"Nakhon Phanom rafting business" has declined due to the impact of "high fuel prices" causing a loss of tourists and severe income decline over the past 10 years, from previously earning tens of thousands of baht daily.
On 5 April 2026, reporters reported that in Nakhon Phanom province, the high fuel prices have severely affected the economy and tourism. Many major tourist sites have seen more than a 50% drop in visitors due to the energy crisis combined with expensive fuel, leading people and tourists to avoid interprovincial travel.
Similarly, rafting operators at Nong Han, Ban Na Phieng, Chai Buri Subdistrict, Tha Uthen District, Nakhon Phanom, a well-known spot for rafting and cooling off, have experienced no tourists for nearly two months due to high fuel prices. The businesses offering food and drinks during the hot season, which usually thrive annually, are now quiet. Shops and restaurants serving tourists have also seen no sales and income loss. Thirty rafts remain docked. The impact is expected to last through Songkran, marking the heaviest income loss in 10 years from previously earning tens of thousands of baht daily.
In an interview, Mr. Santi Chaimaha, a rafting operator at Nong Han, Chai Buri Subdistrict, Tha Uthen, Nakhon Phanom, revealed that since fuel prices rose continuously, tourist numbers have shockingly disappeared. There are no visitors daily. Normally, during the dry season, this is a popular rafting spot for nature sightseeing and cooling off, bustling and generating community income. This year, the impact is the worst in 10 years, with rafts docked and no food sales.
It is expected that the severe impact will continue through Songkran. The service prices remain unchanged, with raft rentals at 500 baht per raft and food and drink menus unchanged. He urged locals and tourists that Nong Han rafting at Chai Buri Subdistrict, Tha Uthen District, Nakhon Phanom, is still ready to welcome visitors during Songkran, even though there are no customers yet, and services will be available daily.