Tourists enjoy a vibrant beach day in Pattaya, where authorities assure visitors the city remains safe and welcoming despite regional border tensions. PATTAYA, Thailand — The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reassured travelers that major tourist destinations—including Pattaya—remain safe and secure, even as tensions continue along the Thai-Cambodian border. Natthariya Taweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, stated on July 26 that despite increased military activity in border provinces, tourism numbers nationwide have remained consistent. This sustained flow indicates that border unrest has had minimal impact on Thailand’s overall tourism industry. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has issued advisories encouraging tourists to travel safely within the country. The government recommends avoiding only certain border provinces such as Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Buriram, and Surin, while confirming that travel to areas like Chanthaburi and Trat remains normal and largely unaffected—though visitors are advised to stay informed and avoid restricted zones. Transportation services by land, sea, and air continue without disruption, as do hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Officials are working closely across ministries—including Interior, Transportation, Culture, and Natural Resources—to provide accurate information, ensure safety, and assist visitors. Natthariya emphasizes steady tourism numbers and ongoing safety measures amid heightened military activity near border provinces. However, despite these official assurances, many travelers remain cautious given the recent clashes and the ongoing martial law in parts of Chanthaburi and Trat. “The government may say it’s safe to uphold tourism numbers, but who would risk traveling to border provinces right now?” said one tour operator in Pattaya. Some potential visitors prefer to wait until the situation stabilizes before making travel plans. This gap between official messages and public perception is heightened by the constant presence of military operations and daily news coverage of clashes, which many see on TV and social media from their own homes. For many, the frequent images of troop movements and alerts make the situation feel closer and more uncertain than official statements suggest. As the ongoing long weekend (Saturday through Monday, coinciding with the King’s birthday) unfolds, it will serve as a crucial test of Pattaya’s resilience. It will reveal whether the current travel mood endures among both Thai holidaymakers and incoming foreign visitors. Tourist numbers and spending patterns during these days will provide early insights into how tourism in the region might recover—or falter—amid ongoing security concerns. For those seeking a place to unwind away from the constant flood of media reports, Pattaya offers a potential refuge—a peaceful spot to relax while staying connected to the wider world. If visitors can find reassurance here, it could be a good time to visit. Meanwhile, the ministry continues to build confidence with frequent updates via TAT channels and the Tourist Police hotline (1155). Ultimately, the future recovery of tourism in Pattaya and the border provinces will depend not only on improved security but also on how public perception evolves in the coming weeks. Holidaymakers zip across the Gulf on a speedboat to Koh Larn, with island excursions from Pattaya running at full pace despite border tensions further east.