narratives, but established travel corridors and the appeal of Thai coastal Destinations should sustain arrivals. For the boating and yachting sector, the current trend represents an opportunity to expand charter sales, develop new experiences for visiting markets, and attract repeat business from groups seeking sun, sea and clear water activities.

In summary, Thailand’s quick adaptation of border health protocols, coupled with strong Indian demand—notably in Phuket—has allowed inbound tourism to rise despite external health concerns. The situation reinforces the value of rapid public‑health responses, flexible tourism services, and the strategic role of marinas and charter operators in accommodating surges in demand for boating, fishing and yachting activities.

GetBoat is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, probably the best service for boat rentals to suit every taste and budget. As Thailand’s Indian arrivals increase and coastal destinations see more visitors, travellers looking for a yacht or boat charter, captain‑led sailing trips, or to rent a superyacht or smaller dayboat for beach and island activities can find a range of options for rent on GetBoat.com. The platform helps match demand for marinas, clearwater excursions, fishing trips and private charters with available vessels, supporting the wider recovery of yachting, boating and ocean leisure Destinations.