River cruise operators in Thailand are reporting a cancellation rate of 30 to 40% after the Vijit Chao Phraya illumination festival was postponed for the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the late Queen Mother, while hotels are urging authorities to provide detailed guidelines to prevent people from cancelling their New Year celebrations.
Poowadee Kunpalin, managing director of Chaophraya Cruise and advisor to the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, said the river tourism outlook is in a vacuum period, lacking a clear direction from authorities in terms of holding events and celebrations.
Ms Poowadee said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) postponed the Vijit Chao Phraya illumination festival from Nov 1, as well as toning down the celebratory vibe.
She said the move would impact the tourism recovery along the river, as operators await a revival during the high season, particularly from key events such as Loy Krathong and Vijit Chao Phraya, to offset sluggish arrivals earlier this year.
Some travellers and tour groups already cancelled or postponed their bookings until regulations for events held along the Chao Phraya River become clearer, said Ms Poowadee.
The Marine Department previously asked cruise operators to refrain from playing any music.
The river tourism association has been negotiating with the department to find a middle ground, such as changing the music tone, she said. This could include playing musical pieces that were composed by the royal family, and providing a moment of silence before cruise trips.
‘We hope the authorities will ensure all stakeholders can move forward together,’ said Ms Poowadee.
She said the TAT should replicate Pattaya’s International Fireworks Festival, shifting from a festival theme to a commemoration of the late Queen Mother and her royal duties.
Along the Chao Phraya River, special fireworks and drone shows could honour the Queen Mother, as well as a traditional khon performance, which was part of her royal legacy, said Ms Poowadee.
She said the TAT should use this opportunity to promote Thai dresses endorsed by the Queen Mother, inviting both Thai and foreign tourists to wear them while joining the festivals.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said many events in hotels, such as weddings and corporate parties, are confirmed as planned, though some parties with music were cancelled by clients.
Mr Thienprasit said the government and related authorities should provide more detailed guidelines for private operators, as they remain reluctant to unveil their promotional plans.
For example, he said it is still unclear whether hotels can set off their own fireworks for guests during the New Year countdown, or if malls and attractions can hold certain types of music events.
Mr Thienprasit said that without clear regulations, hotel bookings for the next two months are expected to be slow.