Chinese tourists in Thailand prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. PHOTO: Cosmetics China Agency

 

Chinese travel agencies are resuming outbound group tours to 20 countries including Thailand from today. The Bangkok Post reports that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is expected to reach pre-Covid levels by the end of the year, according to government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

 

“In 2023, we expect 36,896 flights from China, a 227.6% increase.”

 

Out bound group tours were part of the ‘mass tourism’ problem in Thailand in the past, some of them also classified as Zero Dollar tours, whereby payments were made to Chinese tour companies with pre-panned tours and payments made to mostly Chinese companies.

 

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob is monitoring airport capacity to handle the rise in tourist volume and ensure passenger convenience at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and another 5 airports run by Airports of Thailand.

 

According to Anucha Burapachaisri from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha appreciates the work of all sides in reviving Thailand’s tourism industry, which shows a 45% growth in business in the third quarter of last year according to data from Grabtaxi (Thailand).

 

The number of direct flights is also increasing, with Qatar Airways adding 3 more direct flights from Doha to Phuket, making 7 daily flights between the two destinations.

 

“Additionally, the decision by Qatar Airways to add 3 more direct flights from Doha to Phuket from the start of this month means the airline is now operating the full 7 flights daily between Doha and Thailand again.”

 

Meanwhile, a video interview with Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, in which he expresses his appreciation for the close relationship between Thailand and China, has been viewed over 490 million times.

 

In the clip, Anutin says the Chinese are like family and invites all Chinese people to visit Thailand, adding that every Thai person looks forward to welcoming them.

 

“I really appreciate that Chinese people haven’t forgotten Thailand and I believe that Thai people’s love for their Chinese counterparts is a family bond. May I invite everyone in China to come and visit Thailand? I’m sure every Thai is looking forward to welcoming all of you.”

 

Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/outbound-chinese-tour-groups-resume-travel-to-20-countries-including-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-06

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

28 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

classified as Zero Dollar tours, whereby payments were made to Chinese tour companies with pre-panned tours and payments made to mostly Chinese companies.

and what's the change, still the same with the majority of tour operators being in bed with the Chinese companies and Thais will see none or very little benefit from it

31 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

In the clip, Anutin says the Chinese are like family and invites all Chinese people to visit Thailand, adding that every Thai person looks forward to welcoming them.

please come come and bring all family and relatives, while coming. make sure not to forget your best friend "Covid-19 Virus" Thailand needs it to help open their eyes and see what Chinese really are

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Out bound group tours were part of the ‘mass tourism’ problem in Thailand in the past, some of them also classified as Zero Dollar tours, whereby payments were made to Chinese tour companies with pre-panned tours and payments made to mostly Chinese companies.

Huh?

 

Wait a minute - I was told by some Thailand apologist or other that those zero dollar tours didn’t exist… 

They will even drive out the Russians. Bad times ahead

I have never spoke to a Thai person who was fond of the mainland Chinese tourist. I hear the usual stereotypical complaints found on this forum. But I’m sure the Thais making money from these tours would have a different opinion. 

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In 2023, we expect 36,896 flights from China, a 227.6% increase

???????????? bring back covid!

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Anutin says the Chinese are like family and invites all Chinese people to visit Thailand, 

Official request to be deceived & Engulfed by the Dragon.

How lucky could we possibly get?