Urging the government to enhance tourism in Songkhla, the Songkhla Tourism Association is pushing for the development of a cruise ship terminal and the introduction of direct flights from various Chinese cities to Hat Yai.
Songchai Mungprasithichai, the president of the association, revealed plans to petition for direct flights like the Kunming-Hat Yai route to attract more Chinese tourists to the region. Additionally, they aim to advocate for increased investment in maritime infrastructure, including a cruise terminal within the Gulf of Thailand.
The envisioned terminal is projected to alleviate traffic congestion along the Thai-Malaysian border between Sadao district and Kedah’s Bukit Kayu Hitam city in Malaysia. Furthermore, it is anticipated to stimulate tourism growth not only in Songkhla but also in neighboring areas such as Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket.
Highlighting the strategic location of Songkhla in the Gulf of Thailand for cruises headed to destinations like Koh Samui, Songchai emphasized the positive impact a cruise terminal would have on Songkhla’s tourism, given that foreign cruise visitors typically have substantial purchasing power.
The emphasis on alternative transportation and attracting a diverse range of international tourists underscores the local businesses’ commitment to fortifying tourism in the region.
The proactive measures are aimed at safeguarding against any potential downturn in the tourism sector in Songkhla, particularly in Hat Yai, driven by reduced visitor numbers from Malaysia and Singapore during recent rainy seasons.
Furthermore, in a different context in Phatthalung province, Kwanjai Klabsuksai, the owner of Suan Phai Kwanjai Market, highlighted the significant presence of Malaysian tourists visiting her bamboo farm, constituting a substantial portion of foreign visitors in Phatthalung.
However, challenges persist with cars bearing foreign license plates, particularly tour buses from Malaysia, being restricted from departing Songkhla due to visa constraints, despite earlier petitions to the government.
Efforts to address this issue were put on hold as Malaysia is currently working on a memorandum of understanding with Thai authorities to address similar concerns, as noted by Jarun Kaewjeesub, president of the Phatthalung Tourism Association.
