Photo: Lâm Trần / Pexels
TAT, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is reassessing its high-season forecast after major flooding in parts of Bangkok and the eastern region. Total arrivals fell 14.8% between 25 September and 5 October, with the steepest drops from short-haul markets. Forward bookings from long-haul markets remain strong, and short-haul sentiment is slowly improving as water levels recede. Some attractions around Bangkok are still closed, so check before you go.
What the numbers show
For 25 September to 5 October, total arrivals fell 14.8% because of the flooding. The drops came mainly from short-haul markets:
| Market | Change in arrivals |
|---|---|
| South Korea | -69.5% |
| Taiwan | -52.7% |
| Malaysia | -23.6% |
China's Golden Week holiday was also hit. About 196,700 mainland Chinese visitors came, up 7%. That is below the 24% growth projected before the disaster.
Impact expected in October and Q4
TAT expects affected destinations, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, to see revenue fall 2-3% in October. The reasons are postponed or delayed trips, transport disruption and tourists switching to safer destinations. Visitor numbers may fall 1-2%.
TAT also expects some impact from the flooding across the final quarter, as the latest arrival statistics already show.
Long-haul bookings stay strong
Forward bookings for the high season remain strong from several long-haul markets:
| Market | Forward bookings |
|---|---|
| UK | +14.8% |
| France | +17.1% |
| Israel | +20.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | +22.4% |
TAT still hopes for a rise in long-haul demand. It is banking on the World Travel Market in London in November.
Sentiment is improving
Short-haul sentiment is gradually improving as water levels recede. News coverage of Thailand preparing to host the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings (12-18 October 2026) has also eased negative sentiment.
What is still closed
Riverside and community attractions, floating markets and canal-side markets remain closed in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Kanchanaburi.
TAT is tracking several things so it can give tourists accurate updates:
- Rainfall and water levels in disaster areas
- Transport conditions
- Attraction closures and reopenings
- The status of events
Stimulus and relief
TAT is waiting for household relief measures before it offers the tourism sector a stimulus. TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the government's main concern is household damage. She said the agency will assess the impact on tourism in each area before designing stimulus measures.
Flights
Thai Airways has fully resumed operations and has almost cleared its baggage backlog.
What this means for travellers
- Bangkok and the nearby provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Kanchanaburi have disruptions. Some riverside attractions and floating or canal markets are closed, and trips may be delayed. Check the status of attractions and events before you go.
- Short-haul visitors from Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia are staying away in large numbers. Long-haul demand is strong, so Western visitors are still booking.
- Thai Airways is operating normally again.
- The article does not mention Koh Lanta or the Andaman coast as affected. The only southern link is a related headline about Thailand and Malaysia agreeing on future Hat Yai flood relief.
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.