Tourist Season Revives in Koh Chang Amid New Campaigns

Photo of Koh Chang courtesy of Klook Travel

The tourist season in Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak has begun as Thai tourism officials introduce new campaigns to rejuvenate travel following recent border tensions. The previous conflict at the border resulted in a travel ban in Trat and nearby areas, imposing martial law for up to five months. This led to significant travel cancellations, particularly among European visitors, causing the province a financial hit of approximately 700 million baht in lost revenue.

In response, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Trat Office has teamed up with the Provincial Tourism Council, the Trat Wellness Association, and other business groups to attract 700,000 visitors from October last year through the end of 2025. The projected tourism revenue from this initiative is expected to surpass six billion baht. According to TAT Trat Director Korakot Opas, the effort is aimed not only at increasing tourist numbers but reshaping the local tourism offerings to be more sustainable and experience-focused.

A central campaign is the "Kaew Deaw Thieaw Trat" or "Travel Trat in One Reusable Glass," encouraging tourists to use reusable glasses and straws. Numerous local businesses are providing special deals to participants, aiming to implement this campaign across major island destinations. "This is about attracting quality tourists who care about the environment while helping us cut down on waste," stated Opas.

Koh Mak is positioned as a low-carbon destination, where tourists can engage in eco-friendly travel using electric golf carts, available for 800 baht per day. Meanwhile, Koh Kut focuses on wellness and nature, while Koh Chang markets itself as an active travel hub, featuring events like the Bikini Run scheduled for November 22.

Through this blend of sustainable projects, unique experiences, and strong promotional strategies, TAT aspires to restore confidence in the province’s tourism sector. This move aims to propel recovery despite the geopolitical disruptions witnessed in recent months.

Key Takeaways

• Koh Chang launches new tourism campaigns amid border tension recovery.
• Initiatives focus on sustainability, aiming for 700,000 visitors by 2025.
• Activities include eco-tourism, wellness experiences, and sports events.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-16