Thailand: Trips canceled due to conflict with Cambodia 

Faced with tensions on the border with Cambodia, travel cancellations are increasing in several Thai provinces.

See: Thailand and Cambodia agree to unconditional ceasefire

Tourists fear attacks, particularly from Cambodian artillery.

Cancellations on the rise in Chanthaburi

Poompat Tangcharoensiri, President of the Chanthaburi Tourism Association, said:

"Bookings for the previous long weekend ( tied to the king's birthday ) saw a cancellation rate of 30 to 40 percent, even though most hotels and tourist attractions remained open despite martial law."

He added that tourists were reluctant to travel to the province until there were clear signs of easing tensions.

See: Ceasefire broken? Thailand accuses, Cambodia denies

They are particularly concerned since reports emerged on social media about Cambodia's long-range rocket launcher, which could target inland provinces such as Rayong.

Tourists turn to alternative destinations

Domestic tourists still traveled, but they chose alternative destinations with similar attractions, such as the cities of Pattaya and Chon Buri, which are closer to Bangkok , Mr. Poompat said.

He estimated that bookings for the upcoming national Mother's Day holiday on August 12 could be down 20 percent from last year due to border tensions.

Professionals demand better communication

Mr. Poompat urged the government to clearly communicate to residents and tourists what they should and should not do under martial law to avoid panic.

He said Chanthaburi's popular beach resorts are located 50-60 km from the Thai-Cambodian border, and the Ban Laem checkpoint in the province remains open to Cambodians returning to their country.

Mr. Poompat said that once the situation improves, the government and the National Tourism Authority of Thailand should put in place special measures to help operators in border provinces who have suffered revenue losses, in addition to the existing national co-financing program.

In the first five months of the year, tourism revenue in Chanthaburi fell by 500 million baht compared to last year due to the weak economy, and it is expected to fall further during the rest of the year, he said.

Repercussions even within the country

Rungroj Santadvanit, president of the northeast branch of the Thai Hotel Association, said that although Nakhon Ratchasima is not a border province, it has also seen cancellations from business and leisure travelers.

Several meetings and parties were cancelled as they were expecting guests from the northeast, particularly from border provinces directly affected by the conflict.

Some customers have inquired about security due to fears of possible rocket attacks.

Hospitality professionals are sounding the alarm

Popular leisure destinations such as Khao Yai saw lower-than-expected bookings, with average occupancy rates falling to 50 percent compared to the usual 70 to 90 percent during long holidays, Rungroj said.

He added that hotels in Korat and Khao Yai still had bookings from visitors who were traveling to border provinces for business or personal reasons, but who preferred not to stay overnight in those areas.

Meanwhile, some hotels in Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani have reported total cancellations.

"Operators want calm to return and the situation to be resolved as quickly as possible," Rungroj said.

"The longer the conflict continues, the greater the risk that hotels in border provinces will be forced to close temporarily."

He suggested that in addition to the tax incentives provided by the Ministry of Finance to boost tourism during the low season, public and government agencies be encouraged to use their budgets to organize meetings in the interior regions of the country.

See also:

Thailand-Cambodia conflict: travel advice, areas to avoid

Tightened security: Thailand bans all drones until August 15

The Roots of the Thai-Cambodian Border Conflict

Thailand accuses Cambodia of lies and war crimes

Source: Bangkok Post