Thailand’s Mukdahan Battles Severe Tourism Decline with Over 50% Drop in Bookings Post-Songkran as Economic Struggles and Lack of Events Threaten Local Livelihoods

Published on April 26, 2025

Mukdahan in Thailand faces a tourism crisis, with bookings dropping over 50% post-Songkran, as the region battles economic challenges and a lack of major events.

The Mukdahan Hotel Association has reported a sharp decline in tourism after the Songkran festival, with bookings dropping by more than 50%. This significant downturn is primarily attributed to the absence of large-scale events in this secondary tourist destination, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

Pramin Wongpralab, chairman of the association, pointed out that April’s sluggish economic climate has severely impacted businesses across various sectors, with the tourism industry—particularly small and medium-sized hotels and resorts—bearing the brunt of the fallout. Following the Songkran festivities, tourism numbers have plummeted, as most visitors tend to favor coastal provinces and beach destinations during the summer months.

Mukdahan, located on the Thai-Lao border, has long been seen as a secondary choice for tourists. Although it hosts the revered Phaya Naga of the Three Worlds, attracting a small group of spiritual visitors, this alone is insufficient to sustain the region’s tourism economy.

The local tourism sector is heavily reliant on government services, with various agencies regularly booking hotels for seminars, meetings, and study trips. However, the long holiday season brought a dearth of such events, leaving the region’s tourism industry in a lull, especially when compared to the bustling coastal resorts. Additionally, the absence of a university, unlike its neighboring provinces, contributes to quieter evenings in local establishments.

There is growing pressure for Mukdahan to host major national events to revitalize tourism and inject spending into the local economy. The recent increase in the minimum wage to 352 baht per day has further driven up costs for food items, adding to the financial strain as incomes fall, according to reports from KhaoSod.

The provincial government is being urged to provide greater support to local businesses, ensuring their survival in these challenging times. This issue also affects the livelihoods of thousands of workers and hundreds of families who may face unemployment due to the ongoing economic slowdown.