Thailand PM denies rumours of inviting Chinese police for tourist patrols

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours about inviting Chinese police to patrol the nation’s tourist hotspots. The clarification comes in light of a recent uproar following remarks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding such an arrangement.

PM Srettha, during a visit to San Francisco, revealed that the country’s interest lies solely in collaborating with Chinese police for information exchange about potential criminal networks in Thailand. Such a move is aimed at bolstering the confidence of Chinese tourists visiting the country. The 61 year old Thai PM categorically stated that no Chinese police personnel would be stationed in Thailand.

Also echoing the Bangkok-born prime minister’s sentiments was Torsak Sukvimol, the National Police Chief, who affirmed that any cooperation would not extend to police patrols.

The controversy was sparked by TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool’s statement on Sunday, mentioning that discussions were underway between Thailand and China about a joint patrol programme. This announcement led to an outpouring of concern from residents over the country’s sovereignty.

The Thailand PM, currently in San Francisco for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, attributed the uproar to a communication mishap.

Thailand has been striving to resuscitate its tourism sector – a critical economic growth propeller. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists accounted for the majority of foreign arrivals.

In an attempt to give the sector a boost, the new government in September waived off visa requirements for Chinese travellers for five months. This exemption was expanded to include Indian and Taiwanese travellers this month and will last until May next year.

According to official data, the number of Chinese tourists this year stands at 2.8 million, which is still short of the government’s annual target of 4 million to 4.4 million.

The Thailand PM yesterday was reportedly planning to ask Chinese police to join patrols at several tourist attractions in Thailand to win the trust of tourists from the People’s Republic of China. Read the full story HERE.