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

 

 

Unfortunately the damage is done to international tourism it's going to be a slow high season for many

....and that's all because of an ancient Khmer temple.... unbelievable 🥴

6 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

....and that's all because of an ancient Khmer temple.... unbelievable 🥴

be careful, there are some ultra nationalist Thais who believe its a Thai temple as they believe any temple is " Thai" within their borders. its simply nonsense, but don't tell them that to their faces. 

Putting its eggs into one (tourism) basket is now reaping its rewards for Thailand. Diversification of income sources would have helped but no, that requires an educated population. 

Sorry to read these negative news items but they are the result of years of not building a diverse economy.

19 minutes ago, BayArea said:

be careful, there are some ultra nationalist Thais who believe its a Thai temple as they believe any temple is " Thai" within their borders. its simply nonsense, but don't tell them that to their faces. 

Right.

Even they would lose their face if they admit it to be Cambodian soil.

15 hours ago, ozz1 said:

Unfortunately the damage is done to international tourism it's going to be a slow high season for many

Other Asian countries looking a much safer bet

On the bright side their armored plated baht has been totally unaffected🤔

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

Right.

Even they would lose their face if they admit it to be Cambodian soil.

Exactly!!

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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

 

 

definitely fake news,bookings are up and the tours of shell holes.!

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

Right.

Even they would lose their face if they admit it to be Cambodian soil.

Can you stop spreading this uninformed nonsense? Thailand has accepted both verdicts from the ICJ regarding the temple and it's immediate surrounding area belonging to Cambodia, and are making absolutely no claims on it. The issue is that Cambodia is now claiming that a much larger area around the temple belongs to them, which is why they are yet again trying to make Thailand go to the ICJ.

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

....and that's all because of an ancient Khmer temple.... unbelievable 🥴

Not quite so, it is because of an oligarch kid in the kindergarten called "Thailand Elite" named Thaksin misbehaved and thought to be mightier than the mighty. After getting overrun by the political bus 19 years ago he continued to throw his own sister and six weeks ago his youngest daughter under the same bus. 

On the other side of the play pen there is another geek called Hun Sen who parked his three sons befittingly in key positions within the Cambodian government. He never managed to rename the country into Hunland, likewise Thaksinland never materialized. 

These two individual persons, their ego, their corrupt mind and endless greed for power and money are directly responsible for this absolutely avoidable mess which will leave scars in the economies of both countries and will take generation(s) to heal the hatred and rift between these two people who are so similar to each other. 

The Khmer temples, from Western Thailand across both sides of the Dongrek mountain chain to the morning temple of Wat Phu in Southern Laos' province of Champasak are Khmer, not Cambodian, not Laotian and not Thai. All these political definitions of country names today were nowhere a few hundred years ago, lest a thousand years ago when those temples were built! 

In terms of economy, travel/tourism sector is always the first causality of the war.

 

Very few people willing to travel to war zone.

 

Except for some dedicated journalists.

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

....and that's all because of an ancient Khmer temple.... unbelievable 🥴

 

Because of Thailand not accepting decisions on the border for decades

Those overly nationalistic fan the war from the safe distance.

And the locals  in the affected areas suffer both during and the post war period.

3 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Because of Thailand not accepting decisions on the border for decades

Again, stop spreading misinformation.

 

"Thailand has accepted both verdicts from the ICJ regarding the temple and it's immediate surrounding area belonging to Cambodia, and are making absolutely no claims on it. The issue is that Cambodia is now claiming that a much larger area around the temple belongs to them, which is why they are yet again trying to make Thailand go to the ICJ."

19 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Because of Thailand not accepting decisions on the border for decades

That's what I mean. Since 1962 (court decision).

1 hour ago, Sydebolle said:

Not quite so, it is because of an oligarch kid in the kindergarten called "Thailand Elite" named Thaksin misbehaved and thought to be mightier than the mighty. After getting overrun by the political bus 19 years ago he continued to throw his own sister and six weeks ago his youngest daughter under the same bus. 

On the other side of the play pen there is another geek called Hun Sen who parked his three sons befittingly in key positions within the Cambodian government. He never managed to rename the country into Hunland, likewise Thaksinland never materialized. 

These two individual persons, their ego, their corrupt mind and endless greed for power and money are directly responsible for this absolutely avoidable mess which will leave scars in the economies of both countries and will take generation(s) to heal the hatred and rift between these two people who are so similar to each other. 

The Khmer temples, from Western Thailand across both sides of the Dongrek mountain chain to the morning temple of Wat Phu in Southern Laos' province of Champasak are Khmer, not Cambodian, not Laotian and not Thai. All these political definitions of country names today were nowhere a few hundred years ago, lest a thousand years ago when those temples were built! 

Not quite right: international court in The Hague decided 1962 already. Belong to Cambodia.

1 hour ago, Myran said:

Can you stop spreading this uninformed nonsense? Thailand has accepted both verdicts from the ICJ regarding the temple and it's immediate surrounding area belonging to Cambodia, and are making absolutely no claims on it. The issue is that Cambodia is now claiming that a much larger area around the temple belongs to them, which is why they are yet again trying to make Thailand go to the ICJ.

No, that's illusional delusion. But I see....propaganda is working on you perfectly.

1 hour ago, Myran said:

Can you stop spreading this uninformed nonsense? Thailand has accepted both verdicts from the ICJ regarding the temple and it's immediate surrounding area belonging to Cambodia, and are making absolutely no claims on it. The issue is that Cambodia is now claiming that a much larger area around the temple belongs to them, which is why they are yet again trying to make Thailand go to the ICJ.

Your lack of knowledge is outstanding amazing 😂😂😂

Brief History Lesson for the Ignorant and Uneducated.  Siam conquered the Khmer Kingdom in 1400s - many battles going back 100s of years.  Siam owned Siem Reap and most of Laos and Cambodia. They lost in when the French and English came in late 1800s. They became Thailand in 1930s.  The Victory Monument in Bangkok is for the Thai-Franco War that Thailand 'won' in 1941 with help from the British and that gave them back most of the lands lost/stolen by the French including Siem Reap.  After WW2 Thailand was forced to give up lands - both to Laos and Cambodia which itself became an independent country in 1950s (Kampuchea).  The lands and all the temples in dispute along the border for 100s of Ks was part of the Agreement and are within the Thai borders. The ICJ ruling gave control over one group of Temples to Cambodia BUT not the lands around them. They did that because Thailand is not a member of the ICJ and told them to go fornicate themselves - Thailand never accepted the ICJ decision. The ICJ ruled that the borders are inside Thailand but the Temples are 'controlled' by  Cambodia - what a great way to create future problems - UN idiots being idiots.    

44 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Your lack of knowledge is outstanding amazing 😂😂😂

I'll never understand why (seemingly) grown men can not just simply accept facts and admit they made a mistake. Incredibly childish. What I wrote was facts. Period.

The Hoteliers in the affected areas will do what they always do, charge more for losses incured.

A personal attack and reply have been removed

They haven't learned anything from Covid, tourism is declining, they complain but do everything they can to discourage tourism or expats. Those who cause their own misfortune have only themselves to blame...

Tony

Not sure why businesses in Korat are getting cancelations... a little paranoid and skittish to think that Cambodian missiles will start fly into places like that, as they are a long way from the border.

With a little external assistance for Thailand this current confrontation could be settled.😃

 

5 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Not quite right: international court in The Hague decided 1962 already. Belong to Cambodia.

Read my entire article, will you please? Thailand, Cambodia and Laos are presently designated to look after those historic sites, may collect entrance fees for basic maintenance under the supervision of UNICEF. 

They belong to the world, neither the ICJ nor Cambodia existed a thousand years ago ....... 

Common sense prevails

28 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

Read my entire article, will you please? Thailand, Cambodia and Laos are presently designated to look after those historic sites, may collect entrance fees for basic maintenance under the supervision of UNICEF. 

They belong to the world, neither the ICJ nor Cambodia existed a thousand years ago ....... 

Common sense prevails

Not quite right.

It's the UNESCO. Responsible for world heritage eg that temple.

UNICEF is responsible for children eg Gaza 

9 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Brief History Lesson for the Ignorant and Uneducated.  Siam conquered the Khmer Kingdom in 1400s - many battles going back 100s of years.  Siam owned Siem Reap and most of Laos and Cambodia. They lost in when the French and English came in late 1800s. They became Thailand in 1930s.  The Victory Monument in Bangkok is for the Thai-Franco War that Thailand 'won' in 1941 with help from the British and that gave them back most of the lands lost/stolen by the French including Siem Reap.  After WW2 Thailand was forced to give up lands - both to Laos and Cambodia which itself became an independent country in 1950s (Kampuchea).  The lands and all the temples in dispute along the border for 100s of Ks was part of the Agreement and are within the Thai borders. The ICJ ruling gave control over one group of Temples to Cambodia BUT not the lands around them. They did that because Thailand is not a member of the ICJ and told them to go fornicate themselves - Thailand never accepted the ICJ decision. The ICJ ruled that the borders are inside Thailand but the Temples are 'controlled' by  Cambodia - what a great way to create future problems - UN idiots being idiots.    

good summary. But there is more to the story on Cambodia's misfortunes after the 15th century. Here is a good breakdown.

 

Domination by Thailand and by Vietnam

More than their conquest of Angkor a century and a half earlier, the Thai capture of Lovek marked the beginning of a decline in Cambodia's fortunes. One possible reason for the decline was the labor drain imposed by the Thai conquerors as they marched thousands of Khmer peasants, skilled artisans, scholars, and members of the Buddhist clergy back to their capital of Ayutthaya. This practice, common in the history of Southeast Asia, crippled Cambodia's ability to recover a semblance of its former greatness. A new Khmer capital was established at Odongk (Udong), south of Lovek, but its monarchs could survive only by entering into what amounted to vassal relationships with the Thai and with the Vietnamese. In common parlance, Thailand became Cambodia's "father" and Vietnam its "mother." By the late fifteenth century, the Vietnamese--who, unlike other Southeast Asian peoples, had patterned their culture and their civilization on those of China--had defeated the oncepowerful kingdom of Champa in central Vietnam. Thousands of Chams fled into Khmer territory. By the early seventeenth century, the Vietnamese had reached the Mekong Delta, which was inhabited by Khmer people. In 1620 the Khmer king Chey Chettha II (1618-28) married a daughter of Sai Vuong, one of the Nguyen lords (1558- 1778), who ruled southern Vietnam for most of the period of the restored Le dynasty (1428-1788). Three years later, Chey Chettha allowed the Vietnamese to establish a custom-house at Prey Nokor, near what is now Ho Chi Minh City (until 1975, Saigon). By the end of the seventeenth century, the region was under Vietnamese administrative control, and Cambodia was cut off from access to the sea. Trade with the outside world was possible only with Vietnamese permission. There were periods in the seventeenth and the eighteenth centuries, when Cambodia's neighbors were preoccupied with internal or external strife, that afforded the beleaguered country a breathing spell. The Vietnamese were involved in a lengthy civil war until 1674, but upon its conclusion they promptly annexed sizable areas of contiguous Cambodian territory in the region of the Mekong Delta. For the next one hundred years they used the alleged mistreatment of Vietnamese colonists in the delta as a pretext for their continued expansion. By the end of the eighteenth century, they had extended their control to include the area encompassed in the late 1980s by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam). Thailand, which might otherwise have been courted as an ally against Vietnamese incursions in the eighteenth century, was itself involved in a new conflict with Burma. In 1767 the Thai capital of Ayutthaya was besieged and destroyed. The Thai quickly recovered, however, and soon reasserted their dominion over Cambodia. The youthful Khmer king, Ang Eng (1779-96), a refugee at the Thai court, was installed as monarch at Odongk by Thai troops. At the same time, Thailand quietly annexed Cambodia's three northernmost provinces. In addition, the local rulers of the northwestern provinces of Batdambang and Siemreab (Siemreap) became vassals of the Thai king, and these areas came under the Thai sphere of influence. A renewed struggle between Thailand and Vietnam for control of Cambodia in the nineteenth century resulted in a period when Vietnamese officials, working through a puppet Cambodian king, ruled the central part of the country and attempted to force Cambodians to adopt Vietnamese customs. Several rebellions against Vietnamese rule ensued. The most important of these occurred in 1840 to 1841 and spread through much of the country. After two years of fighting, Cambodia and its two neighbors reached an accord that placed the country under the joint suzerainty of Thailand and Vietnam. At the behest of both countries, a new monarch, Ang Duong (1848-59), ascended the throne and brought a decade of peace and relative independence to Cambodia. In their arbitrary treatment of the Khmer population, the Thai and the Vietnamese were virtually indistinguishable. The suffering and the dislocation caused by war were comparable in many ways to similar Cambodian experiences in the 1970s. But the Thai and the Vietnamese had fundamentally different attitudes concerning their relationships with Cambodia. The Thai shared with the Khmer a common religion, mythology, literature, and culture. The Chakri kings at Bangkok wanted Cambodia's loyalty and tribute, but they had no intention of challenging or changing its people's values or way of life. The Vietnamese viewed the Khmer people as barbarians to be civilized through exposure to Vietnamese culture, and they regarded the fertile Khmer lands as legitimate sites for colonization by settlers from Vietnam.