Chinese tourists
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism minister rejects proposal for Chinese police to protect tourists
Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol stressed there will be no policy allowing Chinese police to participate in the protection of Chinese tourists in Thailand. She firmly believes in the potential of Thai police to instil confidence and does not anticipate any negative impact on the number of Chinese tourists. At 9.20am this morning, at the Government House, Sudawan, the Minister of…
- Thailand News
Tourist truce: PM Srettha makes a ‘Great Wall’ of friendship, inviting Chinese police to patrol in Thailand
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin planned 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. Unexpectedly, the visa-free policy is failing to attract Chinese tourists to Thailand after the pandemic. Most Chinese tourists are reportedly worried about their safety in Thailand following the death…
- Business News
Thai Airways reports profitable Q4, driven by Chinese visitor surge
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced a profitable fourth quarter, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of profits, underpinned by a steady recovery in passenger numbers amid the Covid-19 era. The growth has been particularly driven by a surge in visitors from China. Thai Airways recorded a net income of 1.54 billion baht (US$43 million) for the quarter ending…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourists drop by 75,093 following shooting in Bangkok
The Economic Division of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that the number of Chinese tourists in Thailand last week fell by 75,093 compared to the previous week. The ministry said Thailand received 497,966 foreign tourists last week. This was 54,453 or 9.86% less than the previous week. The number of foreign tourists in the country decreased, especially Chinese…
- Tourism News
Thailand tourism threatened, Bangkok mall shooting deters Chinese tourists
The tragic shooting at Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok yesterday has potentially hampered Thailand tourism. Thousands of Chinese netizens criticised the incident on Weibo, some even stating they would never visit Thailand again. Several casualties, including Thai, Myanmar, and Chinese nationals, resulted from the incident. As soon as the unfortunate event occurred, the hashtag #Paragon started trending on Twitter. The…
- Tourism News
Phuket’s golden opportunity: Chinese tourists set to make waves this weekend
The renowned resort island of Phuket is preparing for an influx of Chinese tourists as China gears up for Golden Week starting this weekend and the continuation of the visa-free scheme for Chinese nationals. The surge in tourists is expected to start towards the end of the week. The anticipation also extends to the forthcoming Chinese New Year, which will…
- World News
Hidden camera in Malaysian Airbnb sparks outrage and tightens homestay regulations
A startling discovery of a hidden camera in an Airbnb room in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, alarmed a newlywed Chinese couple. The couple’s shocking claim, which went viral on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu in mid-September, sparked widespread online discussions. The Chinese couple reported their unsettling find to the local police on September 7. Kota Kinabalu police Chief Zaidi…
- Business News
AIS and Trip.com partner to boost Chinese tourism in Thailand
Thailand’s leading 5G digital service provider, Advanced Info Service (AIS), is partnering with China’s top online travel agent, Trip.com, to create a smooth travel experience for Chinese tourists. This move comes in response to the government’s recent introduction of a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors. AIS aims to stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector by offering a comprehensive user experience for Chinese…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya heightens safety measures ahead of Chinese and Kazakh tourist influx
Pattaya, a renowned tourist destination in Thailand, is ramping up safety measures in anticipation of a surge in visitors from China and Kazakhstan. Local police held a comprehensive safety inspection of floating restaurants and squid fishing rafts in Pattaya Bay yesterday, September 23, focusing on the establishments’ adherence to safety guidelines and legal obligations. This intensification of safety checks is…
- Thailand News
Box office shocker: Thai trafficking thriller spooks Chinese tourists from coming to Thailand (video)
A Thai box office movie highlighting the real-life dangers of human trafficking in Thailand and Southeast Asia has been blamed for scaring Chinese tourists away from the kingdom. The movie, No More Bets, is a gripping thriller grounded in true events. It follows the harrowing journey of a computer programmer who finds himself ensnared in a violent scamming ring in…
- Business News
Weixin Pay rolls out red carpet for tourists in Thailand with new payment perks
Tencent’s Weixin Pay, commonly known as WeChat Pay, a Chinese payment service provider, has introduced innovative features aimed at simplifying payments for foreign tourists in China and cross-border transactions in Thailand. These features allow visitors to conveniently make payments by scanning QR codes, streamlining the payment process. Starting in July, Tencent has been collaborating closely with major global credit card…
- Thailand News
Visa-free policy for Chinese, Kazakh tourists boosts Suvarnabhumi Airport readiness
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is preparing to welcome an influx of tourists from China and Kazakhstan following the announcement of a new visa-free policy, effective from next week. The Immigration Bureau (IB) is set to bolster its officer presence at the airport in anticipation of the increased arrivals. The visa-free policy, approved on Wednesday, September 13 and publicised in the Royal…
- Thailand News
THAI spreads its wings: More flights to China as visa policy takes off
After a discussion with the Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Srettha Thavisin, Thai Airways (THAI) is planning to increase its flights to China from 25 flights to 35 flights a week in response to the free visa policy for Chinese tourists. Srettha announced after the meeting with the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT) that the government planned to extend…
- Tourism News
Visa-free policy for Chinese tourists may boost economy, workload
The first meeting of the new government’s Cabinet this week will discuss the predicted increase in workload for authorities as they prepare to implement a proposed visa-free policy for Chinese visitors. The policy is viewed as a major strategy to boost Thailand’s tourism sector, expected to generate massive revenue, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The prime minister has consistently…
- Business News
Tourism safety concerns: Thai Government urged to reassure China
The Thai administration is being prodded to collaborate with Beijing before implementing a visa-exemption scheme for Chinese tourists, as the country’s image suffers due to its portrayal as a transit hub for fraudulent activities in recent Chinese media, hindering tourism safety. A Chinese film titled No More Bets, which revolves around scammer networks in Southeast Asia, grossed a whopping US$505…
- Business News
Thailand’s free visa initiative to boost Chinese tourist influx by 700,000
Thailand‘s government’s initiative to issue free visas to visitors from China is expected to boost visitor figures by 700,000 during the high season, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that Thailand typically receives between 350,000 and 400,000 Chinese visitors monthly, totalling 2.1 million in the first eight months of this year. Thailand accounted…
- Business News
ATTA doubts efficacy of free visa plan for Chinese tourists
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has expressed scepticism about a government proposal to offer free visas to Chinese tourists as a means of stimulating demand. ATTA cites economic difficulties and a weak currency as challenges that could render this initiative ineffectual, particularly in the face of flight and staff shortages. The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations and the…
- Economy News
Thai tourism faces strain from sluggish Chinese, Japanese economies
Tourism operators in Thailand are facing significant challenges due to the sluggish economies of China and Japan and an uneven recovery in Thai tourism that benefits larger operators. A recent survey by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Bank of Thailand revealed that 29% of three-star or lower-rated hotels have been severely impacted by interest rate hikes and may…
- Economy News
Evergrande collapse in China set to hit Thai tourism and exports
The Thai tourism and export sectors are set to experience a significant impact due to the financial downfall of China’s real estate giant, Evergrande. The Evergrande collapse revelation came from Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Head of Policy and Trade Strategy Office (PTS), Ministry of Commerce, today. He suggested business operators closely monitor the situation. Evergrande, a giant in China’s real estate sector,…
- Business News
MICE revenue in Thailand lowered amid sluggish Chinese market response
The meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) revenue forecast for the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been lowered to 96 billion baht. This is less than half the recorded figures for 2019, mainly due to a sluggish response from the Chinese market. TCEB’s president, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya disclosed that despite the strong comeback of MICE travellers from…
- Business News
Thai tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest
The sluggish Chinese economy and hesitant local budget travellers have dealt a blow to Thai tourism operators along the eastern seaboard, casting a gloomy cloud over this year’s revenue prospects. The slow recovery marks it as a testing time for places like Pattaya, particularly with a quiet Chinese market yet to bounce back and local visitors not returning en masse,…
- Phuket News
Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life
The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine…
- Business News
Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says ATTA
Fear of being conned by tourist scams poses a bigger concern to prospective Chinese tourists than Thailand’s political ambiguity, advises the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). Given a sluggish economic recovery on the mainland, the Chinese tourism market could slightly be affected. Calling for tougher safety measures, ATTA’s president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, indicated that improving the country’s image and reassurances…
- Business News
Chinese tourism boost: TAT aims for 5 million visitors despite real estate woes
Despite concerns surrounding China’s current real estate market downturn, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains optimistic about its prospects of attracting 5 million tourists from the Asian country in 2021. As travellers continue to save for overseas trips during the ongoing pandemic, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn anticipates Chinese tourism will see a surge, with Chinese tourists will be eager…
- Crime News
Chinese tourists arrested in illegal Bangkok party at Diamond karaoke venue
Bangkok‘s Huai Khwang district authorities shut down Meree Spa and Massage centre after discovering that Diamond KTV Club hosted a party for 48 Chinese tourists taking drugs. Police arrested all the offenders, seizing various types of narcotics and related items. The district office has revoked the venue’s license for five years, with authorities now investigating the actual owner of the…
- Business News
Thailand sees 1 million Chinese tourists from January to May 18
Between January and May 18, Thailand welcomed 1 million Chinese tourists, following China’s border reopening, a government official reported. The Thai government is optimistic about achieving its target of five million Chinese visitors this year, with an expected spending of 446 billion baht. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri announced in a statement that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has…
- Thailand News
Thailand boosts safety measures to attract 5 million Chinese tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Tourist Police Bureau are focusing on enhancing safety measures for travellers as the number of Chinese tourists to the country reaches 1 million. TAT aims to attract five million Chinese tourists this year, with around 70% expected to be independent travellers with high purchasing power. However, there are challenges, such as a…
- Tourism News
Chinese tourists return for May Day holidays, boosting international bookings
After a long hiatus due to travel restrictions and pandemic-related concerns, Chinese tourists are gearing up for international travel once again. According to DidaTravel, a tech-driven global travel distribution company, Chinese travellers are eager to explore the world and bookings for trips abroad are recovering fast. The upcoming May Day holiday, which runs from April 29 until May 3 and…
- Phuket News
Chinese tourists bring Thai school uniform trend to famous spots in Phuket
Chinese tourists have now brought the new trend of dressing up in Thai school uniforms to famous spots in downtown Phuket. These hotspots include Museum Phuket, ThaiRath reported yesterday. The museum is a well known landmark with its clock standing high above the main building. Chinese tourists also enjoyed taking photos of themselves dressed in Thai school uniforms at Chiang Mai…
