THE Middle East conflict has led to tourism in southern Phang Nga province declining with hundreds of tour boats sitting idle at Surakul pier, aka Kasom pier, in Takua Thung district which is a popular departure point for tours of Phang Nga Bay, Naewna newspaper said today (April 16).
Ms. Chotimont (surname withheld), manager of Kiat Charoenchai 1 Co., Ltd., a major tour boat operator, said the main factor triggering the tourism slump is the conflict in the Middle East which has impacted oil prices increasing travel costs.
In particular, the number of Chinese tourists has decreased by over 50 percent due to higher airfares, resulting in decreased purchasing power and spending in the area.
Previously, this pier was bustling with buses and tourists, leaving no free parking space. Now, the parking lot is noticeably empty.
Hundreds of tour boats have docked indefinitely, severely impacting the livelihood of boat operators who have lost their primary source of income. Many have had to resort to taking up odd jobs to make ends meet.
Although tourist attractions such as Koh Khao Phing Kan, commonly known in English as James Bond island, Koh Panyi fishing village and Khao Tapu, a large limestone column that protrudes from the sea, are year-round attractions, boat operators fear they would not be able to shoulder operating costs if the global situation and oil prices do not improve.
They are therefore urging the government to urgently consider measures to support or stimulate tourism in the Phang Nga Bay area to ensure the survival of provincial businesses.
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Boats sitting idle at Phang Nga’s Surakul pier. Photos – Naewna
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