Thai hotels have reported a combined loss of 173 million baht following the collapse of the German tour operator FTI Group, a significant increase from the 111 million baht estimated in June. According to the Thai Hotels Association (THA), 179 hotels across the country have been impacted, with the majority of the losses, totaling 141 million baht, occurring in the southern region. Hotels in Bangkok and the eastern regions have also been affected, suffering losses of 19 million baht and 8.4 million baht, respectively.
These affected hotels, which include both local brands and international chains, have been unable to recover payments from FTI Group. Some properties that heavily rely on European tourists have incurred losses exceeding 10 million baht. In response, the THA has submitted a letter to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) seeking assistance from the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the German Embassy.
THA’s president has called on the new government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to continue robust tourism promotions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum as the high season approaches. Despite these challenges, hotel occupancy in the south has remained steady at 60%, consistent with last year’s levels during the Andaman coast’s monsoon season.
Southern hoteliers have also expressed hope that the new government will carry forward the previous administration’s transport infrastructure projects, particularly the development of a new international airport in Phangnga province, which is viewed as crucial for alleviating congestion at Phuket International Airport.
