Thailand took center stage during the recent ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025 forum by hosting the high-level ASEAN-India Forum that ran from July 22nd–25th, 2025 in Bangkok.
Held under the theme “Journey of Opportunities: Ignite Indian Travel to ASEAN,” the event served as a powerful platform for deepening collaboration between ASEAN member states and India, which has been one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in the world.
Bolstering two-way travel between ASEAN and India
Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the forum drew tourism ministers, airline executives, hospitality leaders, and digital influencers from across the region. As the lead nation for promotion and marketing this year, Thailand is spearheading efforts to position ASEAN as a seamless, culturally rich, and experiential travel bloc for Indian travelers.
“Thailand sees tremendous potential in strengthening two-way travel between India and ASEAN — delivering shared benefits across the region,” TAT Deputy Governor Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai said.
The keynote session featured ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Ambassador of India to Thailand Nagesh Singh, and the chair of ASEAN NTOs, all reinforcing a shared vision of inclusive growth and the need for improved connectivity, sustainable offerings, and personalized experiences.
Digital-first travelers and destination weddings take spotlight
Two primary panel discussions anchored the forum. The morning session focused on the evolving expectations of Indian Millennials and Gen Z, with insights from Booking.com, Thai AirAsia, and social media influencer Shivya Nath, who noted that 86% of Indian travel decisions are shaped by Instagram and YouTube. This tech-savvy generation values immersive, culturally rich, and socially shareable experiences — often over material possessions.
The afternoon panel then explored the lucrative Indian wedding and honeymoon market, valued at over US$130 billion. ASEAN destinations, including Thailand, were praised for their capacity to host multi-day events accommodating up to 1,000 guests, with services tailored to Indian traditions, from vegetarian catering to luxury hospitality.
The forum concluded with a hands-on workshop addressing barriers such as visa delays and air connectivity, while promoting co-branded travel packages. The following day, delegates toured Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most popular destinations among Indian travelers, showcasing the kingdom’s readiness to deliver high-quality, bespoke tourism experiences.
With over 2 million Indian arrivals in Thailand in 2024, the momentum is clear, with the ASEAN-India Forum reinforcing India’s importance as both a key market and a vital partner in shaping Southeast Asia as a “Destination for Every Dream.”
Teerin Julsawad