Chiang mai: Tourism in Chiang Mai is beginning to feel the impact of the prolonged situation in the Middle East, which has lasted for over a month and caused oil prices to soar, as well as air pollution that has made it the world's most polluted city for weeks. As a result, hotel bookings for Songkran in Chiang Mai this year are only at 30%, while various parties are working to create more vibrant activities to attract tourists.

According to Thai News Agency, efforts are underway to address the challenges faced by the tourism sector in Chiang Mai. The dual issues of escalating oil prices and persistent air pollution have significantly dampened tourist interest, with the latter placing Chiang Mai at the top of global pollution rankings for weeks. This has had a direct impact on hotel occupancy rates, which remain significantly low at just 30% for the upcoming Songkran festival.

Local stakeholders are striving to remedy the situation by organizing a range of activities aimed at enhancing the appeal of the city during the festival period. These initiatives are seen as crucial in attempting to offset the economic repercussions brought about by the decline in tourist arrivals. The efforts focus on making the Songkran celebrations more attractive and engaging, hoping to draw both domestic and international tourists despite the ongoing challenges.