PATTAYA, Thailand – Escalating conflict in the Middle East has led to the cancellation of 166 flights to and from Thailand over a four-day period, prompting private sector calls for urgent government intervention to protect the tourism industry.
Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, reported that between Feb. 28 and March 3, 105 outbound and 61 inbound flights were cancelled. Affected hubs include Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. While no passengers are currently stranded at airports, the government has announced visa fee waivers for travelers overstaying due to the disruptions.
Adith Chairattananon, Secretary-General of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), urged the government to establish a permanent joint public-private task force to manage the crisis.
The private sector is calling for immediate government mediation with airlines to secure alternative flight paths that bypass conflict zones, ensuring travel remains viable. Alongside these diplomatic efforts, industry leaders are pushing for financial safeguards to prevent hotels and airlines from seizing deposits when trips are forced into postponement.
Furthermore, they are advocating for an emergency 7-to-20-day roadmap designed to assist stranded tourists and maintain the steady arrival of premium travelers to protect the nation’s tourism revenue.
Industry leaders warn that prolonged instability could severely impact Thailand’s projected tourism revenue for the year if strategic rerouting and relief measures are not implemented immediately. (TNA)
