Holiday tourism shows a mixed outcome
In the recent four-day Mother's Day holiday from August 9 to 12, tourist activity in two popular Thai destinations, Trat and Pattaya, showed a stark contrast.
While Trat province, including its islands Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak, was bustling with tourists, recording over 26,190 visitors and strong revenue despite a 20-30% drop from usual numbers [1][2][3], Pattaya in Chon Buri experienced unexpectedly low visitor numbers during the same period [3].
In Trat, local officials have stated that tourist areas remain safe and unaffected by the dispute [1][2][3]. Three ferry companies ran a combined total of 10 daily trips to Koh Kut and Koh Mak during the long weekend. Over 600 Thai and foreign tourists boarded ferries to Koh Kut and Koh Mak from Laem Sok Pier in Trat on the first day of the holiday [3].
Despite residual concerns about the Thai-Cambodian border tensions, Trat's islands remained safe and peaceful, with officials and tourism authorities actively reassuring tourists that key tourist areas were far from conflict zones, and emphasizing their tranquil natural attractions [1][2][3].
In contrast, Pattaya saw comparatively low tourism amid broader uncertainties and less reassurance from local tourism communications [1][2][3]. Operators along Pattaya Beach reported it had been quiet for months [3], with some cooked-food vendors at Lan Po Market reporting no sales during the late morning, but hoping for an evening upturn [3].
Attapol Klintab, manager of Boonsiri Ferry, made a statement regarding the situation at Pattaya Beach [3]. Along Pattaya Beach, very few beach beds were occupied, and water-sports activities were in limited use [3]. Operators suggested the scorching weather and a prolonged tourism slowdown as possible reasons for the subdued atmosphere [3].
However, foreign arrivals remained steady, but the drop was mostly among Thai tourists [3]. At Bali Hai Pier, the main departure point for Koh Lan, passenger numbers were significantly lower than on previous long weekends [3].
One visitor, Rungtiwa Potisopha from Si Sa Ket, expressed confidence in the ceasefire in her province's border area and encouraged others to visit Koh Kut, emphasizing the island's safety and distance from the unrest [1]. Business owners in Pattaya warned that if the slow start persisted, the holiday period would remain subdued [3].
Thus, the contrasting tourist activity resulted from Trat’s effective management of safety perceptions and its status as a tranquil island getaway, attracting visitors despite border tensions, while Pattaya saw comparatively low tourism amid broader uncertainties and less reassurance from local tourism communications [1][2][3].
Despite the ongoing border tensions, Trat's appeal as a serene island destination encouraged a surge in tourist activity during the Mother's Day holiday. On the other hand, Pattaya experienced a significant drop in travelers due to broader uncertainties and less impactful tourism promotions.
