National —
On October 8th, 2024, Mr. Phuriwat Limthawornrat, the Assistant Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), revealed that the domestic tourism market has significantly slowed since the onset of the rainy season.
Severe flooding in northern provinces, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, has also worsened, leading to a sharp drop in tourist numbers. Many tourists who had planned to visit the north have reportedly redirected their trips to southern beach destinations, such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi, opting for coastal holidays instead of mountainous retreats.
Phuriwat stressed that current efforts are focused on flood relief and helping affected communities return to normal as quickly as possible. Once these efforts are completed, attention will shift to revitalizing tourism in the region.
Tour operators are ready to assist, offering flexible travel packages to encourage tourists to return once conditions improve, said Phuriwat.
Tour operators have been hit particularly hard, not only by the slowdown during the green season but also by cancellations linked to the recent tragic incident involving a school bus fire. The accident has shaken public confidence, with many tourists postponing or canceling their travel plans, despite assurances that tour buses comply with all safety regulations.
Phuriwat urged the government to enforce stricter measures on unregulated vehicles and raise safety standards to prevent further incidents that could damage the tourism sector’s reputation.
Phuriwat also commented on the recent talks between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and major travel platforms such as Grab, Agoda, Expedia, and international hotel chains like IHG and Marriott. He called for concrete campaigns to support tourism recovery, including special discounts on hotel bookings and reduced platform fees for operators.
Such initiatives, especially during the last quarter of 2024, could help stimulate travel demand and ease costs for private businesses. Even though the tour industry may not see direct benefits immediately, overall tourism growth would still positively impact businesses in the sector, according to Phuriwat.
