TAT forecasts cautious Father’s Day holiday spending

The surging cost of living, more outbound trips and the southern floods are expected to hamper domestic tourism during this week’s Father’s Day holiday, with 2.52 million trips estimated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said concerns over the sluggish economy and income as well as high household debt have prompted locals to exercise caution on tourism spending.

The TAT’s study aligned with a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, which gauged a low tourism spending index of 73.0 in October, indicating consumers consider the period inappropriate for spending on travel.

Ms Thapanee said many Thais who can afford it tend to travel abroad in December as there are several long holidays.