March 28, 2026 | 07:28 AM. Fed up! Expensive energy hits Phuket tourism—hotel costs soar 25%, transport reaches 40%.
March 28, 2026 | 07:28 AM. Fed up! Expensive energy hits Phuket tourism—hotel costs soar 25%, transport reaches 40%. — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
Hotel costs in Phuket have surged 25% and transport expenses have climbed to 40% of total costs due to soaring energy prices, the Phuket Tourist Business Association announced on March 28, 2026. The spike in energy costs is hitting the island’s tourism sector hard, driving up prices across hotels, taxis, buses, tour boats, and other key services.
Impact on Tourism Businesses and Proposed Relief Measures
A study by Dr. Chayanan Phucharoen of Prince of Songkla University found energy now accounts for 39–48% of transport costs and about 24% of hotel operating expenses in Phuket. Restaurant operators, while less directly affected, are also facing higher costs as ingredient and delivery prices rise. The association warned that these increases are being passed on to tourists through higher accommodation, food, and travel package prices, especially impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited financial reserves. To counteract the crisis, the association has urged the government to cap diesel prices for the tourism sector, introduce a dedicated “Tourism Fuel Rate,” temporarily reduce excise taxes on fuel, and allow energy expenses to be directly deducted from business taxes. Additional proposals include targeted tax relief and low-interest loans for SMEs, as well as expanding the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” subsidy to cover lodging, transport, and activities.
Source: https://www.thansettakij.com/business/tourism/655155
