Thailand, April 22nd, 2025 — Oramon Sapthaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, revealed that as of March 31st, 2025, Thailand had 24,555 registered restaurant businesses, with 97.44% classified as small enterprises. Most were set up as limited companies (89.10%).
The top five provinces for restaurant businesses are major cities and tourist destinations: Bangkok (9,710), Chonburi (2,693), Phuket (1,936), Chiang Mai (1,504), and Surat Thani (1,411). In the first quarter of 2025, 973 new restaurant businesses were registered, mostly in these same key areas.
Restaurant business revenues also showed strong growth. In 2022, total revenue reached 244.6 billion baht, with 3.39 billion in profit. In 2023, revenue rose to 314 billion baht with profits of 9.56 billion—an increase of over 182%.
The restaurant sector is Thailand’s leading soft power industry. The government sees it as a key driver for spreading Thai culture and boosting economic activity.
Many restaurant operators are adapting to new consumer trends, including delivery, pre-order pickups, and app-based queue systems to match modern lifestyles.
Pictures: The excellent Casa Pascal in Pattaya, Thailand.
