TRAT, THAILAND – The eastern Thai province reported a sharp tourism rebound in March, with arrivals at major ferry terminals rising by about 35 percent despite concerns over high energy prices and the war in the Middle East.
Strong rise in visitor numbers
The local office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Trat reported that tourist numbers increased by 34 percent, even as international uncertainties shaped travel decisions. According to the agency, the recovery had become clearly visible in recent months.
TAT provincial director Korakot Opas said the revival was most evident in ferry traffic to the islands off the Trat coast. Passenger flows to these island destinations had grown steadily, he noted.
Ferry terminals as key indicator
The three main piers – Koh Chang Inter Pier, Laem Sok Pier and Anusorn Sathan Pier – connected travelers with the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak. These routes served as a barometer for overall tourist demand in the province.
In March, officials counted a total of 240,531 visitors passing through the three terminals. This represented an increase of 34.87 percent compared with the same month a year earlier.
February figures and tourism revenue
Trat also recorded solid visitor numbers in February, with 150,701 tourists according to the available data. The figures pointed to a strengthening trend even before the March high-season start.
These visits generated at least 1.6 billion baht in tourism income for the province. Local authorities viewed the revenue as an important boost for the regional economy.
Koh Chang leads despite global crises
Korakot stressed that Koh Chang remained one of the province’s most important attractions. The island continued to draw both domestic and international holidaymakers.
He also pointed to external pressures shaping travel behavior.
“The conflict in the Middle East is influencing the decisions of foreign tourists, and high oil prices are putting additional strain on Trat,”
said Korakot Opas, TAT provincial director.
‘Trat the New Experience’ campaign as growth driver
The TAT attributed the positive numbers in part to its promotional campaign “Trat the New Experience.” The initiative aimed to keep the province on travelers’ radar throughout the year.
The campaign was designed to encourage year-round trips to Trat and to highlight the wide range of activities available in the province. Officials hoped this would reduce seasonal fluctuations in visitor arrivals.
High season start and outlook to end of summer
According to the TAT, March marked the beginning of the high season in Trat. The rise in ferry arrivals coincided with this traditional peak travel period.
Korakot expected the upward trend to continue in the coming months.
“We anticipate that the positive momentum will carry on until the end of the summer,”
said Korakot Opas, TAT provincial director.
April events: sports and weekend market
To strengthen Trat’s position as a summer destination, the TAT announced a series of events and activities for the entire month of April. These were intended to attract both new and repeat visitors.
The program included the sports event “Walk-Run Towards Freedom” on 17 April. In addition, a handicraft market was scheduled to take place every Saturday in Laem Ngop, offering locally made products to tourists and residents alike.