Tourism Boom Is Causing Infrastructure Strain On Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand is a favorite destination among international travelers. As a matter of fact, the city has been named the "World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure magazine for three consecutive years since 2010. It welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world, but its success in tourism is putting a strain on some of Thailand's infrastructures.

Thailand attracted about 29.9 million tourists last year, the Business Insider reported. About 32.4 million visitors are expected this year and in 2017, there could be about 34.4 million. Tourists seem to be unfazed despite the 2014 coup and a wave of deadly bombings in August that killed 4 tourists and injured dozens.

A World Bank economist, Kiatipong Ariyapruchya said that the influx of tourists is putting infrastructures, like airports, under pressure. "Bottlenecks are building up in destinations like Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket, while infrastructure still hasn't expanded," Ariyapruchya said. According to Yahoo News, he also noted that Thailand's new destinations must be introduced and closely monitored in order to support tourism that is sustainable.

Presently, Thailand is experiencing high season since travelers from winter countries are looking for a warmer destination. Bookings increase twice during peak season putting more strain on airports. Last year, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang International Airport handled more than 500,000 flights - a 15.6 percent increase from the previous year.

The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index 2016-2017 ranked Thailand's infrastructure 49th. In 2006-2007, Thailand ranked 38th.

But Airports of Thailand Pcl (AOT), the main airport operator, said airport congestion help is already planned. AOT said they intend to spend $5.5 billion over the next 15 years to expand six main airports.