Tourism operators in the South have urged the government to strengthen security measures after Malaysian tourists were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Tak Bai, although the incident has affected only a limited number of tour groups travelling to Hat Yai this weekend.
Sitthipong Sitthiphataraprabha, president of the Hat Yai Songkhla Hotels Association, said cancellations included a group of four buses that planned trips from Kelantan to Pattani and Hat Yai through the Sungai Kolok checkpoint.
"If the government cannot properly control the situation, the conflict could spread into economic districts such as Hat Yai," said Mr Sitthipong.
He said violence typically targets security personnel, officers and government organisations, but this incident stirred public concern among Malaysians because it affected tourists. In previous decades, locals were harmed in the conflict.
The number of Malaysian tourists travelling through Sungai Kolok is usually low compared with major checkpoints, with around 1 million arrivals annually. The Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla normally tallies 3-4 million arrivals per year.
Malaysian tourists are continuing to visit Hat Yai via the Sadao checkpoint as usual, and hotels have not reported any mass cancellations, said Mr Sitthipong.
Repeat visitors understand the situation and know that major districts such as Hat Yai are safe to visit, he noted.
Roughly 10,000-20,000 Malaysian tourists travel through the Sadao checkpoint each day on weekends, and 5,000-7,000 on weekdays.
The government must restore confidence among Malaysians as this market is a major source for Thai tourism, particularly in the South, said Mr Sitthipong.
Preventive measures could include increasing screenings at major tourist attractions or adding inspections before entry into Hat Yai district. Authorities must also ensure tourists are not subject to extortion by officials, he said.
Narin Ruengwongsa, president of the Betong Tourism Association, said Betong has not been affected by the incident as it is located several hundred kilometres from the disputed area and is regarded as a safe tourist destination.
He said most Malaysians travel directly through the Betong checkpoint, which is only 7km from the city centre. Roughly 1,000-2,000 daily tourists enter Thailand overland during weekends, mostly looking for food and cultural experiences.
The greater concern for Betong is energy and living costs, which have discouraged Malaysians from visiting the city as travel expenses rise, said Mr Narin. The association is encouraging foreign airlines to launch new flights to Betong airport.
