Tourism Private Sector Raises Alarm Over Southern Thailand’s Tourism Slump

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Southern Thailand’s tourism sector is sounding the alarm over a noticeable decline in international tourist arrivals, with business leaders pointing to the suspension of Malaysian tour bus operations and the disappearance of Chinese tourists amid safety concerns.

 

Mr. Songchai Mungprasitichai, President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, stated that tour operators in the region, who previously helped develop tourism markets in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga targeting Malaysian and Singaporean travellers, have witnessed a sharp drop in cross-border traffic since local authorities restricted Malaysian tour buses from travelling beyond Songkhla province.

 

“Currently, Songkhla does not permit Malaysian tour buses to travel beyond its borders, only private vehicles such as cars and vans. This has significantly disrupted the tourist flow to Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga during the low season,” said Mr. Songchai.

 

Before the restrictions, some 7,000–8,000 Malaysian tourists arrived monthly by bus during the May–October low season, contributing to over 100,000 arrivals annually. With average spending of 10,000 baht per tourist, the region used to generate more than 1 billion baht each year from this segment alone.

 

“European markets naturally slow down after the high season. That’s when we used to rely on regional tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and also domestic travellers,” he added.

 

Mr. Songchai also highlighted the impact of Thailand’s deteriorating image among Chinese tourists. According to feedback from overseas travel networks, concerns over safety, driven by reports of call centre scams and fraud targeting Chinese nationals, have led to widespread travel advisories and a sharp drop in arrivals.

 

“Many Chinese tourists are now choosing alternative destinations in Asia such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea and Japan. The perception that Thailand is unsafe has had a profound impact on their decisions,” he said.

 

Despite Thailand and Malaysia signing an MoU to allow mutual cross-border bus operations, Thai authorities have yet to implement the agreement effectively. Mr. Songchai urged southern provinces, including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, to unite and petition the government to resolve the issue.

 

He pointed to the economic benefits of reinstating cross-border travel, citing the success of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s annual Phra That Temple Robe Offering Festival, which alone attracts Malaysian devotees and circulates 300–400 million baht over a three-month period.

 

He also noted that Thai tourists frequently travel to Malaysia by road via provinces such as Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla, and Satun and that the potential for outbound Thai tourism may currently outpace inbound travel from Malaysia.

 

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Wiwat Chankringthong, Manager of the Business Innovation Research Centre at Hatyai University, revealed the results of a recent confidence index survey for southern Thailand. The study showed a decline in public confidence in May compared to April, largely due to stagnation in the tourism sector.

 

Dr. Wiwat identified a dramatic drop in Chinese arrivals as a primary concern, attributing the decline to negative media coverage of tourist safety in Thailand, competition from neighbouring countries with active tourism promotion campaigns and more favourable safety perceptions elsewhere in Asia.

 

As Chinese tourists shift to regional alternatives, Thailand is losing substantial revenue, with southern provinces bearing the brunt of the fallout. Stakeholders are now calling for urgent action to restore confidence, improve safety perceptions and revitalise long-standing cross-border tourism channels.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-15

 

 

 

[Harrisfan]

Called low season

[StandardIssue]

At some point there is gonna be saturation. IMHO, many Thais, even high so Thai's go for the short term gratification. Long term planning isn't in the equation. So, IMHO, most of them just think the horn of plenty will be endless and don't think about the problems that would arrise out of over tourism and saturation of the land. Just look at Pattaya and Jomtien. Once a spacious and tolerable place to visit. Plenty of room, not over crowded. Now it's just a sh!thole with condo's everywhere and more going up everyday. I mean, it's literally turning into an Indian/Russian/Chinese ghetto. BAD PLANNING!!  

[ozz1]

They wanted them now they can suffer the consequenses greed will get you  nowhere 

[henryford1958]

I would never return to Phuket while it is infested with Russians.

[blaze master]

2 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Called low season

 

The other day it surged in one report and was down in another. Now its busses being stopped in songkhla. 

 

About a week ago it was prime time for Europeans now European markets are slowing down. 

 

What a comedy show. 

[impulse]

2 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Called low season

 

That's true, but apparently they used to get more tourists from Malaysia to flatten the curve during low season. 

 

Does anyone know why they won't let Malaysian buses past Songkhla now?  I didn't see a reason stated in the OP.

 

[JoePai]

27 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

That's true, but apparently they used to get more tourists from Malaysia to flatten the curve during low season. 

 

Does anyone know why they won't let Malaysian buses past Songkhla now?  I didn't see a reason stated in the OP.

 

It's Songkla, they are not the brightest down there

[impulse]

Just now, JoePai said:

It's Songkla, they are not the brightest down there

 

I love Songkhla and the people down there.  But they have messed up politics.

 

I'm wondering if they're stopping Malaysian buses from going further north just so Malaysian tourists have to spend their money in Hat Yai?

 

[Georgealbert]

44 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

That's true, but apparently they used to get more tourists from Malaysia to flatten the curve during low season. 

 

Does anyone know why they won't let Malaysian buses past Songkhla now?  I didn't see a reason stated in the OP.

 

The ban on Malaysian and any other foreign‑registered, passenger buses from traveling beyond Songkhla province stems from a provincial regulation enacted on August 1, 2014.

 

The ban was introduced to protect Thai bus operators’ business. Songkhla Province implemented the rule to favor local companies, ensuring Thai buses continue to carry tourists from Malaysia within southern Thailand, instead of losing them to foreign buses.

 

It was also in retaliation over cross‑border vehicle checks, with it being a reciprocal response to stricter checks Malaysia introduced in 2013 on Thai-registered vehicles.

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2743326/songkhla-favours-expansion-of-foreign-bus-travel-beyond-province?utm_source=chatgpt.com

 

[daveAustin]

That’s alright, just invite the Indians. 

[Spilornis]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The ban was introduced to protect Thai bus operators’ business. Songkhla Province implemented the rule to favor local companies, ensuring Thai buses continue to carry tourists from Malaysia within southern Thailand, instead of losing them to foreign buses.

Sounds reasonable given that Malaysia has done much the same and has severely restricted Singapore buses from entering Malaysia.

Completely different to Europe where it's common to see UK buses in Europe and vice versa even though their steering wheels and passenger exits are on the "wrong" side.

Having crossed the Thai border in my car a few times it's certainly harder getting your car in out than oneself