Thailand Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Thailand's net migration was 27,509 in 2025, ranked 188th globally. This represents a 18.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Thailand's net migration stood at 27,509 in 2025, a rise of +4,188 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36,266 by 2026. Thailand ranked 188th globally.
Thailand’s net migration has risen steadily from 6,886.00 in 1960 to 27,509.00 in 2025, placing the country at rank 188 globally. The upward trajectory peaked in 1998 with 183,471.00 migrants, reflecting a period of robust economic expansion and liberalised visa policies, before a sharp reversal produced a negative balance of –2,093.00 in 2021, the all‑time trough. Over the 66‑year coverage, the net inflow has remained modest compared with peer nations such as Norway, which recorded 29,798.00 in the same year, underscoring Thailand’s relatively limited attractiveness for long‑term settlement despite its growing service sector. The post‑trough recovery to the 2025 level suggests that recent labor‑market reforms and regional integration are beginning to restore confidence among expatriates and migrant workers. Continued investment in skilled‑labor incentives and improvements in social infrastructure will be critical to sustain this positive momentum and prevent a recurrence of the 2021 decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 48,435 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 42,350 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 36,266 | - | - |
| 2025 | 27,509 | +4,188 | #188 |
| 2024 | 23,321 | +3,673 | #182 |
| 2023 | 19,648 | −2,035 | #172 |
| 2022 | 21,683 | +23,776 | #160 |
| 2021 | -2,093 | −34,370 | #84 |
| 2020 | 32,277 | +27,056 | #182 |
| 2019 | 5,221 | −5,763 | #152 |
| 2018 | 10,984 | −55,821 | #155 |
| 2017 | 66,805 | −46,173 | #187 |
| 2016 | 112,978 | +80,478 | #196 |
| 2015 | 32,500 | −22,858 | #182 |
| 2014 | 55,358 | −12,094 | #189 |
| 2013 | 67,452 | −6,581 | #191 |
| 2012 | 74,033 | +7,426 | #192 |
| 2011 | 66,607 | +13,816 | #189 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Thailand matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Thailand's net migration was 27,509 in 2025. Ranked 188th globally. This represents a 18.0% increase from the previous year.
Thailand's net migration peaked at 183,471 in 1998.
The lowest net migration in Thailand was -2,093 in 2021.
Thailand ranks 188th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Thailand's net migration is projected to reach 36,266 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Thailand in 2025 was 27,509. This ranks 188th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_thailand_net-migration,
title = {Thailand Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/thailand/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}