Thailand Heatwave, Flight Disruptions, Cheap Fares and Visa Help
Thailand Heatwave and Bangkok Travel Conditions
Having a bottle of water these days with you in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, is a must unless it is super hot. Nowadays, going out during the daytime is nearly impossible, but in the afternoon it is windy and breezy, and much more pleasant.
If you want to go out during the daytime, especially in Bangkok, Bangkok has plenty of malls where you can spend your time. You can also have a massage session or stay at your accommodation until the sun goes down.
Middle East Flight Disruptions Crowd Bangkok Airport
Can you travel to Thailand? Surely you can, but how much should you pay? The prices are getting insane because of the latest situation in the Middle East. Yesterday I was at the airport, and things were super crowded, especially at the departures.
I came back from Hua Hin with a VIP bus. The airport was super busy, especially at the departure, and of course, it has a lot to do with the war in the Middle East. Lots of flights were canceled, lots of flights were rescheduled, and that is why the departures were super busy.
Nowadays, some of the flights are back, although not all of them, but it is better than last week.
International Flight Prices to Bangkok
Some of the flights are back, but the prices are super expensive. For example, Thai Airways is now 15% more than the regular prices. If the war continues like this, the price will be 100% more.
There is something fishy, though, because in the morning I checked the prices, and there are lots of cheap flights, even if you are passing through the Middle East. For example, if you fly from Frankfurt to Bangkok and back with Air Arabia, the price is $733 USD. Another option is Etihad Airways, with 15-hour and 14-hour flights costing $777.
A lot of people canceled their flights, changed their flights, or changed their schedules because they are worried about the situation. That is why there are lots of cheap flights if you are going to book now.
Another example is a direct flight from New York to Bangkok. It is $927 with Etihad Airways, which I think is really cheap, and we are talking about 21 hours. It is $923 with Etihad Airways if you stop at Abu Dhabi. If you take a direct flight, it is much more expensive. If you can book a flight through the Middle East and the flights are still operating, that is a good idea.
40,000 Stranded Tourists Receive Travel and Visa Help
More than 40,000 tourists stranded in Thailand because of the flight disruptions in the Middle East have safely returned home. Some of the flights are back on track, although not all of them. Last week, most of the flights passing through the Middle East were canceled, but now it is much better.
The Thai Aviation Authority has managed to send back almost 40,000 stranded tourists. They were staying in Thailand because their flights were canceled and rescheduled. For the people who still cannot leave because there are no flights back to their countries, the Thai Immigration is already helping them extend their visas. If you overstay, there are no penalties.
There are also special accommodation rates for tourists affected by flight cancellations due to the situation in the Middle East. If your flight is canceled and there are no flights back to your country, you have to present evidence of your canceled flight, contact the participating accommodations, and enjoy the discounted prices. The TAT Contact Center is 1672.
Strong Thai Baht, Tourism Pressure and Songkran
All these things are putting tourism in Thailand in very big trouble. Not only that, the Thai Baht is still strong, and that is another fact. All these things are putting a lot of pressure on Thailand, and soon it will be Songkran. If things continue like this, that is a big issue.
Affordable Domestic Flights and Hotels in Thailand
So far, everything I have mentioned is factual. If you are coming to Thailand and want to explore Thailand, domestic flights are still cheap, and hotels are very affordable. Soon I am traveling to Pattaya, after that to Koh Samui, and I am checking the prices. They are still very affordable.
If you are coming to Thailand, definitely explore because once we are in Songkran, and if the war is finished and fuel prices are up, things could change. If you are traveling to Thailand or planning to travel soon, especially during Songkran, book from now so that you can save. We do not know what will happen, as there are surprises in the news every day.
If you are in Thailand, enjoy your vacation. If you are coming to Thailand or planning to come, do not hesitate. Book that flight if it is available, and come and enjoy your vacation. You are going to have a lot of fun. There is no need to wait or panic. I am sure everything will be okay soon.
