Wasuchet Sophonsathien, adviser to the Thai Transportation Operators Association, said that in the short term rising fuel prices could affect next month’s Songkran holiday. Some tourists have already booked cross-provincial trips, but many have yet to decide, as they are monitoring fuel prices until they feel more confident, reports the Bangkok Post.
He said some operators might hesitate to launch new tour packages, as they are uncertain how much fuel prices will rise, potentially squeezing their margins.
The association is planning to discuss Songkran strategies with partners such as the Thai Hotels Association and the Association of Thai Travel Agents to prevent a dip in the tourism market.
Nattharin Pongvittayapanu, president of the Kanchanaburi Chamber of Commerce, said tourism during Songkran in Kanchanaburi this year could be weaker.
In addition to higher fuel prices, rising living costs and lower savings are prompting people to cut back on their recreational trips.
Ms Nattharin said some tour operators have decided to continue running their services as usual while bracing for lower profits due to rising operational costs, while others are opting to reduce the number of packages offered as they wait to see how the situation develops.
The chamber and local authorities are working together to inform visitors about fuel availability at stations in the province, particularly those along major transport routes.
They are also coordinating with petrol station clusters to ensure an even distribution of supply.
Nutsarai Chaijindaratana, president of the Sriracha Koh Si Chang Tourism and Service Association, said Si Racha and the wider Chon Buri area are likely to be less affected than other long-distance destinations, thanks to their proximity to Bangkok and strong Songkran demand.
However, the booking pace has picked up more slowly than expected, with forward bookings at only 60%, compared with around 70% during the same period in a normal year.
This reflects the fact that Thai tourists are delaying their travel plans, while the number of foreign visitors has also dropped due to flight disruptions linked to the Middle East, Ms Nutsarai said.
She said that if conditions do not improve, hotels may reduce labour costs by allowing staff to take leave.
However, they will avoid cutting room rates to prevent unhealthy price competition. Many hotels are also making use of solar energy to help reduce electricity expenses during the energy crisis.