The Government Deputy Spokesperson revealed that over 3 million tourists visited Songkhla in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 billion baht in revenue. He urged confidence in the government's readiness to handle the rainy season and invited both Thai and foreign tourists to travel in the area.
On 9 July 2026, the Press Office of the Secretariat of the Prime Minister organized a traveling media event. Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana and Ms. Ploytale Laksamisangchan, Deputy Government Spokespersons attached to the Prime Minister's Office, along with over 30 journalists from television, newspapers, and online media based at the Government House, visited Songkhla Province. The aim was to raise awareness and promote Songkhla's potential in line with the government policy led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to promote quality tourism alongside stimulating the grassroots economy and generating income for local residents.
The media group visited historical and cultural tourist attractions in Songkhla Province, including the Songkhla Old Town district and viewed the "Nora" performance, which is registered by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. They also toured the Songkhla National Museum and Samila Beach, a key provincial landmark, highlighting the cultural and tourism potential of Songkhla. The government aims to leverage this as Soft Power to create added economic value, elevate the province from a transit city to a "destination" for quality tourism, and sustainably distribute income to local communities.
Currently, Songkhla Province has recorded a cumulative 3,125,475 tourist visits from January to May 2026, generating over 20.636 billion baht in revenue—8.879 billion baht from Thai tourists and 11.757 billion baht from international visitors. This reflects the tourism sector's capacity to drive the economy and deliver tangible income to communities.
Ms. Lalida said she would like to invite everyone, both Thais and foreigners, to visit Songkhla Province, which is a multicultural society with delicious, distinctive food and charming community lifestyles. So far this year, about 3 million tourists have visited, bringing in over 20 billion baht in revenue for the country.
Regarding changes following the major flooding in Hat Yai District, Ms. Lalida said locals report that tourism is beginning to recover, and the community is fully prepared to welcome tourists. She encouraged many people to visit. As for handling the rainy season, the government is prepared to manage any incidents and reassured the public and tourists to feel safe and confident to travel.
Although current tourist numbers have not yet matched those before the flooding, the difference is small. Confidence among tourists to visit Songkhla is steadily increasing.
Ms. Ploytale Laksamisangchan, Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Prime Minister's Office, said that Songkhla originally has beautiful architecture and distinctive cuisine. She invited everyone interested in cultural tourism to experience Songkhla city, especially the Red Rice Mill, to learn about the history and civilization of the harmonious coexistence among Songkhla’s Malay, Thai, and Chinese communities and to absorb the local culture.