Chinese tourists
- 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
Chinese suspects dish out 1 million baht to wrap up sexual assault case
Two Chinese men surrendered to police after a sexual assault at a restaurant in the eastern province of Prachin Buri on Monday. The Chinese suspects allegedly attempted to end the legal proceedings with 1 million baht. A Chinese man, whose identity was not disclosed, attacked a 20 year old Thai waiter, Jakkrit, at the restaurant in Prachin Buri province after…
- 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
Coach carrying Chinese tourists crashes in northern Thailand
A late-night journey turned deadly as a coach carrying 33 Chinese tourists met with a horrific accident on Phahonyothin Road, Thoen, Lampang in northern Thailand. Thoen police officers rushed to the scene after receiving a fatal accident report at 11.20pm on Tuesday, May 7. They found the coach severely damaged, having crashed into roadside trees. Tragically, the driver, identified as…
- 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…
- Business News
China’s economic recovery revs up with Ching Ming Festival
China’s economic recovery is gaining momentum, driven by a boost in domestic travel and spending during the recent Ching Ming Festival. The three-day holiday saw a surge of over 10% in domestic travel and spending from pre-pandemic levels. The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism confirmed that over 119 million domestic trips were recorded, exhibiting an increase of 11.5% compared…
- 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…
- Pattaya News
Chanthaburi noodle shop owner returns 300,000 baht overpayment
In the heart of Chanthaburi, a remarkable event transpired at 6pm on Tuesday, March 5. Samart Wongnapa, a 49 year old noodle shop proprietor, found himself in the spotlight of local media. The cause of this sudden attention was his commendable action of returning an accidental overpayment of 300,000 baht (US$8,417) to a group of Chinese customers who had dined…
- Thailand News
Surging Pattaya hotel occupancy shows post-pandemic recovery
Pattaya is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with hotels bursting at the seams, boasting over 90% room occupancy. Sanphet Supabawornsathien, Eastern Thai Hotel Association President, reveals that Pattaya’s hotel industry is booming, with room occupancy rates soaring above 90% as tourists from China, Russia, and India flood the city alongside a surge in domestic travel. This remarkable trend is fuelled by…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourist blasts parasail operators for profit-over-safety ethos
The Thai government’s plan to boost tourism faces another tough challenge after a Chinese woman, who suffered a broken leg while parasailing in Phuket, condemned Thai service providers for putting money before safety. She said, “Business operators in Thailand only saw a foreign tourist like me as a source of income.” The Chinese woman, identified as Nadahan on social media,…
- Thailand News
Songthaew driver seriously injured after brawl in Pattaya
In a violent altercation that unfolded on a busy Pattaya street, two Songthaew drivers went head-to-head in a brutal brawl over a group of Chinese tourists. The explosive confrontation left one driver hospitalised and the other facing serious legal consequences. Late in the evening on February 4, just steps away from Grand Honey 3 on South Pattaya Road, chaos erupted…
- Thailand News
China and Thailand’s visa exemption scheme promises tourism boost
The Chinese ambassador to Thailand and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) have expressed optimism that the visa exemption scheme for nationals of both countries will boost outbound tourism and reinforce bilateral relations. Pinit Jarusombat, President of TCCRC, highlighted the special significance of this Chinese New Year as it signifies the onset of a new epoch in Sino-Thai relations. The…
- Thailand News
Thai tourism makes big sales on livestream event for Chinese visitors
A livestreaming event on February 1, titled Super World Tour BOSS LIVE, orchestrated by Trip.com Group, headquartered in Shanghai, raked in a jaw-dropping 100 million baht in sales within a single day. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol declared the event a resounding success. “It was successful. Sales surpassed 100 million baht in a day, with more than 20 million…
- Thailand News
Thailand to expect 1 million tourists from China and Hong Kong during CNY
Alipay+ reported a prediction from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) that nearly 1 million foreign tourists, primarily from China and Hong Kong, are poised to flood into Thailand during the upcoming Chinese New Year, unleashing a potential economic windfall of 28.4 billion baht. Trip.com shared the staggering numbers, highlighting the skyrocketing outbound travel bookings from China leading up to…
- Thailand News
Thai PM hails Thailand as top Airbnb hotspot and UK Telegraph’s 6th best destination this year
Thailand emerged as the ultimate getaway for Chinese tourists, clinching the top spot on Airbnb‘s coveted list and securing the 6th position in The Telegraph’s must-visit destinations for 2024. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke revealed that Thailand outshone all rivals on Airbnb’s hotel booking platform during the winter season of December 2023 to February 2024. “Thailand is the most sought-after destination…
- Phuket News
Tourist bus crash in Phuket injures 17 Chinese tourists
A bus journey to the picturesque Similan Islands took a horrific turn today when a vehicle ferrying 17 Chinese tourists careened off the road in Tha Chatchai, located in the northernmost part of Phuket. The incident occurred early today, January 16. Authorities were alerted to the disaster at 8.10am. Responding to the call were Tha Chatchai police officials, including Police…
- Business News
2C2P expands merchant partnerships under Alibaba’s Ant Group to boost SMEs
Aiming to enable offline small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to accept e-wallet payments from Chinese visitors, 2C2P (Thailand) has been expanding its merchant partnerships under Alibaba’s Ant Group. The global payment platform predicts a substantial rise in revenue, from 3.2 billion baht last year to a projected 3.7-3.9 billion by 2024, representing a growth of 30% over 2022. Piyachart Ratanaprasartporn,…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourists search for new experiences in Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reveals that travel trends of Chinese tourists have shifted, no longer visiting Thailand in large tour groups. Data from the TAT and ATTA roadshow to China 2023 revealed a seismic shift towards independent and small-group travel, with groups of six to eight stealing the show. Nonglux Yooyendee, the director of TAT’s Shanghai office disclosed that…
- Thailand News
100% recovery predicted for Thailand’s hospitality sector
In an exclusive interview, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the Thai Hotel Association (THA) President, shared her optimism about Thailand‘s tourism prospects, predicting a remarkable comeback from the pandemic’s impact by the latter half of 2024. “2023 saw Thai hotels at a 60% occupancy rate, down from the pre-Covid glory of 75% in 2019. However, with more flights to Thailand and a…
- Thailand News
Tourists numbers to return to pre-covid in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the picturesque northern Thai capital, last year witnessed a jaw-dropping 30% plunge in tourism, with a mere 3.9 million visitors gracing its vibrant landscapes last year, in stark contrast to the 5.6 million footfalls pre-Covid in 2019. This startling data, unveiled by social enterprise Visit Chiang Mai, paints a gloomy picture for the once-thriving tourist hotspot. A closer…
- Thailand News
Influx of Chinese tourists set to boost hotel earnings in 2024
Chinese tourist arrivals are staging a phenomenal comeback, promising a lucrative windfall for local hotels just in time for the high season. Analysts predict this tourist surge to continue its upward trajectory, creating an economic boom for the hotel industry. Chinese tourist arrivals are making an astonishing recovery this month, igniting hopes for a booming hospitality sector that analysts believe…
- Tourism News
Thai tourism minister welcomes Chinese influencers to boost 2024 travel
On December 26 Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, extended a warm welcome to a large contingent of Chinese media representatives and influencers. Their visit was part of the Amazing Festive & Exclusive Trip in Thailand, a grand event scheduled from December 21 to 28. The event saw the participation of more than 93 Chinese influencers, all…
- Thailand News
Why Chinese tourists snub Thailand: New favourites revealed
After 26 years of catering to Chinese tourists, a tour guide finds himself amid a revolution as travellers from Taiwan, India, and beyond take centre stage. Thailand, hopeful for a Chinese tourism resurgence post-pandemic, faces an unexpected plot twist as a surge of Taiwanese visitors, in particular, reshapes the narrative. Saichon Chounchou now handles a 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists.…
- Business News
Malaysia and Singapore lure Chinese travellers with visa-free policies
The Chinese traveller market could see a significant rise to 7 million arrivals next year as Malaysia and Singapore become increasingly attractive due to reciprocal visa-free policies. Thailand, however, has yet to secure such an agreement with China. Following the introduction of a visa exemption for Malaysians, Beijing is speculated to extend a 30-day visa exemption to Singapore in the…
