Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

Trat province is suffering major tourism losses, with cancellations by European travellers following UK government warnings linked to the province-wide Martial Law declaration. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed the cancellations have cost the region around 700 million baht, as foreign visitors, particularly from the UK, face difficulties obtaining travel insurance for Koh Chang and nearby islands despite them being considered safe.

 

The issue surfaced after British citizen Jan Robinson wrote to TAT’s London office and the Royal Thai Embassy in London, explaining that UK travel advisories have made it impossible to secure insurance coverage. “We are UK citizens and at the moment our Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the Trat region including Koh Chang,” Robinson wrote, noting that her insurance company would not cover the trip despite non-refundable hotel bookings.

 

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Korakod Opas, Director of the TAT Trat Office, confirmed that the concern arose when the London office sought clarification on local safety conditions. He stressed that the situation in Trat is calm and that Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak remain safe tourist destinations far from conflict zones. However, he identified the ongoing Martial Law declaration, as the main barrier deterring tourists and insurers.

 

“In the understanding of Europeans and insurance providers, Martial Law signals high risk,” Korakod explained. “If the security sector understands and revokes it in areas not involved, it could help tour operators.” He added that many cancellations had already led to significant financial losses for local businesses during the peak tourist season.

 

Thawisak Wongwilas, Vice President of the Trat Tourism Business Association, echoed this concern, urging authorities to revoke Martial Law in non-border areas. He confirmed that no fighting or security incidents had occurred on the islands, but said insurance restrictions and perceived risk continued to harm tourism confidence.

 

Trat Governor Natthapong Sanguanjit reassured travellers that Koh Chang and Koh Kood remain safe and continue to attract large numbers of visitors each year. He emphasised that despite reports of regional border tensions, no serious incidents had ever occurred in the province. Tourism officials hope that adjusting the Martial Law boundaries will restore confidence among insurers and foreign governments while maintaining necessary border security.

TAT Trat Director Korakod Opas speaks about a plea from UK tourist Jan Robinson, blocked from visiting Koh Chang by insurance restrictions over the province’s Martial Law designation

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Martial Law over the entire Trat province has caused 700m in tourism losses due to insurance restrictions.

• Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak remain safe and unaffected by nearby border tensions.

• Authorities are considering revoking Martial Law in non-border areas to restore tourist confidence.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now From Khaosod 2025-10-14

 

 

 

 

On 10/14/2025 at 4:09 AM, Georgealbert said:

However, he identified the ongoing Martial Law declaration, as the main barrier deterring tourists and insurers.

So sort it out.... easy

indeed a lot of cancelations coming in, although all is perfectly safe and peaceful on the islands, hope government gets it sorted soon or the season is ruined. Understanable that travellers worry if their insurance is not covering. Most european insurance will cover though, as long as it is not a war accident, is what some of our customers mentioned

I agree why tourists cancel their holidays to TRAT if Martial Law over the entire Trat province has been declared. TAT and the Governor has caused this.  No one will visit will its unsafe to vmcome to TRAT

On 10/14/2025 at 4:09 AM, Georgealbert said:

He stressed that the situation in Trat is calm and that Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak remain safe tourist destinations far from conflict zones.

Yes exactly that. I was unaware that Trat province was even under marital law, I thought that was just at the boarder.

I doubt the military cares, and as it is more powerful than the government, I doubt they will lift Marshall Law...it would mean relinquishing some control.

6 hours ago, anemone said:

indeed a lot of cancelations coming in, although all is perfectly safe and peaceful on the islands, hope government gets it sorted soon or the season is ruined. Understanable that travellers worry if their insurance is not covering. Most european insurance will cover though, as long as it is not a war accident, is what some of our customers mentioned

 

I understand your concern, sympathise with you and agree that unless it was a war related incident, insurers in principle should still cover for everything else.  However as many insurers will try and find any way not to pay a claim, just being in a place advised against by the FCDO and similar bodies, is enough justification for them to at least try it on and refuse a claim.  Therefore any travelers would be wise to get any advice in writing from their insurers. 

6 hours ago, anemone said:

indeed a lot of cancelations coming in, although all is perfectly safe and peaceful on the islands, hope government gets it sorted soon or the season is ruined. Understanable that travellers worry if their insurance is not covering. Most european insurance will cover though, as long as it is not a war accident, is what some of our customers mentioned

Yes, the British government travel advisories have warned potential tourists to Trat, Koh Chang etc and all Thai Cambodian borders.

I suppose  it’s their job to warn tourists who might not read the news’ and it’s a problem if travel insurance won’t cover them.

Myself hoping to be back at Kae Bee beach after the Christmas rush. 
Bonne courage .

No <deleted> Sherlock. What did they expect to happen?

11 hours ago, hotchilli said:

So sort it out.... easy

easy,let Trat cover there insurance

This below, is from email travel alert, received from UK government on 16 October.

 

Latest update:

 

Clarification that FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 50km of the whole border with Cambodia, including Koh Chang, Koh Kood and the other islands in between them.

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand