Nyheter fra Bangkok One News

Stacks Image 220201

My RSS Feed

  • Thailand Launches Digital Arrival Card System to Streamline Tourism

    Thailand Launches Digital Arrival Card System to Streamline Tourism BANGKOK – In a move aimed at enhancing the travel experience, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, which will replace the traditional TM.6 paper arrival form. This new platform, set to fully...

    The post Thailand Launches Digital Arrival Card System to Streamline Tourism appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Thailand Launches Digital Arrival Card System to Streamline Tourism

    BANGKOK – In a move aimed at enhancing the travel experience, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, which will replace the traditional TM.6 paper arrival form. This new platform, set to fully launch on May 1, 2025, is designed to reduce immigration wait times and improve overall efficiency at entry points, as part of the country’s push to become a “Smart Tourism” destination.

    The TDAC system allows travellers to pre-register and submit their personal details online before arrival, which will streamline the immigration process. By cutting down on manual paperwork and improving data accuracy, this digital solution aims to provide faster processing for visitors, reducing lengthy queues at airports and other entry points.

    Key Features of the TDAC System

    The platform integrates seamlessly with other government systems, including:

    • The E-Visa system from the Department of Consular Affairs
    • The health screening procedures from the Department of Disease Control
    • The tourist fee collection mechanism from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports

    This interconnected system will allow for a comprehensive and smooth data verification process for all incoming travellers, ensuring that the information is accurate and efficient.

    Multilingual Support for Tourists

    To encourage adoption, the Immigration Bureau has rolled out multilingual promotional materials, including brochures and videos, in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese. These resources aim to educate tourists on how to use the TDAC system effectively, making the process more accessible to a wide range of international visitors.

    Benefits of the TDAC System

    For Tourists:

    • Convenient pre-submission of personal information, eliminating the need to fill out forms at the airport
    • Faster immigration processing, reducing wait times
    • Improved data security and accuracy

    For Thailand:

    • Enhanced efficiency in managing international arrivals
    • Stronger image as a modern and tech-savvy tourist destination
    • Boosted tourism and economic growth

    The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is optimistic that the TDAC system will not only improve the travel experience for tourists but also reinforce Thailand’s reputation as a forward-thinking and tourist-friendly nation.

    The post Thailand Launches Digital Arrival Card System to Streamline Tourism appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    1 April 01 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205858
  • Tourists and Guide Injured in Speedboat Explosion Off Phuket

    Tourists and Guide Injured in Speedboat Explosion Off Phuket PHUKET – A speedboat explosion off the coast of Phuket on Tuesday morning left three Russian tourists, a tour guide, and two crew members injured, including the captain. The Thana Marine 555 had departed from Tha Chalong pier carrying 33 tourists...

    The post Tourists and Guide Injured in Speedboat Explosion Off Phuket appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Tourists and Guide Injured in Speedboat Explosion Off Phuket

    PHUKET – A speedboat explosion off the coast of Phuket on Tuesday morning left three Russian tourists, a tour guide, and two crew members injured, including the captain.

    The Thana Marine 555 had departed from Tha Chalong pier carrying 33 tourists and a guide to Koh Mai Thon when it experienced engine trouble. Shortly after arriving at the island, the boat caught fire and exploded around 9 AM, according to Nachaphong Pranit, Director of the Phuket Marine Office.

    At the time of the explosion, three people were still on board, while some tourists were swimming nearby. The captain and one crew member suffered burns, while the three Russian tourists (two men and one woman) and the tour guide sustained shrapnel wounds from the blast.

    Rescue and Investigation Underway

    Authorities launched an immediate rescue operation. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre deployed HTMS Hua Hin, while the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation dispatched a fireboat and another speedboat to assist in extinguishing the blaze. Despite their efforts, the Thana Marine 555 was completely gutted by the fire.

    The Phuket Marine Office has begun an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

    The post Tourists and Guide Injured in Speedboat Explosion Off Phuket appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    1 April 01 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205855
  • Cabinet Approves Electricity Rate Cut to Ease Financial Burden

    Cabinet Approves Electricity Rate Cut to Ease Financial Burden The Thai cabinet has approved a reduction in electricity prices, lowering the rate from 4.15 baht per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 3.99 baht for the billing period from May 1 to August 31. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the decision after Tuesday’s...

    The post Cabinet Approves Electricity Rate Cut to Ease Financial Burden appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Cabinet Approves Electricity Rate Cut to Ease Financial Burden

    The Thai cabinet has approved a reduction in electricity prices, lowering the rate from 4.15 baht per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 3.99 baht for the billing period from May 1 to August 31.

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the decision after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, stating that the move aims to alleviate financial pressure on households and businesses. The 4% reduction was proposed by the Minister of Energy.

    The cabinet agreed that power charges must not exceed 3.99 baht/kWh during this period, without requiring a state subsidy. However, the final decision rests with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is expected to confirm the new rate later this month.

    Push for Lower Power Prices

    The Pheu Thai Party, which leads the coalition government, has been advocating for months to bring electricity prices below 4 baht per unit. However, energy regulators argue that lowering the rate further is challenging due to outstanding reimbursement obligations to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), state energy company PTT, and gas shippers, who previously subsidized electricity costs.

    In January, the ERC proposed a 0.17 baht per unit reduction if the government agreed to cut spending on renewable energy investment programs, which are partially funded by electricity tariffs.

    Balancing Costs and Subsidy Repayments

    Electricity prices in Thailand are reviewed every four months and adjusted based on fluctuating costs such as fuel prices, exchange rates, and other economic factors.

    Last month, the ERC estimated that electricity rates for May-August could range between 4.15 and 5.16 baht per unit, depending on how much of the tariff is allocated for reimbursing Egat and other energy firms. The lower the electricity tariff, the longer Egat will take to settle its subsidy-related debts.

    Long-Term Challenges in Cutting Costs

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, father of the current leader, recently stated that the government aims to lower electricity prices to around 2.70 baht per unit. However, he did not specify how this would be achieved.

    One major challenge in reducing costs is that Egat is bound by long-term power purchase agreements with private generating companies. As a result, Thailand has an electricity surplus of approximately 30%, which is double the level considered necessary for most countries. This oversupply adds to the difficulty of lowering power prices further.

    The final ERC announcement on the new electricity rate is expected later this month.

    The post Cabinet Approves Electricity Rate Cut to Ease Financial Burden appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    1 April 01 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205852
  • Stunning Transgender Woman Joins Thailand’s Military Draft Amid Eager Volunteers

    Stunning Transgender Woman Joins Thailand’s Military Draft Amid Eager Volunteers The first day of Thailand’s 2025 military draft saw two young men fulfill their childhood dream of becoming soldiers, while a strikingly beautiful transgender woman turned heads as she stepped forward to participate in the conscription process. The annual draft,...

    The post Stunning Transgender Woman Joins Thailand’s Military Draft Amid Eager Volunteers appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Stunning Transgender Woman Joins Thailand’s Military Draft Amid Eager Volunteers

    The first day of Thailand’s 2025 military draft saw two young men fulfill their childhood dream of becoming soldiers, while a strikingly beautiful transgender woman turned heads as she stepped forward to participate in the conscription process.

    The annual draft, held on April 1 at the Nong Kha Yang District Office Hall in Uthai Thani Province, was overseen by Colonel Prapass Klanghon of the 23rd Logistics and Services Battalion. A total of 118 eligible Thai men reported for duty, with 16 recruits needed—10 for the army, two for the Royal Thai Air Force, and four for the Royal Thai Navy.

    Before the lottery began, officials assured attendees that the selection process would be free from corruption, encouraging anyone with concerns to speak up, as reported by Channel 7.

    Among the first to volunteer were two Thai men who had long dreamed of serving their country.

    “We’ve wanted this since we were kids,” one of them said proudly, adding that they were not afraid of deployment to Thailand’s troubled southern border regions. Their ultimate goal is to become professional soldiers and rise to the rank of sergeant. Colonel Prapass praised them, calling them “born to be soldiers.”

    As family and friends cheered on the recruits, attention soon shifted to an unexpected presence in the draft hall.

    Dressed immaculately, 23-year-old Arit Kannika, also known as “Nong Mo,” captivated the crowd as she took part in the draft process. A final-year Communication Arts student from Nakhon Sawan, Arit revealed that this was her third time participating.

    “Two years ago, I deferred because I hadn’t had time to get a medical examination. But this year, I went to Phramongkutklao Hospital, completed the physical check-up, and got my gender identity certification.”

    Under Thai law, transgender women can avoid military service if they provide medical documentation proving that their gender identity does not align with their assigned sex at birth. With her paperwork in order, Arit was confident she would be exempt from service.

    Meanwhile, another transgender woman, 21-year-old Thanet Saenlop, also known as “Nong Tor,” admitted she was unfamiliar with the draft process.

    “This is my first time here, and I don’t know the rules yet. If there’s an option to defer, I’ll take it so I can get my medical certificate and apply next year. But if the doctors say I have to go through with the draft today, I guess I’ll take my chances.”

    Although Thailand does not legally recognize gender changes on official documents, transgender women are typically declared medically “unfit for service” and exempt from conscription. However, those without proper documentation must still participate in the draft lottery.

    With emotions running high and futures hanging in the balance, Thailand’s military draft remains a moment of both anxiety and celebration, depending on the luck of the draw.

    The post Stunning Transgender Woman Joins Thailand’s Military Draft Amid Eager Volunteers appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    1 April 01 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205849
  • Earthquake Shakes Real Estate Market

    Cracks and damage observed in numerous high-rise condominiums in Bangkok following Friday’s earthquake have shaken consumer confidence. As a result, the second quarter of this year is expected to be the weakest for condo sales and transfers in the past 15 years. Credit: Bangkok Post Phattarachai Taweewong, the research and...

    The post Earthquake Shakes Real Estate Market appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Cracks and damage observed in numerous high-rise condominiums in Bangkok following Friday’s earthquake have shaken consumer confidence. As a result, the second quarter of this year is expected to be the weakest for condo sales and transfers in the past 15 years.

    Credit: Bangkok Post

    Phattarachai Taweewong, the research and communications director at property consultancy Colliers Thailand, indicated that both foot traffic from potential buyers and new condo sales in Greater Bangkok, especially for high-rise units, are anticipated to decline sharply in the second quarter.

    “The earthquake has greatly diminished the confidence of condo buyers, and recovery will require at least three months,” he noted. “Those who bought units previously and are set for transfer might postpone their moves to evaluate the situation and ensure the safety of high-rise buildings.”

    According to the Thai Condominium Association, new condo sales in the third quarter of 2024 reached their lowest point in 14 years, reminiscent of 2010’s second quarter, totaling 19 billion baht.

    The second quarter of 2025 is expected to see even lower new sales due to waning consumer confidence in condo investments.

    At the same time, new condo supply in Greater Bangkok slated for transfer in the second quarter of 2025 is projected to reach 31.4 billion baht, following 33 billion baht in the first quarter. In contrast, the highest figure was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024, at 85.9 billion baht, culminating in a total of 178.4 billion baht for the year. These figures included both the sales backlog set for transfer and unsold inventory.

    This unsold inventory will add to the already existing supply, which amounted to 458.4 billion baht, according to Mr. Phattarachai.

    Following the earthquake on March 28, there is an anticipated increase in demand for low-rise homes, which are viewed as less susceptible to seismic activity. This shift mirrors the trend observed in 2011 when heavy flooding prompted buyers to favor condos over low-rise houses.

    Surachet Kongcheep, head of research and consultancy at Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, predicted that sales and transfers of low-rise homes will either remain stable or increase, unlike condos.

    “New condo sales are certain to decline, and developers are unlikely to hasten sales closures or launch new projects during this period. They will probably conserve their marketing budgets for a more opportune time and postpone new project introductions,” he stated.

    Mr. Surachet emphasized the need for condo developers to focus on rebuilding buyer confidence by prioritizing residents’ feelings of safety regarding their buildings.

    A thorough inspection by qualified professionals and clear certification from relevant authorities or a designated government agency is crucial.

    “This method is expected to restore trust more swiftly,” he explained. “It’s insufficient for developers to simply have their engineers inspect the buildings and declare them safe or rush to fix damages without ensuring that the repairs adhere to engineering standards.”

    He suggested that condo buyers awaiting transfers during this period or within the year may reconsider their purchases, with more than 50% likely to seek cancellations.

    The extent of these cancellations will largely depend on how much visible damage developers have and their ability to promptly restore confidence and manage the necessary repairs to their buildings.

    The post Earthquake Shakes Real Estate Market appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    1 April 01 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205844
  • Effects of Earthquakes on the Tourism Industry – AI Application

    Pattaya tourism operators are bracing for a sharp plunge in arrivals this low season, largely attributed to the Chinese market, as independent tourists have started to pivot to other overseas destinations. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Chinese groups were affected by reduced confidence in...

    The post Effects of Earthquakes on the Tourism Industry – AI Application appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Pattaya tourism operators are bracing for a sharp plunge in arrivals this low season, largely attributed to the Chinese market, as independent tourists have started to pivot to other overseas destinations.

    Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said Chinese groups were affected by reduced confidence in safety in Thailand earlier this year, and now independent Chinese travellers are shifting to other destinations.

    He attributed these factors to a sharp decline in the occupancy rate for March. A number of hotels reported a drop from 80-90% in the first two months to 50% in March. Hotels maintaining a strong occupancy rate in March are those in the upper-end segment.

    “We were perceived as a first choice for Chinese seeking overseas trips for a long time, based on our value-for-money reputation. But as people become more educated, they look for facets other than price, which is why more Chinese are visiting Japan,” said Mr Thanet.

    Based on conversations with both offline and online tour agencies, he said agents are still eager to sell tour packages to Thailand, but Chinese tourists are not interested in buying anymore.

    Some large online travel agents, which previously had Chinese customers booking most trips to Thailand, also reported that Russian clients emerged as the top buyers for Thailand instead.

    In March, the largest international market in Pattaya was no longer Chinese, as Indian tourists took their place. Chinese travellers dropped to second place, followed by Russians, South Koreans and Vietnamese.

    As the censure debate against the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra just ended last week, with several economic policies being scrutinised, Mr Thanet said the government’s performance during its first seven months is not satisfactory.

    He said tourism is the only sector that can help to stabilise the economy, but a declining Chinese market affects this potential if the government cannot quickly address this issue.

    According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the number of Chinese arrivals tallied 68,069 and 70,604 in the first and second weeks of March, respectively, before dropping to 67,580 in the third week.

    The overall number of Chinese visitors this year was recorded at 1.25 million, as of March 24.

    Unlike Phuket, Mr Thanet said Pattaya cannot depend only on European guests, as it still has to rely on short-haul markets within 3-5 flight hours and local travellers.

    He also agreed with the idea of reducing the duration of the visa-free period for the Chinese from 60 days to 30 days.

    However, to curb the rising illicit activities committed by foreigners, Thailand should not rush into lifting visa exemptions without thoroughly studying the situation.

    The government should consider removing visa-free privileges case by case, focusing only on countries whose tourists committed high rates of crime in Thailand, said Mr Thanet.

    The post Effects of Earthquakes on the Tourism Industry – AI Application appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    1 April 01 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205840
  • Earthquake Expected to Impact Tourism Industry

    The Bank of Thailand anticipates that the recent earthquake will further hinder the already sluggish recovery of the property sector and affect foreign tourist arrivals. Initial assessments from the central bank indicate that this tragic event will have repercussions across three major sectors: property, tourism, and domestic consumption, as stated...

    The post Earthquake Expected to Impact Tourism Industry appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    The Bank of Thailand anticipates that the recent earthquake will further hinder the already sluggish recovery of the property sector and affect foreign tourist arrivals.

    Initial assessments from the central bank indicate that this tragic event will have repercussions across three major sectors: property, tourism, and domestic consumption, as stated by Sakkapop Panyanukul, assistant governor of the Bank of Thailand’s monetary policy group.

    “In light of the disaster, the Bank of Thailand predicts a slowdown in rental and sales activity for high-rise condominium developments, which are already struggling with a weak recovery and an oversupply of residential units,” he said.

    Concerning tourism, Mr. Sakkapop mentioned that media coverage of the earthquake could diminish foreign tourists’ confidence in traveling to Thailand. The central bank expects some international travelers to postpone or cancel their trips; however, these cancellations are anticipated to be minimal, consistent with the short-term impact of the disaster.

    Historically, past disasters in Thailand have shown that foreign tourists generally return quickly. The speed of this recovery will rely on how effectively all stakeholders work to restore tourist confidence.

    The disaster is also likely to reduce domestic consumption, as affected individuals may prioritize home repairs over spending, potentially leading to a downturn in overall expenditure. Nonetheless, insurance claims, government support measures, and assistance from financial institutions are expected to mitigate the adverse effects.

    “It is still too soon to fully gauge the economic impact of this disaster. The Bank of Thailand needs comprehensive data, including direct economic effects and behavioral responses from businesses and households, to accurately assess the overall impact,” Mr. Sakkapop remarked.

    He further noted that the disaster has not broadly impacted household incomes. Due to the transient nature of this shock, the central bank does not foresee a significant effect on household earnings.

    In a related update, the central bank reported economic data for February, revealing a softening of Thai economic activity compared to the previous month. This decline was particularly notable in the tourism-related service sector, as both the number of foreign tourists and their spending saw a decrease.

    According to Pranee Sutthasri, senior director of the Bank of Thailand’s macroeconomic department, foreign tourist arrivals and total revenue, adjusted seasonally, fell by 13.9% month-on-month in February, with the tourist receipt index dropping by 9.4%. This downturn in foreign arrivals was mainly attributed to a decrease in visitors from China and Malaysia following a surge during the Chinese New Year celebrations, with safety concerns, especially among Chinese tourists, contributing to the decline. However, arrivals from other countries, including Japan, India, and Russia, continued to rise.

    On a more positive note, the seasonally adjusted value of merchandise exports (excluding gold) in February experienced a month-on-month growth of 4.9%, driven by increased exports in multiple sectors, partly due to expedited shipments to the US in advance of impending new tariff measures.

    The post Earthquake Expected to Impact Tourism Industry appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    1 April 01 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205836
  • MRT Pink Line Resumes Partial Service Following Myanmar Earthquake

    MRT Pink Line Resumes Partial Service Following Myanmar Earthquake Bangkok, March 31st, 2025 — The MRT Pink Line has resumed partial service between Government Complex Station (PK01) and Talad Minburi Station (PK29) after undergoing temporary repairs due to damage caused by the recent earthquake in Myanmar. However, Minburi Station (PK30)...

    The post MRT Pink Line Resumes Partial Service Following Myanmar Earthquake appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    MRT Pink Line Resumes Partial Service Following Myanmar Earthquake

    Bangkok, March 31st, 2025 — The MRT Pink Line has resumed partial service between Government Complex Station (PK01) and Talad Minburi Station (PK29) after undergoing temporary repairs due to damage caused by the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

    However, Minburi Station (PK30) remains closed as engineers continue to repair the damaged joint cover of the running beam. Trains will operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, running every 10 minutes.

    The decision to restore partial service followed an assessment by the Ministry of Transport, Department of Rail Transport, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and Northern Bangkok Monorail Co., Ltd. (BTS Group). Safety measures are being strictly enforced to ensure secure travel for commuters.

    Alternative Transportation for Commuters

    Despite the station closure, the Park and Ride facility at Minburi remains operational for cars and motorcycles. To accommodate passengers, the MRTA has arranged three free public buses to shuttle commuters between Minburi Park and Ride, Minburi Station (PK30), and Talad Minburi Station (PK29). These buses will operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., departing every 15 minutes until further notice.

    The MRTA has apologized for any inconvenience and assured the public that repairs are being expedited. Commuters can stay updated through the MRT Pink Line Call Centre at 0 2617 6111, the LINE Official account @pinkyellowline, the Facebook page MRTPinkLine, or the The SKYTRAINs mobile application.

    Related News: Investigation into Auditor General Building Collapse

    Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Industry Minister Ekanat Prompan recently inspected the collapsed Office of the Auditor General building, which was severely damaged by the January 28 earthquake. Approximately 50 individuals remain trapped under the rubble.

    A government committee has been tasked with determining the cause of the collapse, with a seven-day deadline to present its findings. Meanwhile, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute is conducting assessments to ensure compliance with safety regulations for other structures.

    The post MRT Pink Line Resumes Partial Service Following Myanmar Earthquake appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    31 March 31 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205833
  • Tragic Truck Accident in Phetchabun Claims Lives of Two Children

    Tragic Truck Accident in Phetchabun Claims Lives of Two Children Phetchabun, March 31st, 2025 — A devastating truck accident in Phetchabun Province claimed the lives of two young children and left three adults seriously injured. The accident occurred in the early hours of March 30 when a six-wheel truck overturned...

    The post Tragic Truck Accident in Phetchabun Claims Lives of Two Children appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Tragic Truck Accident in Phetchabun Claims Lives of Two Children

    Phetchabun, March 31st, 2025 — A devastating truck accident in Phetchabun Province claimed the lives of two young children and left three adults seriously injured.

    The accident occurred in the early hours of March 30 when a six-wheel truck overturned and crashed into a pedestrian bridge in front of the Pananikom Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital on the Saraburi-Lom Sak Road in Mueang district. The Phetchabun Provincial Road Safety Operations Centre reported the incident at 1:38 a.m., prompting an immediate emergency response.

    At the scene, rescuers found five individuals injured. A 37-year-old man suffered back pain, chest tightness, hip injuries, and multiple abrasions but remained conscious. A 17-year-old sustained a deep laceration on his right foot and other minor wounds, while a third adult, estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, had abrasions but was also conscious.

    Tragically, two young boys, estimated to be between three to four years old and five to eight years old, were pronounced dead at the scene.

    The Rom Pho Phetchabun Foundation dispatched multiple ambulances and rescue teams, using hydraulic tools to extract the victims from the wreckage. The bodies of the deceased were transported to the Phetchabun forensic department for further examination.

    Local police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

    Related Incident: High-Speed Tuk-Tuk Race Ends in Disaster

    In a separate incident in Bangkok, a high-speed tuk-tuk race ended in a serious crash, leaving three individuals critically injured. One of the drivers sustained a severe head injury. Authorities are now investigating the crash and awaiting blood alcohol test results to determine if alcohol was a factor.

    The post Tragic Truck Accident in Phetchabun Claims Lives of Two Children appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    31 March 31 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205826
  • Thailand’s Tourism Revenue Expected to Drop 10-15% Following Earthquake, Says THA

    Thailand’s tourism revenue is projected to decline by 10-15% over the next two weeks due to last week’s earthquake, according to the Thai Hotels Association (THA). THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun reported on Monday that hotel checkouts surged by 8-10% nationwide following the quake, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai,...

    The post Thailand’s Tourism Revenue Expected to Drop 10-15% Following Earthquake, Says THA appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    Thailand’s tourism revenue is projected to decline by 10-15% over the next two weeks due to last week’s earthquake, according to the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

    THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun reported on Monday that hotel checkouts surged by 8-10% nationwide following the quake, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Ayutthaya. Some tourists have since redirected their travel plans to Pattaya and Phuket instead.

    The earthquake has shaken foreign travelers’ confidence, impacting both those who have already booked trips and those still considering visiting Thailand. As a result, hotel and tourism business revenues are expected to take a significant hit, especially with the Songkran festival approaching. Thienprasit estimated that the market would take about a month to recover.

    Safety Concerns and Long-Term Impact

    The collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has gone viral on social media, raising concerns about Thailand’s building safety standards. Thienprasit emphasized the need for strict safety measures during Songkran to reassure both domestic and international tourists.

    Recent security-related incidents—including the disappearance of Chinese actor Xing Xing near the Thai-Myanmar border, crackdowns on call center scams, and concerns over Uyghur repatriation—have already put pressure on Thailand’s tourism industry. The earthquake adds to these challenges, and another major security issue could lead to long-term damage to the sector.

    Thienprasit now believes it will be difficult for Thailand to meet its target of 39-40 million foreign tourists this year. He expects arrivals to remain at last year’s level of 35.54 million visitors. To compensate, the government is considering launching domestic tourism stimulus programs like the “Tiew Thai Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme.

    Government Actions and Safety Inspections

    To restore tourist confidence, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered nationwide hotel inspections. The THA is working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to deploy more than 4,000 engineers to assess building safety. A list of inspected and approved hotels will be published to reassure travelers.

    While large hotels have their own engineers to conduct quick inspections, Thienprasit urged the government to subsidize safety inspections for smaller hotels that may not have the financial resources to do so.

    “Safety must come first to ensure sustainable tourism growth,” he said, noting that Thailand has lost many foreign tourists due to security concerns. He also suggested that the government study Japan’s safety measures to enhance trust among Chinese and other international travelers.

    The post Thailand’s Tourism Revenue Expected to Drop 10-15% Following Earthquake, Says THA appeared first on Bangkok One News.

    31 March 31 2025
    Bangkok News
    https://bangkokone.news/?p=205823