PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite official assurances from the Department of Energy Business (DOEB) that fuel supplies remain stable, questions are emerging over whether Thailand’s tourism hotspots—especially Pattaya—can maintain strong Songkran bookings amid rising public concern about fuel availability and transportation costs.
Deputy Director-General Chatchai Khunlohit of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB) confirmed that national fuel production is currently keeping pace with demand. As of March 27, 2026, diesel production averaged 82.21 million liters per day against sales of 82.99 million liters, while gasoline production stood at 34.40 million liters compared to 35.25 million liters in daily consumption.
Although mid-March inspections revealed temporary strain—2,649 stations surveyed with some reporting low stock levels due to a sharp 45.7% demand surge and reduced allocation—the situation has reportedly improved after intensified monitoring and distribution adjustments in Bangkok and surrounding regions.
Authorities have also stepped up enforcement against illegal fuel hoarding, including recent raids in Saraburi and Ayutthaya where large-scale storage operations and equipment were seized. Officials say such actions are aimed at preventing artificial shortages ahead of peak travel demand.
To improve transparency, DOEB has launched the “Fuel-Now” web application, allowing motorists to check real-time fuel availability at service stations nationwide—an effort designed to ease public anxiety ahead of the Songkran travel rush.
Pattaya outlook: tourism pressure meets travel uncertainty
With Pattaya expecting one of its busiest periods during Songkran, the key question is whether hotel bookings and domestic travel flow will hold steady if fuel concerns continue to influence consumer behavior.
Traditionally, Songkran triggers one of the largest annual movements of people across Thailand, with millions traveling back to their home provinces. However, even minor disruptions in fuel confidence can affect road travel sentiment, especially for families planning long-distance trips or budget-sensitive travelers.
At present, industry observers suggest that Pattaya’s hotel sector remains resilient, supported by short-haul domestic tourists and last-minute bookings. However, they also note that uncertainty around transport costs could lead some travelers to shorten stays or delay decisions if perceptions of fuel instability persist.
For now, officials maintain that supply is sufficient and distribution is stabilizing—but the coming days will be crucial in determining whether confidence fully returns before the Songkran peak.
