Phuket welcomed 9.2 million visitors from January to August 2026

Tourism Authority of Thailand figures presented on 28 September show Phuket received 9,200,166 visitors from January to August 2026. That is 1.76% fewer than in the same period of 2025.

Foreign visitors fell 2.52% to 6.79 million, while Thai visitors rose 0.46% to 2.41 million. Tourism revenue was THB 356.21 billion, down 0.99%. Average hotel occupancy over the eight months was 66.2%.

Russia remained the largest foreign market with 661,876 visitors, followed by China (459,218), India (393,277), Australia (167,345) and the United Kingdom (152,866).

Four new direct routes start in October: Virgin Atlantic from London (18 October), Edelweiss from Zurich (25 October), Kuwait Airways from Kuwait (27 October) and Belavia from Minsk (29 October).

What this means for buyers and investors

Demand is high and flat, not falling away. A dip of under 2% after record years is a plateau. Rental income now depends more on choosing the right property than on the market rising.

The visitor mix favours some properties. Russian, Indian and Australian guests often travel as families or groups. Three-bedroom villas with private pools near the west-coast beaches fit that demand better than small units far from the sea.

Use 66% occupancy as a reality check. That was the average for hotels over eight months, including low season. If a projection assumes much higher year-round occupancy for a condo, ask what evidence supports it.

New European routes help the high season. Direct flights from London and Zurich make Phuket easier for buyers and guests from two of its higher-spending markets.