Thailand’s complicated relationship with tourism

Songkran - Thailand’s biggest new year water festival is underway. People visit family in their hometowns during the holiday season and wash the feet of their elders with scented water in a cleansing ritual. But the energy crisis has made driving back home prohibitively expensive for many locals this year. In the capital of Bangkok, however, celebrations are taking place as usual. Every year, the city transforms into a haven for revellers and holidaymakers from around the world. Thailand’s tourism industry is one of the most visible drivers of its economy, drawing millions of visitors each year with its beaches, culture and festivals. But that reliance also comes with growing pressure from overcrowded hotspots to environmental strains. And this year, an energy crunch triggered by the Iran war is adding another layer of uncertainty, affecting travel plans, domestic movement, and the cost of keeping the tourism engine running, raising questions about the longevity and sustainability of Thailand’s travel industry. On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to two guests - Panisa Aemocha, a BBC World Service reporter based in Thailand, and Kiatananatha Lounkaew, an economic professor at Thammasat University in Bangkok, to unpack Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk