TAT: Cost of living slows travel expectations for Labor Day long weekend

Matichon•Economy•80d ago

Reader Briefing

The Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipates a slowdown in domestic travel during the upcoming Labor Day long weekend due to increased living costs, projecting revenue of approximately 10.05 billion baht.

•The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts a slowdown in domestic travel during the long holiday from May 1-4, 2026, which encompasses National Labor Day and Coronation Day.
•Rising energy prices and the cost of living are cited as major reasons for this slowdown, prompting Thais to be more budget-conscious with their travel plans.
•Despite the slowdown, TAT expects 2.83 million Thai tourist trips and revenue of around 10.05 billion baht, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 64%.

Overview

•May 1-4, 2026, is designated as the long holiday period for National Labor Day and Coronation Day.
•The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a slowdown in domestic travel for the May 1-4, 2026 long holiday.
•Rising energy prices and cost of living are pressuring Thais to be more cautious with travel spending.
•Thais have recently incurred expenses during the Songkran festival, impacting their readiness for further travel.
•TAT projects 2.83 million Thai tourist visits during the holiday period.
•Approximately 10.05 billion baht in revenue is expected from domestic tourism.
•The average occupancy rate for accommodation is projected at 64%, with 39% attributed to Thai tourists.
•Travel behavior shows a trend towards shorter distances and less expensive destinations before the school term restarts.

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Key Quotes

Ms.Thapanee Kiatphaiboon

"The situation of domestic travel by Thais during the long holiday for National Labor Day and Coronation Day in 2026, between May 1-4, 2026, is expected to slow down."

คาดการณ์สถานการณ์การเดินทางท่องเที่ยวภายในประเทศของชาวไทยช่วงวันหยุดยาว เนื่องในวันแรงงานแห่งชาติต่อเนื่องวันฉัตรมงคล ปี 2026 ระหว่างวันที่ 1-4 พฤษภาคม 2026 มีแนวโน้มชะลอตัว

Ms.Thapanee Kiatphaiboon

"Pressure from rising energy prices and cost of living is causing Thais to be cautious with spending and adjust travel behavior, considering budget more."

แรงกดดันของราคาพลังงานและค่าครองชีพที่ปรับตัวสูงขึ้น ทำให้คนไทยต้องระมัดระวังการใช้จ่ายและปรับพฤติกรรมการท่องเที่ยว โดยคำนึงถึงงบประมาณมากขึ้น

Key Entities

Organization

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)(ททท.)ℹ️

The organization forecasting domestic travel trends and revenue for the Labor Day long weekend.

Thai Tourism Industry Council(สภาอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย)

An organization whose survey data on Thai travel plans is referenced in the article.

Economic and Business Forecasting Center, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce(ศูนย์พยากรณ์เศรษฐกิจและธุรกิจ มหาวิทยาลัยหอการค้าไทย)

A center whose consumer spending survey data for March 2026 is cited.

Person

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon(น.ส.ฐาปนีย์ เกียรติไพบูลย์)

The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand providing forecasts and analysis on domestic travel.