Pattaya faces uncertain high season as airfares rise 30% to 40%

Airfare increases of 30% to 40% are holding back tourism in Pattaya, according to Chon Buri Tourism Federation president Thanet Supornsahasrungsi. Speaking on November 4, he said businesses across the city and province had yet to see a clear pattern of bookings for the high season.

Thanet linked the increases to the United States-Iran conflict, saying it had made fuel and airline operations more expensive. He said operators would ordinarily be able to assess advance demand two to three months before the season, but the current uncertainty made Pattaya’s prospects difficult to gauge.

Europeans were the most affected, he said. Many travel via Middle Eastern carriers, with connecting tickets previously priced about 20% to 30% below direct services. Restrictions affecting journeys through the region had increased costs, leading some travellers to delay their visits.

Vietnam was becoming a stronger competitor through additional attractions and air services, Thanet said, estimating travel costs there at 20% to 30% below Thailand’s. He also identified Japan, where a weak yen was attracting visitors, and China, with new destinations and competitive fares, as major rivals.

Thanet said a safety warning from China’s embassy in Bangkok had also harmed Thailand’s reputation among Chinese tourists. The October 16 advisory addressed fraudulent job offers, abductions and people being enticed towards the Myanmar border.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul gave visitors safety assurances on October 20, saying some Chinese victims were probably deceived before leaving China. Thanet urged swift government efforts to restore confidence in visitor safety, alongside development and promotion of attractions.