Thailand’s Trat Islands Defy Border Tensions—Why International Tourists Can’t Get Enough of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak!

Published on December 8, 2025

Despite recent tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, tourism in Trat, Thailand, has shown remarkable resilience. The president of the Trat Hotels and Resorts Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Trat Office have confirmed that tourist confidence has not been shaken. Visitor numbers to the province’s three main islands—Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak—are experiencing noticeable increases when compared to the 2024 season.

Initially, concerns were raised in the Khlong Yai district due to the temporary closure of the Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint, which cut off cross-border travel from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. This development disrupted the tourism flow between Thailand and Cambodia, causing several boat operators to suspend services. Despite these challenges, Pitchaya Tachaiadisap, the president of the Trat Hotels and Resorts Association, has provided a positive outlook, highlighting that tourism in the region remains strong.

Border Tensions Fail to Impact Tourism

While the Ban Hat Lek border closure did affect cross-border travel, it has not had a lasting impact on the overall tourism sector in Trat. Pitchaya Tachaiadisap emphasized that the overall number of tourists visiting Trat continues to rise, with both Thai and foreign visitors seeing significant increases in October and November compared to the same period last year.

The confidence in Trat as a safe and unaffected destination remains high, a sentiment echoed by local authorities and the media. Pitchaya affirmed that tourists continue to see the province as a reliable and secure place to visit, unaffected by the issues at the border. The strong performance of tourism in the area suggests that travelers are not deterred by geopolitical tensions, demonstrating the region’s resilience in the face of external challenges.

International Tourists Lead the Charge

The majority of visitors to Trat’s three main islands are international tourists, who make up about 95% of the total visitor count. This is largely due to Thai tourists traveling to northern provinces during the cooler season. Foreign tourists, however, tend to stay longer, spend more money, and enjoy the experience of island-hopping. This behavior has proven to be beneficial for tourism operators, providing a steady income across Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak.

Pitchaya Tachaiadisap pointed out that the influx of international visitors is helping to sustain the local tourism industry. These visitors often seek out experiences that include island hopping, contributing to the region’s diverse tourism offerings. The long stays and higher spending habits of international tourists provide a crucial boost to local economies and help maintain stable revenue streams for those in the tourism sector.

Holiday Weekend Success: December 5-7

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Trat Office reported a strong performance during the long weekend of December 5-7, recording a total of 25,509 visitors to the province. This influx of visitors generated an impressive 194.87 million baht in tourism revenue. Of these visitors, 22.51% were international tourists, with notable numbers coming from Germany, Russia, France, the UK, Finland, Australia, and Switzerland.

These figures reflect the enduring appeal of Trat’s islands, showcasing the region’s ability to attract and retain visitors despite the challenges posed by the temporary border closure. The surge in visitors during the December holiday period is a clear indication that tourism in Trat continues to thrive and that the islands remain top destinations for international travelers seeking a tropical getaway.

Popular Attractions Remain Busy

In addition to the rising number of visitors, Trat’s top attractions continue to draw large crowds. Key sites such as the Trat City Pillar Shrine, Phra Chom Nam site, Khlong Chao Waterfall, Ban Chuen Beach, Rajanagarindra Beach, and the Kai Bae Viewpoint have remained busy, with tourists flocking to these locations to experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks. These attractions provide visitors with a variety of options, from relaxing at the beach to exploring waterfalls and enjoying scenic viewpoints.

The popularity of these attractions underscores the region’s diverse tourism offerings, making it a desirable destination for both nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. The consistent flow of tourists to these landmarks further supports the notion that Trat has maintained its status as a safe and appealing destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Economic Impact of Tourism Growth

The continued growth in tourism in Trat is having a positive impact on the local economy, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The rising number of international visitors has brought increased revenue to hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other businesses catering to tourists. This influx of spending helps support local jobs and encourages further investment in the province’s tourism infrastructure.

The steady income generated from foreign tourists is also contributing to the sustainability of the tourism industry, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the Trat economy. Local businesses are benefiting from the consistent demand for accommodations, dining, and recreational activities, helping to create a thriving tourism ecosystem that supports the livelihoods of many residents.

Conclusion: Trat Remains Resilient in the Face of Challenges

In conclusion, the recent tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have not significantly impacted the tourism sector in Trat, Thailand. Despite initial concerns and disruptions in cross-border travel, foreign tourist arrivals have remained strong, and confidence in Trat as a safe and welcoming destination continues to grow. With Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak seeing increased visitor numbers, the region’s tourism industry is thriving, with international tourists playing a key role in sustaining the local economy.

As the Tourism Authority of Thailand and local authorities continue to monitor developments along the border, Tratremains a popular choice for travelers seeking a diverse and enriching vacation experience. The province’s ability to maintain high levels of tourism despite external challenges is a testament to its appeal as a must-visit destination in Thailand.