Chinese Tourists Return to Thailand: Impact on Rental Market
Chinese Tourists Are Returning to Thailand: What It Means for the Rental Market
China has always been the main source of tourist arrivals in Thailand. In peak years, more than 10 million Chinese travelers visited the country — almost a third of all international tourism. They filled the beaches of Pattaya, the markets of Bangkok, and the villas of Phuket. During the pandemic, the flow nearly collapsed, and the rental market suffered a severe downturn.
In 2025, the situation is changing. The flow is recovering: from January to August alone, Thailand welcomed more than 20 million international tourists, with about a third coming from China and Malaysia. For the economy, this means nearly one trillion baht in revenue. For property owners, it means stable tenants and steady rental income.
Why Chinese Tourists Are So Important
First, sheer scale. They travel in large groups, often booking several apartments or entire floors at once. Second, duration of stay. A typical Chinese tourist stays longer than, say, a European visitor: Germans usually come for 7–10 days, while Chinese families often stay for 2–3 weeks.
Another difference is their rental preference. Many choose condominiums over hotels, especially when traveling with children or elderly relatives. Having a kitchen and laundry facilities is a major advantage. That’s why projects with developed infrastructure (swimming pool, security, gym, coworking spaces) are usually at the top of their list.
Another difference is their rental preference. Many choose condominiums over hotels, especially when traveling with children or elderly relatives. Having a kitchen and laundry facilities is a major advantage. That’s why projects with developed infrastructure (swimming pool, security, gym, coworking spaces) are usually at the top of their list.
Impact on Rental Yields
Rental returns in Thailand are directly tied to tourism flows. With the return of Chinese tourists, occupancy rates have surged. In Pattaya, a studio priced at 20,000 baht per month used to sit vacant in the summer but is now rented almost year-round. In numbers, this translates into a rental yield increase from 6% to 8% annually in foreign currency.
On Phuket, the effect is even stronger. Seaside rentals start at 30,000–35,000 baht per month. Chinese tourists willingly pay these rates, as they are used to similar prices on Hainan Island. For owners, this means their properties are rarely left vacant.
On Phuket, the effect is even stronger. Seaside rentals start at 30,000–35,000 baht per month. Chinese tourists willingly pay these rates, as they are used to similar prices on Hainan Island. For owners, this means their properties are rarely left vacant.
How It Plays Out in Different Locations
- Pattaya benefits from its proximity to Bangkok. Chinese tour operators actively promote trips here: logistics are simple, and prices are lower than on the islands. Tourists usually rent studios and one-bedroom units near Jomtien and Pratumnak beaches.
- Phuket attracts those planning longer stays. Both apartments and villas are in demand, with families often renting pool villas for a month. Rental yields on villas in high season can exceed 10% per year.
- Bangkok remains a transit hub. Still, Chinese tourists like to stay for a couple of days. For apartment owners near BTS/MRT stations, this means a steady stream of short-term renters.
What They Look For — and Complain About
According to property management companies, Chinese guests pay attention to details. They value:
The most common complaints are about noisy construction and outdated air conditioners. Owners who invest in appliances and furnish their units for rental achieve faster occupancy and higher rental rates.
- fast internet (online shopping and video calls are part of daily life),
- a kitchen with a stove (home cooking is cheaper than eating out every day),
- proximity to malls and markets,
- reception or security services.
The most common complaints are about noisy construction and outdated air conditioners. Owners who invest in appliances and furnish their units for rental achieve faster occupancy and higher rental rates.
Market Response
Developers are adapting. New projects in Pattaya and Phuket include more studios and compact one-bedroom apartments sized 25–35 m² — exactly the type tourists prefer. At the same time, more developments now come with professional management companies: owners hand over their units, and operators rent them to Chinese groups with minimal downtime.
Agencies are also adjusting their strategies. Many brokers are launching ads on Chinese platforms, translating websites into Mandarin, and hiring Chinese-speaking staff. This shows that the market is betting on the return of the Chinese wave.
Agencies are also adjusting their strategies. Many brokers are launching ads on Chinese platforms, translating websites into Mandarin, and hiring Chinese-speaking staff. This shows that the market is betting on the return of the Chinese wave.
Why This Matters for Russian Investors
For Russian buyers, this is good news. Tourist flows from Europe and the CIS are less stable, especially given the global political situation. The Chinese market compensates for fluctuations and provides confidence that a property won’t remain vacant.
Currently, rental yields in Pattaya stand at around 7–8% annually, and up to 9% on Phuket. For Russians, that’s about double the returns from rentals in Moscow or Sochi — and most importantly, the income is in foreign currency.
Currently, rental yields in Pattaya stand at around 7–8% annually, and up to 9% on Phuket. For Russians, that’s about double the returns from rentals in Moscow or Sochi — and most importantly, the income is in foreign currency.
FAQ
How many Chinese tourists are visiting now?
Forecasts for 2025 suggest 8–9 million visitors from China. This is still below the 2019 record, but the numbers are climbing every quarter.
Which properties rent best?
Studios and one-bedroom apartments in modern condominiums with pools and security. Proximity to markets or malls is also crucial.
What about villas?
Yes, villas are popular among families and groups. However, the bulk of rental demand is still for apartments.
Could the flow shrink again?
There’s always some risk, but Thailand has multiple key markets: Malaysia, India, Russia. This makes the overall rental market resilient.
Forecasts for 2025 suggest 8–9 million visitors from China. This is still below the 2019 record, but the numbers are climbing every quarter.
Which properties rent best?
Studios and one-bedroom apartments in modern condominiums with pools and security. Proximity to markets or malls is also crucial.
What about villas?
Yes, villas are popular among families and groups. However, the bulk of rental demand is still for apartments.
Could the flow shrink again?
There’s always some risk, but Thailand has multiple key markets: Malaysia, India, Russia. This makes the overall rental market resilient.