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Tourism Border Tensions Lead to Thai Tourism Cancellations
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post As Thailand enjoys a long holiday, the tourism industry in Chanthaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima faces disruptions, with a surge in room cancellations linked to concerns over a border dispute with Cambodia. The tension, sparked by fears surrounding Cambodia's PHL-03 rocket launcher range, has deterred tourists from visiting these regions, impacting local economies. Poompat Tangcharoensiri, President of the Chanthaburi Tourism Association, reported a 30-40% cancellation rate for bookings, despite hotels and attractions remaining operational under martial law. Many potential visitors are staying away until tensions ease, especially after social media highlighted the threat of the rocket launcher, which could reach inner provinces like Rayong. Domestic tourists are opting for alternative destinations such as Pattaya and Chon Buri, which are closer to Bangkok, according to Mr. Poompat. He warned that the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday might see a 20% drop in bookings year-on-year, urging the government to provide clearer guidance to prevent panic. Chanthaburi's popular coastal spots are about 50-60km from the Cambodia border. The Ban Laem checkpoint remains operational for Cambodians returning home. Mr. Poompat called for government intervention to aid struggling businesses once the situation stabilises, suggesting special measures alongside the existing domestic co-payment scheme. This year’s first five months already saw a 500 million baht (around 13.5 million GBP) drop in tourism revenue in Chanthaburi due to economic challenges, a decline expected to worsen. In Nakhon Ratchasima, despite not being a border province, Rungroj Santadvanit of the Thai Hotels Association reported cancellations from business and leisure travellers. Event cancellations and safety concerns regarding potential rocket attacks have affected bookings, notably in leisure spots like Khao Yai, where occupancy fell to 50% from the typical 70-90% during holidays. While some hotels in neighbouring areas such as Korat and Khao Yai still have visitors, those coming for business tend to avoid overnight stays due to safety worries. Meanwhile, hotels in Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani have experienced complete cancellations. "Operators are hoping for a swift resolution to avoid further economic damage," stated Mr. Rungroj. He noted the risk of temporary closures if the dispute persists and suggested the Finance Ministry's forthcoming tax incentives could help, alongside promoting upcountry meetings by public and government bodies. As the situation unfolds, both provinces remain hopeful for governmental support and a return to more stable and welcoming times for tourists. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-30 -
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UK NATIONAL DISGRACE Four in ten people charged heinous sex attacks in London are foreign
Criminality per capita is higher in the U.S. than in UK. It doesn't support the claim that criminality may be lower when cops are armed with guns. https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/United-Kingdom/United-States/Crime/table -
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USA US Welcomes Qatari Gift: Fiery Debate Over New Air Force One
So we now have two conflicting stories with the OP and the quote above. The quote above is the more realistic. -
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USA US Welcomes Qatari Gift: Fiery Debate Over New Air Force One
I do not see how they took the time to get their mouths off of the immigrants peckers long enough to put it on Trumps? -
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Expat Discontent in Thailand
There are many issues to consider. Going back to the US is not an option. I would not want to live there now, unless I was being paid over a million dollars a year, and then I would only do it for 3 years, and then leave. For me, it is about quality of life, and my level of fulfillment on a daily basis, which I seem to have here in abundance. A big factor here, is the relatively light hearted attitude of the people. You just do not find that in the US, where most seem bitter, disenchanted, unfulfilled, and heavy hearted. This is an entirely subjective topic, of course. But some of us live very good lives here. Some of us have been fortunate enough to find an outstanding woman, who is delightful to be around, on a daily basis, always has our back, and is fun, smart, and lovely. For me, that likelihood of finding that back in the US, would be very low. So, that is a big factor for me. The second factor is just the quality of life. Sure, I miss alot of the culture back home. The theatre, independent film (which I can download here with no issues at all, and a super fast 1 gbps fiber optic connection, at under 700 baht per month!), stand up comedy, live jazz, etc. But I have a lovely home that I rent, for about 10% of what I would pay in California, I live very well on an income which is not huge, have access to great health care, at a tiny fraction of what it costs in the US, and do not have to put up with alot of the aggravation that I had to when I lived back there. It is a very personal choice. I have friends who seem to be dropping like flies. I could be dead next year. You just don't know. I am not extravagant, but I live very, very well. And I love every day I spend here. Thailand rules!
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