On Koh Chang, foreign tourists have canceled 30% of bookings following clashes at the Thai-Cambodian border. The president of the Trat Tourism Business Association has expressed hope that the fighting situation will soon return to normal and be resolved quickly.
On 25 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Wichit Sukrasuyanont, president of the Trat Tourism Business Association, revealed that during the usual high season around Christmas and New Year, foreign tourists from Europe typically visit Koh Chang in large numbers, with accommodations fully booked in advance. However, this year, after the border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in Trat province and the declaration of martial law, some foreign and Thai customers who had pre-booked accommodations have canceled over 30% of their bookings due to safety concerns and because foreign tourists' insurance companies do not provide coverage. As a result, some foreign tourists have chosen to travel elsewhere.
Compared to previous years during the year-end and New Year festivals, hotels and resorts located along the beach would be fully booked at 100 percent in advance.
Wichit added that most foreign tourists currently visiting Koh Chang are regulars who come almost every year, familiar with the area, confident in its safety, and attracted by the clear sea, beautiful white sandy beaches, and diverse natural resources. Now that the border clashes in Trat province have begun to subside, tourism operators are supporting the frontline soldiers and praying for a swift return to normalcy. At this time, government and private sectors continue promoting the area through all online channels to reassure tourists that the fighting zones are far from tourist spots like Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood, aiming to attract both Thai and foreign visitors back to the area.
Reporters surveyed popular beaches on Koh Chang such as Sai Khao Beach, Klong Prao Beach, and Kai Bae Beach, observing that foreign tourists walking around or sunbathing during the day were sparse, seen only at some spots. Compared to previous years during Christmas and New Year festivals, the beaches used to be lively with many foreign tourists. Similarly, beachfront restaurants at night currently have only a few customers.