Thai full-moon party cancelled

A popular full-moon party in southern Thailand known for its raucous revelry has been cancelled because of the coronavirus, an official said yesterday, the latest hit to a tourism industry which foresees a loss of six million visitors this year.

Tourism is a cornerstone of Thailand's economy, and the virus has wreaked havoc as visitor numbers have dwindled in the wake of the epidemic.

Attracting some 40 million foreigners a year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed Thursday the country could see a loss of six million visitors in 2020.