Heavy downpours in Hua Hin and Cha-am are expected to affect tourism during the three-day holiday this weekend, worsening domestic sentiment, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said.
Earlier this week, Cha-am, Hua Hin and parts of Phetkasem Highway were affected by flooding measuring 20-40 centimetres, after heavy rainfall.
Even though the situation has eased, more severe rainfall is forecast in the southern provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi, from Oct 10-13.
"The recent floods in Hua Hin and Cha-am, together with the severe northern flooding in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have impacted domestic tourism sentiment, discouraging them from booking trips during the holiday," the Thai Hotels Association said.
At present, the forward bookings for the mid-October holiday are only 50-60%.
The TAT said risks from natural disasters are one of the most critical factors to watch during this high season, as many places are expected to be impacted until November.
In addition to severe weather, the TAT's market analysis found slow economic growth and higher demand for overseas travel have hit Thai tourism for the remainder of the year.
Local tourists might keep travelling in the winter, but they would adjust their plans with lower budgets and shorter trips.
