Photo: Dibakar Roy / Pexels
Floods in Bangkok and the eastern region have pushed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to reassess its high-season forecast. Arrivals fell 14.8% between 25 September and 5 October, mainly because of weaker short-haul demand. TAT expects a small hit to October revenue and visitor numbers in the affected destinations. Long-haul bookings for the high season are still strong, and short-haul sentiment is slowly recovering as the water recedes.
What happened
Major flooding hit several areas of Bangkok and the eastern region. TAT is now waiting for the government's household relief measures before it offers the tourism sector a boost. TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the government's main concern is still household damage. TAT plans to assess the tourism impact in each area before designing stimulus measures.
The numbers so far
Arrivals from 25 September to 5 October were down 14.8% because of the floods. The drop came mainly from short-haul markets:
| Market | Change |
|---|---|
| South Korea | down 69.5% |
| Taiwan | down 52.7% |
| Malaysia | down 23.6% |
China's Golden Week holiday was also affected. About 196,700 mainland Chinese tourists visited Thailand. That is up about 7%, but below the 24% growth projected before the disaster.
For October, TAT projects that affected destinations (Bangkok and surrounding areas) will see revenue fall 2-3% and tourist numbers fall 1-2%. The causes are postponed or delayed trips, transport disruption, and tourists switching to safer destinations. Final-quarter tourism will be hit to some extent, as the latest arrival statistics already show.
Signs of recovery
Sentiment among short-haul markets has gradually improved as water levels receded. News that Thailand will host the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings (12-18 October 2026) also helped ease negative sentiment.
Long-haul forward bookings for the high season remain strong:
| Market | Forward bookings |
|---|---|
| UK | up 14.8% |
| France | up 17.1% |
| Israel | up 20.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | up 22.4% |
Thai Airways has fully resumed operations and has almost cleared its baggage backlog. TAT still hopes for an uptick from long-haul markets and is counting on the World Travel Market in London, scheduled for November.
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 monitoring rainfall and water levels in disaster areas, transport conditions, attraction closures and reopenings, and event status, so it can give tourists accurate updates.
What this means for travellers
- Bangkok and nearby provinces: Check attraction and event status before you go. Riverside sites and floating or canal markets are closed, and transport in flooded areas may be disrupted.
- Flights: Thai Airways is operating normally again.
- Elsewhere: The article gives no sign that other regions, such as the southern islands, are affected. It notes that some tourists are shifting to destinations seen as safer.
- Timing: More recovery news and stimulus measures are likely once the household relief measures are in place. The Bangkok Post reports a fourth-quarter rebound forecast.
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.