Concerns over safety have significantly impacted Chinese tourism to Thailand, with many travelers canceling their plans as fears of kidnappings rise during the Lunar New Year season. It was just last year when nearly seven million Chinese nationals traveled to the country, making Thailand the top destination for Chinese tourists. Yet, following high-profile kidnappings along the Thai-Myanmar border, the scene has shifted dramatically.
Reports indicate around 10,000 trips to Thailand were canceled during this year's Lunar New Year holiday, raising alarms within the tourism sector, which is recovering from the severe impact of pandemic-related travel shutdowns. The high-profile kidnapping of actor Wang Xing, who was lured to Thailand under false pretenses and later rescued from criminal operatives, intensified these fears. "I didn't dare to tell my family, so I came here secretly," shared Gao, a 29-year-old tourist from Hainan, speaking to AFP at Wat Pho, the iconic Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
The shocking reports of such kidnappings, particularly those involving Chinese speakers, have left many tourists wary. Chatting with locals has become fraught with anxiety. "When we are here, we try not to talk too much to people who speak Chinese," recounted Hu Yangfan, 25, visiting from Zhejiang province. The reverberations of Wang's kidnapping resonate deeply, as it was revealed he was tricked with the promise of an acting audition before being smuggled across the border.
With the Lunar New Year, typically the busiest time for Chinese tourists flocking to Thailand for shopping and cultural experiences, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is bracing for significant drops in visitor numbers. Kasikorn Bank estimates Chinese arrivals could plunge by as much as 17.5% compared to previous years. The increases seen during this holiday period, which delivered over $1 billion in tourism revenue last year, are now under threat.
Thai authorities are deeply concerned about the ramifications of this situation. Unusually, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra released an AI-generated video message, speaking mandarin and reassuring potential visitors about their safety. "The bad situation isn’t caused by Thai people, but sparked concerns among Chinese tourists visiting the country," she stated, highlighting the urgency of restoring confidence. A junior minister from China also visited Thailand to discuss the systematic measures needed to combat human trafficking and hostage situations effectively.
Tour guides such as Buri Chin have noticed changes first-hand. For years, Buri has guided Chinese visitors around Bangkok's historical landmarks but experienced tangible shifts since the recent kidnappings. "When I ask if they need a Chinese-speaking guide, many seem scared. They don’t even want to talk to strangers," he expressed, noting his expectation for significant declines this year. Some guides have even decided to stop working during the holidays altogether.
While many visitors exhibit caution, not all Chinese tourists share these fears. "Tourism is their lifeline. If Thailand was truly dangerous, its reputation would collapse," remarked Li, a 65-year-old tourist from Shanghai, indicating his belief in Thailand's resilience. He continued, "We walk around in the evening and it’s very safe," reflecting the mixed sentiments among those who have still chosen to travel.
The economic stakes are high for Thailand as it aims to rebuild its tourism sector post-pandemic. With tourism comprising about ten percent of the nation’s GDP, the potential fallout from reduced Chinese visitor numbers could reverberate through various sectors reliant on these travelers.
This situation marks not only a challenge for Thailand but also for Southeast Asia, where other countries are benefitting from this decline. Travel frequency to alternate destinations, such as Singapore and Malaysia, has increased as Chinese tourists look for perceived safer alternatives.
Data from aviation analytics and tourism reports suggest Thailand's current crisis could become entrenched without quick action to restore confidence. Prime Minister Paetongtarn faces significant pressures as she navigates both domestic concerns and influential international tourist perceptions. If swift measures are put forth to resolve these fears, Thailand's tourism could rebound, but time will tell whether the scars left by kidnapping incidents will heal quickly.