Thailand has officially been upgraded to “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” travel advisory status by the U.S. Department of State, placing it among the world’s safest countries for travelers. The June 9th, 2025 advisory categorizes most of Thailand as low-risk — on par with destinations such as Japan, Australia, and Canada — offering a powerful endorsement for one of Asia’s most beloved tourism hotspots.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong welcomed the news, saying it would significantly boost confidence among foreign tourists, especially U.S. citizens. Travelers from the United States are viewed as high-spending and quality-conscious, making this development a potential turning point for Thailand’s tourism recovery following years of pandemic-related disruptions.

Dedicated resources for traveler support and safety

The Level 1 rating is the State Department’s lowest-risk category, signifying that popular locations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya are considered safe by international standards. The bustling metropolis of Bangkok, the crafting villages of Chiang Mai, and the turquoise waters of Phuket are all firmly within the “green zone.”

In addition to reflecting perceptions of safety, the advisory affirms Thailand’s concrete efforts to ensure tourist well-being. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan cited the role of Tourist Assistance Centers (TACs), tourist-specific courts, and a dedicated foreign visitor support fund in elevating standards.

“The Level 1 advisory is a testament to the joint effort of all sectors in making Thailand a safe, welcoming destination for international travelers,” she said. “It confirms that Thailand is ready to be a world-class tourism hub.”

Though the vast majority of the country is covered under Level 1, the U.S. still recommends “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for Thailand’s deep southern provinces — Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat — along with parts of Songkhla, due to localized unrest.

Tourism on the rebound

As of June 2025, Thailand has welcomed over 15 million international visitors, generating nearly 700 billion baht in revenue. Notably, Malaysian tourists have overtaken the Chinese to become Thailand’s largest foreign market, with Indian and Russian travelers also showing steady growth.

With the U.S. upgrade now in effect, Thailand is poised to attract more visitors for a welcome injection of confidence for hotels, restaurants, and small businesses across the Kingdom.

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