Chinese tourists
- Thailand News
Lost Chinese tourists veer off course, end up at Myanmar border
In a bizarre turn of events, five Chinese tourists were intercepted by Thai immigration officers in Tak after they were mistakenly driven to the Thai-Myanmar border instead of their intended destination of Pattaya. The startling incident unfolded yesterday, November 12, at the Mae Sot checkpoint, located on the Mae Sot-Tak road, when Thai immigration officers stopped the tourists’ vehicle and…
- Thailand News
Thailand targets 36.7 million tourists in 2024 despite challenges
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a steady growth in international tourists for the fourth quarter of 2024, despite recent flooding in the country. The initial concern was that such natural disasters might deter visitors. However, the influx, particularly from Chinese tourists during China’s National Day holiday, has surpassed expectations. To achieve the target of 36.7 million international tourists…
- Tourism News
Thailand bad weather: Chinese tourist influx expected to fall short
The anticipated influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand during the Chinese National Day holiday is expected to fall short due to adverse weather conditions and evolving travel behaviours, as shared by Sanphet Supabornsatien, an advisor to the Eastern Thai Hotels Association (THA). Thai hotel operators had been hopeful for a significant number of Chinese visitors from October 1 to 7.…
- Tourism News
Golden weak: Chinese tourists to Thailand dip as baht bites
Chinese tourist numbers during the upcoming Golden Week holiday are anticipated to be lower than expected, influenced by a strong baht and China’s sluggish economy, which are limiting tourist spending. This trend is also prompting other international visitors to negotiate lower service prices. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation President, highlighted concerns about the appreciating baht’s adverse…
- Thailand News
TAT targets 12.2 million foreign visitors in late 2024
Thailand anticipates a surge in foreign arrivals, targeting 12.2 million visitors in the final four months of 2024. This influx is projected to elevate the annual total to nearly 36 million, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). According to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the market’s growth is expected to benefit from…
- Pattaya News
Trouble brewing: Chinese tourists’ bike crashes into Pattaya café
Two Chinese tourists had a close call in Pattaya after their big bike crashed into a coffee shop fence, leaving onlookers stunned but, fortunately, unscathed. Pattaya police were alerted to a motorbike accident on Monday, August 26, at a coffee shop near the Dolphin Roundabout in North Pattaya. Responding swiftly, officers and rescue volunteers arrived at the chaotic scene to…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s tourism boom tainted by zero-dollar tours
Thailand’s booming tourism sector is thriving under a new visa-free policy, attracting millions of foreign tourists. Yet, while Chinese visitors top the list, concerns are mounting over the resurgence of Chinese zero-dollar tours, which could be draining potential revenue from the Thai economy. From January 1 to August 18, Thailand welcomed a staggering 22,474,172 international tourists, who pumped 1.05 trillion…
- Tourism News
Thailand’s ‘Nihao Month’ set to woo Chinese tourists
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to lure Chinese tourists back in droves with the launch of its ambitious Nihao Month campaign. With a staggering target of attracting 8 million Chinese visitors by the end of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is betting big on a series of irresistible promotions and star-studded events. Since the beginning…
- Phuket News
Two tourists drown in Phuket beach tragedies
Two tragic incidents unfolded on Phuket’s beaches yesterday resulting in the drowning deaths of a Hong Kong father at Patong Beach and a Kazakh tourist at Karon Beach. At Patong Beach, yesterday, July 31, Che Ka Fai aka Andy, a 52 year old Chinese national from Hong Kong, was pulled from the water unconscious and unresponsive. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phongpipat…
- Thailand News
Thai man denies role in alleged 700,000 baht extortion case
A Thai man has surrendered to Pattaya Police amid allegations of involvement in an extortion case where two police officers allegedly demanded 700,000 baht from a group of Chinese tourists. Despite turning himself in, he denies all charges. The suspect, identified as Worapon, arrived at Nongprue Police Station on Tuesday, July 30. He was questioned by Deputy Superintendent Police Lieutenant…
- Tourism News
Thailand targets 8 million Chinese tourists in 2024 amid diverse strategies
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target of 8 million Chinese tourist arrivals for 2024 and is diversifying its focus to niche markets with significant purchasing power, such as young travellers, small meeting groups, and caravan tours. “Demand among Chinese is not enough to entice Chinese airlines to increase flights to Thailand,” said Nonglux Yooyendee, director…
- Pattaya News
Tour bus crash in Pattaya injures Chinese tourists and motorcyclist
A tour bus filled with Chinese tourists collided with a truck while en route to Pattaya last night, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident occurred at 4.30pm, July 30, on Route 36 (Katinglai-Rayong) in the Nong Plalai sub-district of Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Responding swiftly to the scene were Bang Lamung Police, reporters, and rescue workers from the…
- Thailand News
Drunken Thai biker crashes into Chinese tourists in Jomtien
A night of leisure turned into a nightmare for two Chinese tourists in Jomtien when a drunken Thai biker crashed into their motorcycle, leaving both parties injured. The incident occurred on Thursday night, July 25, on Soi Boonkanjana 5. Rescue workers and police swiftly arrived at the scene, discovering two Thai men, visibly intoxicated and unresponsive, sprawled next to their…
- Thailand News
2 policemen suspected of extorting Chinese tourists released on bail
Pattaya Provincial Court granted two policemen bail of 400,000 baht each after the pair were charged with allegedly extorting 700,000 baht from two Chinese tourists on a motorway heading to Pattaya. A group of men, claiming to be police officers, were caught on dashcam footage demanding money from two Chinese men in the foreigners’ rented SUV on the motorway on…
- Thailand News
Butterbear to boost Thai tourism, targets 10% of Chinese fans
Butterbear, a beloved mascot in Thailand, will soon serve as a new presenter for Thai tourism, targeting to attract at least 10% of its one million Chinese fans to engage in tourism activities within the country. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to draw eight million arrivals from the Chinese outbound market, which is estimated to reach 130 million…
- Thailand News
TAT unveils 2025 plan to boost tourism
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled its 2025 marketing plan to revitalise Thai tourism. The annual TAT Strategic Direction conference was a star-studded affair, featuring Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Sermsak Pongpanit, and TAT’s Chairperson of the Board Natthriya Thaweevong. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool declared that recognising 2025 as another challenging year, TAT will be putting its best…
- Thailand News
Survey reveals Chinese tourists’ spending habits in Thailand
The majority of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in the second quarter of this year were lured by the country’s delectable cuisine and exotic fruits, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand. The Council’s report, published last Thursday, July 4, surveyed 205 Chinese nationals. The participants included 44% from Mainland China, 24% from Hong Kong, 18% from Taiwan, and 14% from…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims for 8 million Chinese tourists if airlines boost capacity
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has stated that the goal of attracting 8 million Chinese tourists this year is attainable, provided airlines can increase seat capacity to over 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Chinese tourists had surpassed visitors from other countries by June 30, with 3.5 million arrivals out of a total of 17.5 million foreign visitors to Thailand. The…
- Thailand News
Thailand partners with Labubu to attract 8 million Chinese tourists
A tourism campaign featuring art toy mascot Labubu aims to draw eight million Chinese visitors and attract art toy enthusiasts globally, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, stated that Labubu’s selection as a promoter for Thai tourism is expected to enhance Thailand’s recognition among international tourists, in addition to the Chinese market. The…
- Thailand News
TAT launches campaign with Labubu dolls to lure Chinese tourists
To strengthen cultural ties and lure Chinese tourists, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched an exciting campaign starring Pop Mart’s beloved Labubu toy. Announced at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2024, this 1 million baht co-branding effort marks the 50th anniversary of the Thailand-China Relations Project in 2025. Labubu, the furry, adorable designer toy from China’s renowned Pop Mart,…
- Thailand News
Thailand investigates boat crash injuring four Chinese tourists
A probe has been ordered by Thailand’s Transport Ministry into a boat crash that injured four Chinese tourists near Tha Tien pier yesterday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4pm on the Chao Phraya River in Phra Nakhon district when a long-tailed tour boat collided with a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ferry. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri reported that the crash…
- Thailand News
Outrage as Chinese tourists let child urinate near sacred Thai site
A photograph of two Chinese tourists allowing their child to urinate on a path near Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok has ignited a heated online debate. The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, nestled within the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok, is a symbol of national pride and a key venue for state ceremonies. Formerly a royal residence, it…
- Thailand News
Bangkok beats the heat: A top summer destination
Bangkok clinched a spot among the world’s top 10 summer destinations, according to the latest Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report. The MEI’s Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries reveals that Bangkok is set to see a surge in tourist demand over the next three months, ranking 7th globally. David Mann, Mastercard’s chief economist for Asia Pacific (APAC), highlighted that Thailand’s tourism…
- Thailand News
Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels
Bangkok hotel occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024 have nearly hit pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a surge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) travellers. Tanakorn Thanuthanud, manager of the valuation and advisory services department at Colliers Thailand, revealed the exciting news. “The resumption of international events in Bangkok attracted more tourists to the city. Fan meetings…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourists roll with the non-ed visa punches in Phuket
A group of Chinese tourists swept into Phuket this weekend, kickstarting Thailand’s tourism revival under the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, playfully dubbed the Non-Ed Visa. This special pass unlocks the punchline: tourists can now spar in Muay Thai classes, stretching their stay to a whopping 90 days, delivering a knockout blow to the former 60-day limit. The welcoming party at Phuket…
- Tourism News
Thailand expects nearly a million Chinese and Japanese visitors
Tourism in Thailand is set to experience a significant boost as an estimated 996,000 Chinese and Japanese tourists are predicted to visit during the Labour Day holiday and Japan’s Golden Week. This figure indicates a 29% increase from the corresponding period last year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). From April 26 to May 5, Thailand is expected…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism operators brace for impending annual low season
Thailand is set to face its annual tourism low season, warned Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the leading figure of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). The transition into the low season comes after the country’s Songkran Holidays, a peak period for tourism. This shift leaves tourism operators grappling with the challenge of keeping their businesses afloat during the lull in tourist…
- Thailand News
TAT to launch Nihao Festival in October to woo Chinese tourists
To captivate the hearts of Chinese tourists, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has unveiled a month-long extravaganza, the Nihao Festival, set to take place for the entire month of October. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced the grand scheme yesterday, aiming to entice holidaymakers during China’s National Day Golden Week, renowned for its bustling travel fervour. The festivity will unfurl across Bangkok’s…
- Tourism News
Visa-free travel sparks surge in Thai-Chinese tourism expectations
A recent measure granting visa-free travel between Thailand and China has sparked a surge in tourism expectations. As per the reports collected by five Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices located in Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, it’s predicted that tourism between the two nations could dramatically rise by the end of 2024. The visa-exemption agreement, which has…
- Thailand News
Motorway mayhem: 26 Chinese tourists injured in bus crash
A tourist bus carrying 26 Chinese nationals met with a gruesome accident on the Chon Buri Motorway on Tuesday afternoon. A collision unfolded near the 65 + 900 kilometre marker, inbound towards Bangkok, in the Mueang district of Chon Buri province. When local rescue teams, alongside the highway police, arrived at the accident scene, they were met with a harrowing…
