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Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Threaten Tourism Recovery

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5757548_790.jpg

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's tourism operators and airlines are urging the government to stabilise its borders with Cambodia, fearing the recent tensions may slash hotel occupancy rates by over 10% year-on-year. Bill Heinecke, chairman of Minor International, highlighted the repercussions at the "Beyond Recovery: Transforming Thailand's Tourism for a Sustainable and High-Value Future" conference at Thailand Focus 2025.

 

Since border clashes erupted last month, Minor hotels have seen a decline in foreign tourists, exacerbated by a US travel warning. The company's Cambodian hotels have similarly suffered, causing a rippling effect on tourism between the two nations. Cambodia, traditionally a significant tourism partner for Thailand, is now seeing a shift in logistics to Vietnam, impacting businesses such as The Pizza Company and Swensen's.

 

Heinecke emphasised the economic hit, with over 50 billion baht invested by Thailand's private sector in Cambodia, now facing rising anti-Thai sentiment. This situation has boosted Vietnam’s hotel occupancy, underscoring the need for swift diplomatic resolution to prevent further economic damage.

 

Heinecke suggests the Thai government could offer more free domestic flights beyond the planned 200,000 to attract foreigners and support tourism recovery. The urgency is clear; unresolved tensions could harm Thai businesses significantly in the coming months.

 

Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways International, reported that despite strong passenger numbers on Chinese routes, many travellers continue past Thailand due to safety concerns. Restoring tourism confidence remains a critical short-term goal.

 

Damien Pfirsch, Agoda’s chief commercial officer, recommends investing in infrastructure connecting tourists to second-tier cities, promoting sustainable tourism by spreading visitors and reducing crowded conditions.

 

The message from industry leaders is unequivocal: restoring regional stability is vital for maintaining economic health and ensuring Thailand remains an attractive destination.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-28

 

image.png

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Don't worry. In days few days we will read how tourism is booming again

This is all based on speculation. We all know the real numbers will be shown by TAT? 

The only tourism lost will be with those from Cambodia trying to come into thailand. 

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What recovery ? Another excuse. Even with no war, the quality tourists or the quality retirees who have money to spend, either do not come any more to thailand or if they come, they stay for shorter periods. And even if the tourists numbers are soaring in the usual areas, their spending has drastically dropped. A lot due to all the greed in Thailand in overcharging, inflating prices and offering lower standards of service. 

Yeah sure, the fact that more and more foreigners do not wish to come any more to Thailand since the past few years, is everybody's fault but never the fault of how thing work and go in Thailand. 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

5757548_790.jpg

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's tourism operators and airlines are urging the government to stabilise its borders with Cambodia, fearing the recent tensions may slash hotel occupancy rates by over 10% year-on-year. Bill Heinecke, chairman of Minor International, highlighted the repercussions at the "Beyond Recovery: Transforming Thailand's Tourism for a Sustainable and High-Value Future" conference at Thailand Focus 2025.

 

Since border clashes erupted last month, Minor hotels have seen a decline in foreign tourists, exacerbated by a US travel warning. The company's Cambodian hotels have similarly suffered, causing a rippling effect on tourism between the two nations. Cambodia, traditionally a significant tourism partner for Thailand, is now seeing a shift in logistics to Vietnam, impacting businesses such as The Pizza Company and Swensen's.

 

Heinecke emphasised the economic hit, with over 50 billion baht invested by Thailand's private sector in Cambodia, now facing rising anti-Thai sentiment. This situation has boosted Vietnam’s hotel occupancy, underscoring the need for swift diplomatic resolution to prevent further economic damage.

 

Heinecke suggests the Thai government could offer more free domestic flights beyond the planned 200,000 to attract foreigners and support tourism recovery. The urgency is clear; unresolved tensions could harm Thai businesses significantly in the coming months.

 

Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways International, reported that despite strong passenger numbers on Chinese routes, many travellers continue past Thailand due to safety concerns. Restoring tourism confidence remains a critical short-term goal.

 

Damien Pfirsch, Agoda’s chief commercial officer, recommends investing in infrastructure connecting tourists to second-tier cities, promoting sustainable tourism by spreading visitors and reducing crowded conditions.

 

The message from industry leaders is unequivocal: restoring regional stability is vital for maintaining economic health and ensuring Thailand remains an attractive destination.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-28

 

image.png

is that the excuse lol

11 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Don't worry. In days few days we will read how tourism is booming again

And construction can continue

Just hope my Christmas, New Year holiday in Cambodia won't be affected.

It has been quiet in Cambodia based on recent reports from folks who were there this week.

 

10 hours ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

What recovery ? Another excuse. Even with no war, the quality tourists or the quality retirees who have money to spend, either do not come any more to thailand or if they come, they stay for shorter periods. And even if the tourists numbers are soaring in the usual areas, their spending has drastically dropped. A lot due to all the greed in Thailand in overcharging, inflating prices and offering lower standards of service. 

True but they dont admit that.

For a start thailand could send the 18 Cambodian soldiers back home, with a nice big photo of them shaking hands on the border.

Thailand needs the Cambodian work force , so they should do something to fix this, as sure as hell it won’t be Hun Sen who says he’s sorry . 
As for tourists, I don’t think all that happened will make a lasting effect. For road transport industry is certainly isn’t good.

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