Surging costs and a fragile economy are forcing travellers to delay their trips abroad, says the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA).

Only high-income travellers are still taking trips abroad as usual, but lower-income segments tend to travel less, said Suthiphong Pheunphiphop, TTAA president.

He said the cost of outbound packages has soared above pre-pandemic levels, largely because of higher airfares. Costs have also risen for hotels, guide services, tickets and transport, alongside different testing requirements, which tourists have to pay for.

If the government cancels the Test & Go scheme by May 1, outbound tourists should reach 1 million this year, which could help more tour operators to restart their businesses, said Mr Suthiphong.

Mr Suthiphong said the number of outbound Thai tourists last year was estimated at only 100,000, mainly driven by the World Expo 2020 in Dubai and the reopening of many European countries.

The managing director of NS Travel and Tours said customers were worried about sudden changes in government travel rules or Covid-19 measures that could be imposed at any time if caseloads surge.

Japan, traditionally a popular destination for Thais, is expected to reopen in the third quarter.