Hotel bookings in the three provinces of Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang are expected to increase by 20–30% due to growing numbers of visitors from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, tourism in Hat Yai District, Songkhla, near the southern border, is gradually recovering from severe flooding, with a full rebound anticipated within three months, according to the local tourism association.
Jaroon Kaewwajisap, president of the Songkhla Tourism Association, stated that Hat Yai — the economic and tourism hub of Songkhla — is still in the process of recovery. In the meantime, tourism operators in the other three provinces, along with partners from Malaysia and Singapore, have stepped up to accommodate incoming visitors.
Malaysian tourists have already started booking accommodations in these provinces, often using them as stopover points before traveling to other destinations. The upcoming New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations are expected to further boost tourist arrivals.
“Hotel bookings by foreign visitors in Phatthalung alone are projected to grow by 20–30%,” Mr. Jaroon noted, adding that such bookings previously represented 10–20% of total hotel reservations in the area.
He further mentioned that overall growth is anticipated across these three provinces and may even extend along the Andaman coast. Despite recent setbacks, he added, southern Thailand is expected to retain 60–70% of its tourist base, ensuring steady revenue flow.
Mr. Jaroon emphasized the need for government support, especially from the Department of Land Transport, to facilitate Malaysian tour buses operating beyond Songkhla for a six-month period. This would enable group bookings of 20–40 rooms, helping sustain tourism until Hat Yai fully recovers.
The promotion of cross-border bus operations has long been advocated by the Phatthalung and Songkhla tourism associations to boost revenue during periods of economic downturn.