Northern Thailand is heading into Songkran under a blanket of toxic smog. And tourists are staying away.
Chiang Mai was this week ranked the most polluted city in the world, as wildfires continue to choke the region in hazardous air, according to data from IQAir.
According to Bangkok Post, hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai has dropped to just 30–40% ahead of the holiday.
“Concerns about smog and rising oil prices are influencing tourists’ decisions,” Punlop Saejew said to Bangkok Post.
Tourists change plans
Instead of heading north, many travellers are now choosing beach destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui.
In Pai, cancellations are already coming in.
Chaivit Summachewawat, vice-president of the Pai Tourism Business Association, urged authorities to act quickly to curb burning and support the tourism sector.
The smog is being driven by a surge in wildfires and agricultural burning, including cross-border fires affecting several northern provinces.
