PATTAYA, Thailand – The tourism sector in Pattaya and Chonburi is facing a sharp downturn during the current low season, with visitor numbers falling by an estimated 20–30 percent, leaving many hotels operating far below break-even levels and struggling to manage rising operational costs.
According to the Chonburi Tourism Federation, the situation has worsened compared to previous years, with weaker demand from both domestic and international markets. Hotel occupancy rates in many properties have dropped to just 15–20 percent, significantly below the 40–50 percent level typically required for sustainable operations.
Chonburi Tourism Federation President Thanet Suphornsaharangi said that while the period after April–May usually sees a temporary dip following the peak travel season, this year’s decline has been more severe than expected. Family travel, which usually helps support demand during this period, has also softened considerably.
One of the key contributing factors is the sharp reduction in the MICE sector (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), as government agencies and organizations scale back off-site meetings under tighter interpretations of budget and work-from-home policies. This has removed a crucial source of weekday occupancy for many hotels in Pattaya. At the same time, air connectivity has weakened. Several low-cost and commercial airlines have reduced flight frequencies or suspended routes due to higher fuel costs and lower booking demand. This has directly impacted short-haul tourist arrivals, further suppressing hotel bookings and overall visitor traffic.
Industry data from the Thai Hotel Association (Eastern Region) and the Chonburi Tourism Federation confirms the scale of the slowdown, with many operators warning that continued low occupancy levels are placing serious financial pressure on businesses, particularly small and mid-sized hotels.
Despite ongoing promotional efforts, operators say recovery in the low season remains uncertain unless travel demand and flight capacity improve in the coming months.
