The fuel crisis has taken its toll, leaving the Thai-Lao ferry terminals quiet with fewer passengers, raising fears of a significant impact extending into the Songkran festival.
On 24 March 2026, reporters reported that Nakhon Phanom province has been hit by the fuel shortage crisis. Beyond competition for fuel supplies, there has been a noticeable decrease in local residents and tourists.
Specifically, the number of Thai and Lao residents and tourists traveling via passenger boats at the Nakhon Phanom municipal border crossing has dropped by more than half. This is believed to be due to the fuel crisis causing travel concerns, combined with rising prices of many goods and living costs, leading people to tighten their budgets and reduce travel and shopping.
Normally, daily passenger numbers range from 300 to 500, but recently some days have seen fewer than 100. Despite the fuel shortage, the ferry boats between Thailand and Laos still have enough fuel, as do the local motorcycle taxis. However, these operators face fewer customers and income losses. They worry that if the crisis continues into Songkran, it will severely affect tourism and spending.
Mr. Pakasit Noisa, 56, a representative of the Thai-Lao ferry operators, revealed that the fuel shortage has not disrupted ferry operations, which continue normally with fuel still obtainable. However, passenger numbers have dropped by about 20-30 percent due to fuel concerns, reducing travel and shopping visits. He admitted concern that the Songkran festival might suffer a heavy impact if the fuel crisis persists.