TRAT — Despite the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire agreement, Koh Chang tourism operators remain skeptical about recovery prospects in Trat province as spooked tourists stay away. Business owners are calling for government compensation, fearing the situation could drag into the high season.
Before the military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in late July, Trat province tourism was thriving. Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak had become magnets for both domestic and international visitors seeking alternatives to Thailand’s busier Andaman destinations.
However, the clashes that spilled into Trat province and led to martial law declarations in some areas have severely impacted the province’s tourism sector despite operators’ efforts to assure visitors that tourist areas remain unaffected.
Saksit Moongkarn, a hotel operator on Koh Chang and former chairman of Trat Tourism Industry Council, believes that while a ceasefire has been declared, political uncertainty on both sides has left the private sector lacking confidence. The situation has also directly impacted labor issues.
“Cambodian workers, who are crucial to our service and construction sectors, have been gradually returning home since last month. Currently, almost no Cambodian workers remain on Koh Chang, except for those who have settled here permanently with families,” he said.
To address current challenges, operators have turned to local Thai workers and student interns to replace the missing workforce, which helps sustain hotel and restaurant services. However, the construction sector has been hit hardest, now relying only on some workers from the Northeast region.
Pornthip Suntharakij, manager of Chaichet Resort, revealed that the tourism atmosphere on Koh Chang has become eerily quiet since the border situation began. Many customers have postponed stays and canceled bookings, particularly seminar groups who were key clients during this period. Despite assurances that Koh Chang remains accessible and safe, resort bookings have dropped nearly 90%, with other island operators likely facing similar problems.
“Beyond tourist issues, employment has been affected as some Cambodian workers have requested temporary returns home due to family concerns and worries about their property, despite our understanding and good care,” she said.
Pornthip called for government relief measures for those affected, even if not directly in border areas, citing bank loan obligations. She requested assistance such as reduced interest rates, extended payment terms, or other relief measures like previous programs, noting concerns the situation could persist into the year-end high season, causing massive impact.
