Thailand's tourism sector clouded by post-quake safety concerns

BANGKOK -- Concerns over travel safety in Thailand after a recent earthquake have hit the country's core tourism sector, clouding the government's target of returning to the pre-COVID level of international visitors this year, industry officials say.

Starting Saturday, Thailand enters a five-day holiday, known as the Songkran Festival, one of the peak seasons for its tourism sector. The festivals taking place across the country -- where people typically celebrate the Thai New Year by pouring water -- are also popular among foreign tourists.