Tourists and devotees flock to the Erawan Shrine at Ratchaprasong Intersection in Bangkok to pay respects to the deity Phra Phrom on February 18, 2026. (Photo: Wisuttipong Rodpai)
Thais and other Southeast Asian travellers are continuing to plan travel in the second half of the year, opting for regional destinations even though they might slash their budgets or number of trips, according to online travel agent AirAsia Move.Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, head of country representative for Thailand at AirAsia Move, said the platform has not noticed a significant slowing of bookings from Thailand or Southeast Asia for the remainder of 2026.
However, as airfares rise and global aviation routes become uncertain, travellers are choosing regional destinations within Southeast Asia or Asia-Pacific over long-haul trips, while booking fewer flights than before the Middle East war started, said Mr Chattan.
Visitors may trim their travel budgets, though overall costs could remain static given surging travel expenses across the supply chain.
Many people have already planned trips, but are hesitant about when to book, he said.
