Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

Foreign tourists have cancelled around 40% of existing hotel bookings in Trat province following armed clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border, raising fears of prolonged damage to the local tourism industry. The cancellations affect travel plans from now through the New Year period of early 2026, hitting what is usually the peak high season. Hotel operators report significant financial losses as confidence among overseas visitors drops sharply.

 

The impact follows fighting reported in tambons Chamrak and Laem Klat in Trat, before escalating to an exchange in which the Royal Thai Navy opened fire on an artillery position on Koh Yor in Koh Kong province, Cambodia. According to local operators, the sound of gunfire was audible as far as Koh Kood, intensifying concern among tourists already in contact with hotels about safety. News of the clashes spread quickly, amplifying fears beyond the immediate border areas.

 

On 15 December 2025, Pichaya Thachaiaditsap, president of the Trat Hotel and Resort Association and owner of Koh Kood Paradise Hotel, said the situation deteriorated rapidly after reports of fighting near Koh Yor. She said earlier clashes in Chamrak caused limited concern and could be explained to guests, with some cancellations but not at severe levels. However, once gunfire could be heard near Koh Kood and international coverage increased, she said “everything ended immediately” as cancellations surged.

 

Ms Pichaya said foreign embassies in Thailand, including those of the United Kingdom and France, issued travel warnings advising caution. She said this led to a large withdrawal of British and French tourists, while cancellations from German visitors were reported but at lower levels. The association estimates that about 40% of foreign bookings have now been cancelled.

 

She added that Koh Chang and Koh Mak have been less affected because they are further from the clash zones. As association president, she said efforts are under way to rebuild confidence by asking government agencies to issue clear explanations of the actual situation in English. She stressed that operators had invested heavily for the year-end and New Year period and are now facing losses, though not as severe as during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Matichon reported that Ms Pichaya warned that if the fighting continues, Trat’s tourist destinations could face a prolonged absence of visitors due to safety concerns. She said operators hope the clashes will end quickly to prevent long-term harm to the province’s tourism sector.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• About 40% of foreign hotel bookings in Trat have been cancelled following border clashes.

• Gunfire reportedly heard near Koh Kood intensified tourist safety concerns.

• UK and French travel warnings contributed to increased cancellations.

 

Related stories

 

Trat-tourism-hit-by-losses-amid-martial-law-concerns

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-16

 

 

This is to be expected. Noone wants their holiday to be at risk with either the smallest chance of being in the middle of a conflict. Who wants to be woken with the sounds of war in the distance haha... 

Good to hear....Who wants to go on holiday in a country that is on the edge of a war?? in the East Cambodia, in the South flood problems and problems with Muslims, and in the West the Myanmar Civil war, and the newest there will be problems with Laos as Thailand refuses to let fuel trucks pass the border as they are afraid that it is to supply Cambodia... Thailand likes to control everyone and everywhere, but if others do Thailand is upset and never accept any comment or interference  in their do and don'ts.. But Thailand supplies the Myanmar Junta with rice and weapons... that is no problem...It is not impossible that Laos don't accept this blockade and there was already some tension at the border some time ago, than Thailand will have another problem to deal with... Never thinking...

I have read that some insurance companies will not provide cover for those holidaying in the province.

'Holiday in Cambodia' by the Dead Kennedys could be on the playlist ..at Radio Free Asia

With many border areas being under a curfew it is hardly surprising that bookings are being cancelled.

Koh Chang is very quiet, many businesses are suffering, from lack of customers..........

On 12/16/2025 at 3:46 AM, Georgealbert said:

The cancellations affect travel plans from now through the New Year period of early 2026, hitting what is usually the peak high season. Hotel operators report significant financial losses as confidence among overseas visitors drops sharply.

The governments on both sides of the fence will loose revenue... but not face.

On 12/16/2025 at 3:46 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

Foreign tourists have cancelled around 40% of existing hotel bookings in Trat province following armed clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border, raising fears of prolonged damage to the local tourism industry. The cancellations affect travel plans from now through the New Year period of early 2026, hitting what is usually the peak high season. Hotel operators report significant financial losses as confidence among overseas visitors drops sharply.

 

The impact follows fighting reported in tambons Chamrak and Laem Klat in Trat, before escalating to an exchange in which the Royal Thai Navy opened fire on an artillery position on Koh Yor in Koh Kong province, Cambodia. According to local operators, the sound of gunfire was audible as far as Koh Kood, intensifying concern among tourists already in contact with hotels about safety. News of the clashes spread quickly, amplifying fears beyond the immediate border areas.

 

On 15 December 2025, Pichaya Thachaiaditsap, president of the Trat Hotel and Resort Association and owner of Koh Kood Paradise Hotel, said the situation deteriorated rapidly after reports of fighting near Koh Yor. She said earlier clashes in Chamrak caused limited concern and could be explained to guests, with some cancellations but not at severe levels. However, once gunfire could be heard near Koh Kood and international coverage increased, she said “everything ended immediately” as cancellations surged.

 

Ms Pichaya said foreign embassies in Thailand, including those of the United Kingdom and France, issued travel warnings advising caution. She said this led to a large withdrawal of British and French tourists, while cancellations from German visitors were reported but at lower levels. The association estimates that about 40% of foreign bookings have now been cancelled.

 

She added that Koh Chang and Koh Mak have been less affected because they are further from the clash zones. As association president, she said efforts are under way to rebuild confidence by asking government agencies to issue clear explanations of the actual situation in English. She stressed that operators had invested heavily for the year-end and New Year period and are now facing losses, though not as severe as during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Matichon reported that Ms Pichaya warned that if the fighting continues, Trat’s tourist destinations could face a prolonged absence of visitors due to safety concerns. She said operators hope the clashes will end quickly to prevent long-term harm to the province’s tourism sector.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• About 40% of foreign hotel bookings in Trat have been cancelled following border clashes.

• Gunfire reportedly heard near Koh Kood intensified tourist safety concerns.

• UK and French travel warnings contributed to increased cancellations.

 

Related stories

 

Trat-tourism-hit-by-losses-amid-martial-law-concerns

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-16

 

 

see what happens when you talk up a war that isnt a war !

It has mostly to do with concerns about any insurance of the holiday makers. Travel or health insurance will be invalid if you travel into an area where a warning has been issued. 

Agreed no one would want a holiday in a area of conflict  

especially their insurance policy would not cover any incidents occurred 

3 hours ago, CLW said:

It has mostly to do with concerns about any insurance of the holiday makers. Travel or health insurance will be invalid if you travel into an area where a warning has been issued. 

True - certainly for Brits, this would invalidate insurance    https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand

 

FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the whole border with Cambodia except for, Koh Chang, Koh Kood and the other islands in between them.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Koh Chang, Koh Kood and the other islands between them.

 

I was planning a road trip early next year with a mate who lives in Bangkok. We had planned to take in Trat and surrounding areas. Think again!

On 12/15/2025 at 9:46 PM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

Foreign tourists have cancelled around 40% of existing hotel bookings in Trat province following armed clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border, raising fears of prolonged damage to the local tourism industry. The cancellations affect travel plans from now through the New Year period of early 2026, hitting what is usually the peak high season. Hotel operators report significant financial losses as confidence among overseas visitors drops sharply.

 

The impact follows fighting reported in tambons Chamrak and Laem Klat in Trat, before escalating to an exchange in which the Royal Thai Navy opened fire on an artillery position on Koh Yor in Koh Kong province, Cambodia. According to local operators, the sound of gunfire was audible as far as Koh Kood, intensifying concern among tourists already in contact with hotels about safety. News of the clashes spread quickly, amplifying fears beyond the immediate border areas.

 

On 15 December 2025, Pichaya Thachaiaditsap, president of the Trat Hotel and Resort Association and owner of Koh Kood Paradise Hotel, said the situation deteriorated rapidly after reports of fighting near Koh Yor. She said earlier clashes in Chamrak caused limited concern and could be explained to guests, with some cancellations but not at severe levels. However, once gunfire could be heard near Koh Kood and international coverage increased, she said “everything ended immediately” as cancellations surged.

 

Ms Pichaya said foreign embassies in Thailand, including those of the United Kingdom and France, issued travel warnings advising caution. She said this led to a large withdrawal of British and French tourists, while cancellations from German visitors were reported but at lower levels. The association estimates that about 40% of foreign bookings have now been cancelled.

 

She added that Koh Chang and Koh Mak have been less affected because they are further from the clash zones. As association president, she said efforts are under way to rebuild confidence by asking government agencies to issue clear explanations of the actual situation in English. She stressed that operators had invested heavily for the year-end and New Year period and are now facing losses, though not as severe as during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Matichon reported that Ms Pichaya warned that if the fighting continues, Trat’s tourist destinations could face a prolonged absence of visitors due to safety concerns. She said operators hope the clashes will end quickly to prevent long-term harm to the province’s tourism sector.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• About 40% of foreign hotel bookings in Trat have been cancelled following border clashes.

• Gunfire reportedly heard near Koh Kood intensified tourist safety concerns.

• UK and French travel warnings contributed to increased cancellations.

 

Related stories

 

Trat-tourism-hit-by-losses-amid-martial-law-concerns

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-16

 

 

no worries, they'll just double the room and food price to compensate losses... 

My question is - What are the other 60% thinking??

8 hours ago, Paradise Pete said:

My question is - What are the other 60% thinking??

They are probably totally unaware. 

19 hours ago, CLW said:

It has mostly to do with concerns about any insurance of the holiday makers. Travel or health insurance will be invalid if you travel into an area where a warning has been issued. 

And the hotel prices will be through the roof to try and make up for the low occupancy, some hotels I have stayed in in Bangkok are asking 10000 bhat a night up from 2k and they are nearly empty but bull you on websites that there's only 2 rooms left.