Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

The United Kingdom has lifted its travel advisory against non-essential travel to Trat, sparking optimism among local tourism operators ahead of the high season. The move has already led to a noticeable rise in bookings, particularly from European markets, according to Wichit Sukrasuyanon, president of the Trat Tourism Association. Hotel occupancy rates are expected to climb to between 80% and 90% from November 2025 through March 2026.

 

The advisory change marks a key development for Trat, which has been working to restore traveller confidence following a period of subdued demand linked to regional instability. Popular destinations such as Koh Chang, Koh Kut and Koh Mak remain unaffected by recent border tensions, reassuring international visitors and helping to drive early recovery momentum.

 

Wichit confirmed that roughly 60% of room nights are now being booked by foreign tourists, mainly from Europe and the UK, while Thai travellers make up the remaining 40%. However, the Chinese market has seen a sharp decline, accounting for only 10% of bookings compared with nearly 50% previously, due to persistent safety concerns. Russian arrivals have also softened in recent months.

 

On the domestic front, tourism in Trat is benefiting from the government’s Khon La Khrueng co-payment programme, which supports local spending even though it does not directly subsidise hotel stays. Wichit described this approach as more effective than the recently concluded hotel-specific subsidy scheme, noting its broader positive impact on tourism-related businesses.

 

Despite the improvements, not all government initiatives are being well received. Wichit voiced reservations about the Check-in Fin Wow: East X Northeast campaign, designed to promote seven Thai-Cambodian border provinces through subsidised group tour packages. He argued that the programme fails to align with current travel preferences, as most domestic tourists now favour independent trips over organised tours.

 

Tourism operators in Trat are hopeful the rebound will continue through early 2026 as confidence from European markets strengthens. Local businesses are also urging policymakers to reassess existing subsidy frameworks to better reflect evolving travel habits and ensure sustained recovery in the province’s tourism sector.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The UK has lifted its travel warning for Trat, prompting a surge in bookings from European markets.

• Chinese and Russian visitor numbers have dropped sharply, though domestic travel is strengthening.

• Tourism leaders are calling for government schemes to better match changing travel preferences.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from TheThaiger  2025-11-10

 

 

 

 

 

Lies to save face and so called show how good everything is.. wait a few days and the opposite will be announced

Lol, nobody listens to them anyway

16 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The United Kingdom has lifted its travel advisory against non-essential travel to Trat . . . . .

 

No they haven't.

 

 

 

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

 

with a strong baht  and talk of reducing the visa lengh of stay it will not increase tourism for UK holidays makers 

On 11/10/2025 at 5:00 AM, Georgealbert said:

The move has already led to a noticeable rise in bookings

Yeah okay...

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Yeah okay...

The rise is from 2 to 3 people booking i guess.

18 hours ago, ukrules said:

Lol, nobody listens to them anyway

 

 

That is why they find their travel insurance revoked.

27 minutes ago, norsurin said:

The rise is from 2 to 3 people booking i guess.

 

 

You don't know much about that part of Thailand, do you.

Trat is not a high end destination. I doubt that the type of tourist who visits pays much attention to UK travel advisories. 

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Just now, Patong2021 said:

Trat is not a high end destination is  now? I doubt that the type of tourist who visits pays much attention to UK travel advisories. 

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But they should, because of the impact on travel insurance.

 

We were due to meet UK friends in Koh Chang last week but they "had to cancel" and went to Vietnam instead.