
Uncertainties loom for Thai tourism amid rumors of death in royal family
Only last week, the Thai government announced that it was giving away 200,000 domestic flight tickets to international tourists traveling with six Thai airlines. But the plan was never realized following the prime minister’s removal from office. That said, a tourist agency told us in our exclusive report that there will soon be discounts for tour groups. However, with rumors that a Thailand princess may have passed away recently, prospective travelers are worried that a long national mourning period would affect their trips. Let’s find out more.
Market stalls sell wares right by the railway and visitors stroll along the tracks. This is a railway market in Thailand. Being relatively affordable but no less rich in culture, Thailand remains a top tourist destination for Taiwanese. Last week, Thailand’s tourism ministry had announced that starting on September, a total of 200,000 domestic round-trip flight tickets would be given away to international tourists traveling to the country with six Thai airline companies. But the tourist bonanza was not realized.
Chen Chien-chin
Tourist agency GM
This whole scheme died on the vine. So it seems that their tourism minister let the news out too soon. To be frank, it probably didn’t get passed in the first place.
Following Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s removal from office, her cabinet was also dissolved. The plan to give away free domestic flight tickets also halted as a result. However, Taiwanese tourists could still stand to benefit, because starting from October to the end of June next year, tourist agencies can receive 350,000 baht for each chartered flight with at least 80% occupancy.
Chen Chien-chin
Tourist agency GM
This is only for Taiwan, meaning subsidies for chartered flights and accommodation. In other words, if you travel to Thailand with a tourist agency, you could get a tour group discount. On average, you’ll be able to save NT$2,000 to NT$3,000. We expect the number of travelers to Thailand to increase by 15% to 20%.
While the Thai government appears to hedge resources in promoting tourism, acclaimed Scottish journalist and critic of the Thai monarchy, Andrew MacGregor Marshall noted that Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who has been in a coma since 2022, could soon be announced dead. This would restrict tourists from various activities of leisure and entertainment.
Jenny
Content creator based in Thailand
The royal family made an announcement saying that the princess’s condition is under control. But much remains unknown. Back then the national mourning for King Rama IX was one year. And in the first 30 days, in the first month, they were more stringent in restricting many entertainment and party venues, and also restrict nightlife. It’s hard to say whether these activities will all be halted, but we must stay low-key and try not to be too merry.
Although it’s still hard to say what will happen, the experience with the former king hinted that most tourist sites would still be open. However, the atmosphere in the country will certainly take on a more somber tone. Still, visitors are advised to respect local customs no matter the destination.
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2025-09-02