TAT forecasts surge of Chinese tourists into Thailand via land in 2023

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that over 300,000 Chinese tourists are expected to cross into Thailand overland next year. This surge is due to the China-Laos railway, contributing to visitor numbers, especially in the northeast’s second-tier cities.

Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT’s regional marketing director for East Asia, indicated that around 70,000 to 100,000 Chinese tourists, 2% to 3% of the projected 3.5 million arrivals for this year, entered Thailand through four major border checkpoints. Many of these tourists utilised the China-Laos railway before connecting to Thailand.

The northeast checkpoints include Nong Khai and two locations in Loei: Thali and Dan Sai. The north’s gateway is the Chiang Khong immigration station in Chiang Rai. Tourists usually spend an average of 15 days travelling around the northeast by car or motorcycle.

Currently, there are two daily trains from China to Laos and six daily domestic routes within both countries. Chinese visitors originate not only from Kunming but from other regions as well.

TAT aims to increase land border trips to 4 to 5% of the projected 8.2 million Chinese visitors next year, equating to 328,000 arrivals. This growth is anticipated due to optimism around the Chinese economy and the increased frequency of China-Laos trains, reported Bangkok Post.

Although Chinese tourists are exempted from visas for Thailand, they are required to apply for a visa-on-arrival at Boten station in Laos, costing around 200 yuan (US$28), before proceeding to Vientiane.

The China-Laos railway committee is examining ways to streamline connections for easier travel. Despite economic uncertainties, certain tourists, including retirees with savings, tour groups fond of train trips, and independent tourists who prefer driving, are still willing to spend on their travels.

TAT is collaborating with the Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motor to promote five driving routes across five Thai regions. The northeastern region, also known as Isaan, will be showcased to Chinese travellers at the China International Travel Mart 2023 in Kunming.

TAT organised a special caravan tour on Saturday, inviting over 200 Chinese travellers to explore Udon Thani and other regional provinces via the China-Laos train.

Thanaporn Pulperm, director of TAT’s Udon Thani Office, noted that many Chinese travellers use the train for leisure and business trips to Laos. Also, many Thais have booked outbound trains to China.

In the first half of 2023, Nong Khai immigration recorded around 6,550 Chinese arrivals and 8,468 departures. Thanaporn believes the visa-free scheme will attract more tourists via borders during the high season.

Chinese travel agents are also planning to operate chartered flights between Udon Thani and Kunming in January next year. TAT plans to request the government to suspend the TM6 immigration form at the Nong Khai checkpoint, following the cabinet’s approval of this scheme in Songkhla in the south.

According to Thanaporn, travellers from China, Laos, and Vietnam stand to benefit from these changes, leading to an improvement in the region’s tourism market. Despite economic challenges in Laos, TAT plans to attract those with purchasing power to extend their stay in Thailand by promoting new destinations and local community products.