Hotels across Thailand are offering huge discounts and special deals to entice both foreign and domestic tourists to travel more during the low travel season from June to October. The usually slow season is especially sluggish this year as a result of the global economic recession, the ongoing political upheaval, and now the H1N1 flu pandemic. Hotel occupancy rate across the country has plunged 16 percent. Luxury hotels in Bangkok are the ones receiving the biggest blow, as travelers shy away from splurging on top-notch accommodation. Thai Airways International has slashed prices of its domestic flights to compete with low-cost airlines and is even offering free domestic connections to those flying into Bangkok from outside of Asia.
AP