Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Picture courtesy of TNA-MCOT

 

The fierce clashes at the Thai-Cambodian border have severely impacted Thailand's booming tourism sector, resulting in a staggering monthly loss of 3 billion baht (US $83M). Since hostilities flared last month, the once-bustling border provinces have turned eerily silent, with terrified tourists cancelling over 5,000 hotel bookings in fear for their safety.

 

Devastating Blow to Hotel Industry

 

Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed that the spiralling cancellations of hotel reservations by foreign visitors are largely responsible for the staggering losses. The fallout is most severe in the seven provinces along the fracture line of the Thai-Cambodian border, where apprehension is rife and rooms lie empty. Hoteliers now anxiously await a peaceful resolution as the economic impact deepens.

 

Impact Across the Affected Provinces

 

Ubon Ratchathani: This area has seen multiple hotel closures until early August, with group tours in mass withdrawal mode. Yet, there's a glimmer of solidarity as about 70% of available rooms accommodate brave donors and tireless media personnel supporting the local populace.

 

Si Sa Ket: Tight restrictions at the Chong Sangam crossing have hindered cross-border traffic, causing a major dent in tourism. Large-scale tour cancellations have emptied hotels, although half of them now host dedicated donors and relentless reporters.

 

Picture courtesy of By JJ Harrison via Wikipedia

 

Surin: Temporary closures have become the norm, leading to the cancellation of 80% of group bookings. Many hotels, which serve as havens for evacuees, offer slashed rates or free stays, while media and donors occupy half of the available space. The postponed Enduro Race is just one casualty in this tourism decline, impacting rental services and lodging facilities severely.

 

Buri Ram: Hotels near the border are shutting down while offering reprieves to evacuees through state partnerships. Tourist numbers have plummeted by 70%, leading to idle attractions like Prasat Phanom Rung and the postponement of thrilling events at the Chang International Circuit, reported The Nation.

 

Sa Kaeo: Occupancy rates spiral downwards as Aranyaprathet witnesses a blanket cancellation of bookings. In the bustling Mueang district, 80% of travellers have cancelled their plans.

 

Chanthaburi: The province is grappling with the loss of 80% of bookings. Border restrictions strangle trade and tourism, causing the local economy to falter.

 

Trat: A complete wipeout of hotel bookings along the border sees paradise islands Koh Chang and Koh Kood lose their visitor allure. With 10–30% of Koh Chang trips and half of Koh Kood excursions scrapped, the region's vibrant tourism industry is faltering.

 

As tensions persist, the crippling economic impact looms over Thailand's tourism sector, urging a resolute and peaceful solution to the unsettling border clashes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-07

 

The blame game has started how about looking into other factures like the baht and dual pricing  but they wont their heads are buried in the sand but they have to blame something thats easy  they have had it easy for too long  places likevietnam are the New desinations so wake up thailand before its too late

Whats needed is government price control......ST 500 LT 1000 will revive the economy...

I was looking to book a short stay in Koh Chang and was surprised how cheap the hotels were. I will take the risk that Cambodia bombs me there.

The other day I happened to be looking through Agoda's web site, but only for Phuket the discounts were unbelievable so if you are looking to come to Phuket or anywhere check their site out.

last week all was peachy... now they are losing 3 billion a month.

 

Tourism doesn't cause losses — every visitor adds to GDP. The issue isn't a loss, but a shortfall from projected targets.

How do you lose what you never had?

Seems like another scapegoat.

Persons from many other countries are also leaving and Thailand is losing money from them as well. It would be interesting to know how much is being lost with all the people for many countries not just Cambodia, are leaving.

A lot of expats I understand have left with the tax they want to impose on foreign currency. It is obvious to anyone who has a bank account anywhere in the world that hard currency coming into a count is to be welcomed not taxed.

6 hours ago, ChipButty said:

The other day I happened to be looking through Agoda's web site, but only for Phuket the discounts were unbelievable so if you are looking to come to Phuket or anywhere check their site out.

No thanks. Right now i'd rather take my chances in Surin than go to the Phuket hell hole.

Don't worry.. tomorrow TAT will come up with numbers that reach at least 1 trillion baht a week.

They could calculate that very much ... it is not even a month going on...yes some problems since February, but it were minor issues, the big issues started a few weeks ago... and now they know they are talking about monthly losses.. Maybe a start for Thailand to keep the problems small and respect the outcome of the ICJ and stop being used by a family.. 

They will do what they Usually do. Once its died down and Booking start coming back they will charge more to try and Re-coup what they lost, they never learne or listen.

14 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

They could calculate that very much ... it is not even a month going on...yes some problems since February, but it were minor issues, the big issues started a few weeks ago... and now they know they are talking about monthly losses.. Maybe a start for Thailand to keep the problems small and respect the outcome of the ICJ and stop being used by a family.. 

The losses are going to compound if they don't end this soon. Thailand isn't SOOO much better than every country in the world. People are gonna take the easier options that are good enough without all the danger and drama.

On 8/7/2025 at 8:25 AM, Pouatchee said:

last week all was peachy... now they are losing 3 billion a month.

 

Tourism doesn't cause losses — every visitor adds to GDP. The issue isn't a loss, but a shortfall from projected targets.

You can't 'lose' what you never had!