A drastic 50% drop in the number of European tourists visiting the Koh Kut district in Trat has been witnessed this year, as reported by the chairman of the Koh Kut administrative organisation. The chairman, who also operates a resort on the island, revealed that around 160,000 to 170,000 tourists visited the district last year, contributing to a revenue of hundreds of millions of baht.

 

The district is well-known for its picturesque islands of Koh Kut and Koh Mak. This year, Koh Kut saw approximately 100,000 visitors, marking the highest visitation since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This resurgence in tourism was partially attributed to the relaxation of travel restrictions from the mainland to the island.

 

Despite the rise in domestic tourism, a significant decline was observed in foreign tourist numbers, especially from Europe. The downturn persisted even in October, typically a peak period for foreign tourist influx. The decrease in numbers was especially noticeable in the hospitality industry, including restaurants and vehicle rental services.

 

The chairman identified potential reasons for this downturn in the number of European tourists, including the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, a recent shooting incident in a Bangkok shopping mall, and escalating tensions between Hamas and Israel. Traditionally, foreign tourists dominate the visitor count in Trat during the colder seasons, while Thai tourists prefer to visit the northern region. However, a surge in domestic tourism is expected as temperatures rise in December.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo: Benoit Lepinay/Flickr

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-13

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The chairman, who also operates a resort on the island, revealed that around 160,000 to 170,000 tourists visited the district last year, contributing to a revenue of hundreds of millions of baht.

Another free ad.

Most go to Koh Chang as they can take their car or mini bus direct to their hotel. 

Kut hotels are expensive

Hard to get to

Little food

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The chairman identified potential reasons for this downturn in the number of European tourists, including the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, a recent shooting incident in a Bangkok shopping mall, and escalating tensions between Hamas and Israel.

All BS, more to do with Europe being broke after 2 years of staying at home.

Can't see it getting any better in the near future either.

Europe is effed up economically - no money, no honey (or Koh Kut) for them.

5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

All BS, more to do with Europe being broke after 2 years of staying at home.

Can't see it getting any better in the near future either.

People aren't broke but they had 2 years to look around and try new locations: the world is a big old place. There is also the flight costs now. Last April 2023 we a family of 4 paid £3,400 (included pick up and hotel for 3 nights) 2024 we are paying £4,600 no pickup and no hotel!!! If we didn't have a house and family we would be heading somewhere else.

It’s going to be difficult season for all the Beer Bars in Pattaya but more arm still being opened.

Koh Kut hotels rather pricey in comparison to e.g. Koh Chang last time I checked.

Apart from not being worth the money - as in many other places in Thailand meanwhile - the visa mess, the extremely exciting news on hunting on dirty farang and alien ...... all helped a lot to destroy the little that is left. Their country, their monkeys, their circus! 

3 hours ago, BritScot said:

People aren't broke but they had 2 years to look around and try new locations: the world is a big old place. There is also the flight costs now. Last April 2023 we a family of 4 paid £3,400 (included pick up and hotel for 3 nights) 2024 we are paying £4,600 no pickup and no hotel!!! If we didn't have a house and family we would be heading somewhere else.

You seem to live on the bright side. However, many EU members have to struggle with exorbitant heating costs. And if you go to Lidl, you get a lot less for your money than 2 or 3 years ago.

8 hours ago, BritManToo said:

All BS, more to do with Europe being broke after 2 years of staying at home.

Can't see it getting any better in the near future either.

Yes, the lack of discretionary money is a problem which isn't recognized by the TOT, the days of the free spending tourists are gone, high rents and mortgages, maxed out credit cards and high interest rates are the order of the day. We are in what the Scots ominously call, 'interesting times', lucky the man who has a strong door to close behind him.

8 hours ago, nausea said:

Europe is effed up economically - no money, no honey (or Koh Kut) for them.

Eloquently put.

On 11/13/2023 at 6:38 PM, snoop1130 said:

The chairman identified potential reasons for this downturn in the number of European tourists, including the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, a recent shooting incident in a Bangkok shopping mall, and escalating tensions between Hamas and Israel.

Those are excuses not reasons..

Western tourism has been declining in Thailand for a decade. On a recent trip to Phuket it was likely 35% Russian, 20% Chinese, 20% Arab, and the balance were Malaysian and Indian. I saw very few Europeans and Americans. Those days are in the rear view, for a dozen good reasons. 

Main reasons are flight costs and higher expenses at home. All other reasons stayed here are incidental. Poorly researched article.