'White Lotus' boon yet to materialise

While Season 3 already aired, several factors have hotels in the South holding their breath

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Hotels in the South have yet to feel any impact from the White Lotus HBO series filmed in Thailand, as the volatile global economy and safety concerns regarding the country have affected prospective tourists' decision-making.

Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultancy based in Phuket, said despite the popularity of White Lotus Season 3, which already aired on the streaming platform, Phuket and Samui still haven't experienced much of an effect on their tourism sector.

Mr Barnett said the number of foreign tourists visiting Phuket this year might be lower than last year as the Chinese market sags.