Phuket: Phuket's tourism sector is calling for cooperation to care for and assist stranded tourists. The Phuket Tourism Business Association and the Southern Thailand Hotel Association have reached out to their member hotel and tourism operators in Phuket, urging them to assist tourists amid the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, which is affecting international flights.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourism Business Association, stated that letters have been sent to member hotels and tourism operators. These letters request cooperation in caring for tourists and facilitating their needs amidst the unrest. The associations are asking operators to consider waiving cancellation fees for those directly affected, offering special or appropriate rates for tourists needing to extend their stays, and providing travel information and advice. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact on tourists, build confidence, and uphold Thailand and Phuket's image as a destination capable of caring for international visitors.

In recent years, the number of tourists from the Middle East visiting Phuket has increased annually. With several airlines offering direct shuttle flights to Phuket and connecting flights to the Middle East, the ongoing conflict is expected to have a long-term impact on Phuket's tourism if the situation persists.

Mr. Montchai Tanod, Director of Phuket Airport, disclosed that there are currently no stranded passengers inside the airport. Most tourists were aware of the travel impossibilities and had postponed their trips since last weekend. However, from February 28th until now, a total of 25 flights from Phuket have been cancelled by various airlines, including 13 inbound and 12 outbound flights, affecting over 6,000 passengers.

Airlines operating these routes include Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Unicair (Private Flight), and Israeli airlines. Many passengers use Phuket as a transit hub to Europe and the United States, affecting other destinations as well.