European tourists abandon South, head to eastern attractionsCoastal Koh Chang in Trat. The island is becoming more popular with European tourists. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewkhlaihong)European tourists' interest has shifted from southern Thailand to eastern attractions less affected by the Middle East war, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Pichaya Thachai-adisap, president of the Trat Tourism and Hotel Association, said tourism businesses in the South told her the number of European visitors had fallen significantly. European visitors to the East usually flew into Bangkok and their flights did not go through the Middle East, she said.

Source: Bangkok Post March 16, 2026 10:35 UTC