PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s tourism sector is facing mounting concern ahead of Songkran, as rising fuel prices and fears of shortages prompt many people to cancel or avoid travel during what is typically the country’s busiest holiday period.
Survey results show that while a majority of respondents had no plans to travel, around 14.8% say they are cancelling Songkran trips entirely due to expensive and hard-to-find fuel. Confidence has also been shaken by visible fuel queues and reports of limited diesel availability in some areas.
The situation follows sharp increases in fuel prices across gasoline, gasohol, and diesel in recent weeks. For many households, the added cost — combined with uncertainty over availability for long-distance journeys — is enough to keep them at home.
Tourism industry concerns are echoed by Adith Chairattananon, Secretary-General of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), who warned that tourism depends heavily on mobility. Without reliable transport and fuel, he said, the entire system — from hotels and restaurants to local businesses — is immediately affected.
Estimates suggest domestic tourist numbers during Songkran could drop by 200,000 to 300,000 people, resulting in economic losses of 2–3 billion baht over the five-day holiday period.
The impact extends beyond tourism hotspots. A large portion of Songkran travel typically comes from workers returning to their hometowns, helping redistribute income from major cities to provincial economies. However, with around 76% of Thais relying on private vehicles — many of them diesel-powered pickup trucks — fuel concerns are now discouraging even these essential journeys.
As a result, not only hotels and tourism operators, but also small businesses such as local markets, convenience shops, and street vendors could feel the downturn, particularly in rural areas that depend on seasonal spending.
Despite government assurances that fuel supplies remain sufficient, public confidence appears fragile. Reports of motorists queuing to secure fuel ahead of the holiday reflect growing uncertainty — and suggest that cancellation rates could rise further if the situation does not improve.
What was expected to be a major economic boost through Songkran — including efforts to promote travel to secondary cities — now faces the risk of underperformance, as many choose caution over celebration.
