Middle East conflict hits the tourism industry in PhangngaThe war in the Middle East is weighing on the tourism industry, with Phangnga province reporting a sharp decline in European arrivals and estimated losses of nearly 1.7 billion baht, says the Phangnga Hotel Association. Airlines have been forced to reroute flights to avoid the conflict zone, raising operating costs and pushing ticket prices up by more than 20%. Phangnga is particularly vulnerable because most long-haul flights from Europe traditionally pass through the Middle East to minimise fuel costs. When airlines suddenly cancelled flights, many travellers who had already purchased tickets were unable to continue their journeys," he said. Proposals also included co-payment tourism schemes and temporary adjustments to unused airport slots to allow additional short-haul services during the green season.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2026 00:05 UTC