13-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Foreign tourists are flocking to Thailand’s tropical resorts as they seek respite from the scorching heat waves that have been sweeping the globe. With temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year, Thailand provides a cooler alternative for travelers escaping extreme heat in their home countries.
Joseph, a 33-year-old Californian enjoying a drink at a bar in Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit district on July 23, expressed his relief, saying, “Thailand is humid but a lot cooler than my hometown. It’s heaven as long as I have beer.”
California has been experiencing sweltering temperatures this summer, with reports of extreme heat baking many parts of the state and the southwestern region of the United States. On July 16, temperatures in California’s famed Death Valley reached a scorching 53 degrees Celsius.
Ben, a 28-year-old British tourist, explained that he decided to switch his summer holiday destination from Spain to Thailand. He sought a safe and cheerful country to vacation in, as southern European countries like Italy and Spain have been recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, resulting in numerous hospitalizations.
In regions grappling with above-average temperatures, local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, making it challenging for tourists to fully enjoy their visit.
Interestingly, tourism driven by individuals seeking refuge from summer heat could serve as an unexpected boon for Thailand’s tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Thailand’s rainy season typically coincides with the summer vacation period in Europe, the U.S., and Japan (June to October), tourists traditionally avoid visiting the country during this time. However, if Thailand can attract foreign visitors even during the rainy season, it could provide a much-needed boost to its still-recovering tourism industry.
During the rainy season, temperatures in Thailand often drop to a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius at night, offering a refreshingly cool escape for many foreign tourists this year.
In late July, a ferry carrying 250 passengers arrived at Pattaya, a resort in eastern Thailand’s Lan Island. Tourists from Russia, India, Germany, and other countries enjoyed swimming, dining, and indulging in the tropical ambiance.
A 25-year-old Finnish traveler exclaimed, “Thailand is much cooler and more pleasant than I thought it would be, and I might stay for a few months if I can.” Similarly, a woman in her 40s from Australia happily strolled along the beach, grateful that she didn’t have to worry too much about getting sunburned, as clouds often shielded the sun.
