by The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that around 5 million Thais will travel domestically during the two long weekends in July, generating around 18 billion baht in revenue for local tourism entrepreneurs.
This month has two long weekends: July 20-22, marking the Buddhist Lent on July 21, and July 27-29 celebrating His Majesty the King’s birthday on July 28.
Governor of TAT Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Tuesday that the three regions expected to generate the most revenue during the long weekends are the central region, including Bangkok (4.78 billion baht), followed by the eastern region (4.06 billion baht) and the southern region (3.01 billion baht).
She said most of those who chose to travel last weekend visited famous temples that held religious ceremonies, while those traveling this weekend would most likely visit places offering activities to celebrate the king’s 72nd birthday.
“This also includes charitable activities to honour His Majesty, such as reforestation projects in several provinces,” she said.
In Bangkok, several monuments will be open to the public on the occasion of the king’s birthday, including the Grand Palace, the Royal Pantheon and the National Museum.
The 10 provinces that received the highest number of Thai visitors over the weekend of July 20-22 were Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chonburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, Rayong, Ayutthaya, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Udon Thani and Phetchaburi.
Hotels in Chonburi reported the highest average occupancy rate during the period at 86%, followed by Udon Thani at 84%, the tourism agency reported.
