Trat's Tourism Industry Faces 700-Million-Baht Loss Due to UK Travel Warning

Strategic Insights -

Thailand's Trat province is facing a significant financial blow as European visitors cancel their trips in response to a UK Foreign Office advisory against non-essential travel to the province. The advisory has led to widespread cancellations, resulting in a 700-million-baht loss for the tourism industry. Acting Sub Lt Korakot Opas, director of the TAT's Trat office, emphasized that Trat is not a conflict zone and remains peaceful, with popular tourist destinations like Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak continuing to welcome tourists daily.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Foreign Office's advisory against non-essential travel to Trat province has led to widespread cancellations and a 700-million-baht loss for the tourism industry.
  • Acting Sub Lt Korakot Opas stated that Trat is not a conflict zone and remains peaceful, with no impact on tourist destinations like Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak.
  • Local tourism operators are urging security authorities to reconsider the martial law designation across the entire province, which has raised concerns among European travelers and insurers.
  • Thomas Robinson, a British traveler, contacted TAT London and the Thai embassy as his insurer declined to cover his trip to Koh Chang despite existing bookings.
  • Taweesak Wongwilas, Vice President of Trat's Tourism Association, noted that Koh Chang remains unaffected by border tensions and continues to attract visitors.

Statistics:

  • 700 million baht: estimated financial loss for Trat's tourism industry due to widespread cancellations.
  • 2012: the year martial law was initially designated across the entire province.
  • 1 British traveler: Thomas Robinson, who contacted TAT London and the Thai embassy after his insurer declined to cover his trip to Koh Chang.

Sources:

  • Acting Sub Lt Korakot Opas, director of the TAT's Trat office, quoted directly in the article.
  • Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
  • Trat's Tourism Association.
  • UK Foreign Office advisory against non-essential travel to Trat province.
  • BBC News report, date not specified.