US-Israeli Iran conflict decimates Thailand tourism, Chiang Mai elephant attractions suffer

Thailand's tourism industry, particularly elephant attractions in Chiang Mai, has experienced significant visitor declines as geopolitical tensions from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran deter international travel. The performing elephant sector, historically a major draw for Western tourists, faces economic hardship as travelers cancel or postpone trips to Southeast Asia due to broader regional instability. This pattern reflects how Middle Eastern military conflicts create ripple effects across global tourism economies, disrupting livelihoods in unrelated countries. The situation underscores how geopolitical risk perception reshapes international travel patterns beyond conflict zones.