Thailand assures China on tourist safety amid rising arrivals
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to personally assure Chinese President Xi Jinping of the safety measures in place for Chinese tourists during her visit to China next month, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
Thailand aims to attract 9 million Chinese tourists this year, marking a 35% increase from last year’s figure of 6.7 million. Sorawong stated that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has intensified efforts to build tourists’ confidence. He noted that messages about tourist safety and positive updates from Thailand have not yet reached all Chinese tourists due to the diverse range of social media platforms.
Sorawong has engaged in discussions with the Chinese ambassador to aid in communication with Chinese nationals, with the ambassador pledging assistance.
These remarks come in light of the public attention surrounding the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing earlier this month near the Thai-Myanmar border. The 31 year old actor has safely returned to Thailand, but there is suspicion that he may have been a victim of human trafficking.
Sorawong highlighted that the prime minister’s upcoming official visit to China will include discussions on tourist safety with the Chinese president.
“I want to emphasise that the number of Chinese arrivals has not declined, but increased.”
Up to January 20, the average number of Chinese arrivals was 22,000 per day, surpassing the normal average of approximately 17,000.
Regarding the impact, Sorawong mentioned that room cancellations were mainly from first-time Chinese tourists in tour groups concerned about their safety. However, there was no impact on independent travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urged the Cabinet to focus on enhancing security along border areas to prevent transnational criminal gang operations. China has also approached ASEAN to propose more coordinated regional efforts to combat scam gangs and release their victims, reported Bangkok Post.
Phumtham, who also serves as defence minister, expressed confidence that the government would regain the trust of Chinese tourists, encouraging them to return to Thailand.
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