PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite global tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, tourism in Koh Chang remains strong, with more than 20,000 visitors traveling to the popular island destination in Trat over the recent weekend.
Local tourism officials say the international situation has not significantly affected travel demand to the island, where both Thai and foreign visitors continue to arrive in large numbers to enjoy beaches, nature and outdoor activities.
During the busy weekend period, large numbers of Thai tourists traveled in family groups and with friends, creating long queues of vehicles waiting to board ferry services to and from the island. Some motorists reportedly waited more than an hour for ferries while police officers from Koh Chang Police Station helped manage traffic and boarding arrangements at the pier.
The strong visitor numbers have also provided steady business for local operators, particularly car and motorcycle rental services that rely heavily on tourist demand.
Korrakot Opas, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Trat Office, said that while some foreign tourists currently on the island have been affected by flight changes linked to the Middle East conflict, the overall impact on tourism has been minimal.
Some international visitors have delayed their return journeys or adjusted flight schedules, but officials expect those travelers will eventually return home without major disruption.
Korrakot noted that since the start of 2026, visitor numbers to Trat’s main island destinations — Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak — have grown modestly but steadily, helping maintain a lively tourism atmosphere across the province.
Looking ahead, officials expect tourism in Trat to grow by around 5 percent in 2026, partly supported by increased flight services to the region.
Additional morning flights serving the area are expected to make travel more convenient for tourists and improve connections with ferry services that transport visitors to the islands.
The anticipated increase in arrivals has also encouraged ferry operators to consider expanding their fleets or adjusting vessel sizes to better accommodate growing passenger demand.
For now, tourism businesses say the situation on Koh Chang remains positive — a reminder that even amid global uncertainty, Thailand’s island destinations continue to draw travelers seeking sun, sea and relaxation.
