Tourism providers in Trat say political uncertainty and a stagnating economy are harming tourism in the province.
Attaphon Klimtap, CEO of Bunsiri Speedboat, a major speedboat operator in Trat, said tourism growth in this eastern coastal province, especially to popular sites such as Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak, has fallen by half during this year's low season.
"The number of tourists has dropped by 50% due to the rainy season. Local tourists do not choose to visit the islands because of strong waves. We hope numbers will pick up in the fourth quarter of this year," he said.
Another reason is the economy is weak, so people do not want to travel or spend money for things they do not need.
"Most importantly, the political situation has changed, which may affect tourism policies, especially the promotion of tourism in secondary cities," he said.
Secondary cities are those which draw fewer than four million visitors a year such as Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Suphan Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
When asked if the digital wallet scheme will help stimulate tourism in Trat, he said uncertainty still surrounds the project.
"Political factors are tourism operators' main concern while planning for promotions," said Mr Attaphon.
Wipha Bunyoo, manager of Suadam Go, the other speedboat provider, said the company had cut services to some islands during the low season such as reducing the speedboat service to Koh Kut from four to two rounds a day while stopping services to Koh Mak.
Koh Kut and Koh Mak, both in Koh Kut district, each welcome at least 600,000-700,000 visitors a year.
