Once a favourite destination for Chinese tourists, Thailand is facing a tourism crisis due to social media rumours, and one particular blockbuster movie, that have created an image of danger and scams. Thailand relies heavily on tourism, especially from China, which used to contribute more than 10 million visitors annually before the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Viral social media rumors have spread fear that tourists could be kidnapped and forced into scams across the border in Myanmar or Cambodia. While some basis in reality exists, with documented cases of Chinese nationals lured into online scams in Southeast Asia, there is no evidence of tourists being routinely abducted in Thailand.

 

The blockbuster movie “No More Bets,” based on “real events,” has further fueled concerns. Despite its release last month, it has become the third-most-popular film in China this year, generating over US$521 million in revenue and intensifying discussions about the perceived risks of visiting Thailand.

 

By Peter Roche

Caption: PHOTO: Chinese tourists in Thailand at Grand Palace

 

Full story: Phuket GO 2023-09-25

 

- 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.

 

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Wasn't this posted a few days ago?

Well it's their money, they can choose where they spend it. Time to clean up Thailand and its scammy tourism with bent taxes and shady deals.

"Viral social media rumors have spread fear that tourists could be kidnapped and forced into scams across the border in Myanmar or Cambodia... by Chinese criminals."

 

There, fixed it for everyone.

9 minutes ago, Sir Dude said:

"Viral social media rumors have spread fear that tourists could be kidnapped and forced into scams across the border in Myanmar or Cambodia... by Chinese criminals."

 

There, fixed it for everyone.

Cheers, thanks. Totally correct.

 

BS,  Chines are saving their money and not spending at home or abroad.. 

I feel so bad that this news does not make me sad

Selfish I am.

So, Thailand scams only exist in a movie?? Yeah, right... When will Thais learn that tourists avoid places and countries where scams and ripp-offs are rampant?

11 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

"Viral social media rumors have spread fear that tourists could be kidnapped and forced into scams across the border in Myanmar or Cambodia... by Chinese criminals."

 

There, fixed it for everyone.

Chinese criminals ... operating in Thailand with the knowledge, collusion and frequently involvement of the RTP. Thousands of them living illegally on corruptly obtained visas from RTP Immigration ... same old same old ...

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Once a favourite destination for Chinese tourists, Thailand is facing a tourism crisis due to social media rumours, and one particular blockbuster movie, that have created an image of danger and scams

It has nothing what-so-ever to with the above.

12 hours ago, Thailand said:

Wasn't this posted a few days ago?

Yes, they are still trying to sell it until someone believes it.

So what we are saying is the introduction of the Visa free policy was a waste of time, and would only result in those in no fear of crime to enter?

I can't find the article now but read recently about a huge Chinese tourist influx next week for their holiday  "golden week".  Looking forward to it.

Their economy sucks and the majority don’t have the money to travel anymore. That’s the truth. Not a scary movie scaring them away. Although, if that helps, I don’t mind it. They should start showing it in more theaters there. 

If the choice on the form is :

 

A. I wont go because scams and safety issues.

or

B. I wont go as I have no money.

 

9 out of 10 will say A rather than one that shame themselves !

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

there is no evidence of tourists being routinely abducted in Thailand.

 

There is no evidence that it is not happening also. The fact that is has happened more than once should be enough to show it happens here.. I have read of several abductions of chinese as well as trafficking them to another country to work or to be used for body parts in the past few years

14 hours ago, Gknrd said:

BS,  Chines are saving their money and not spending at home or abroad.. 

If some o the recent reports out of China are correct, then many Thousands are now just trying to find enough Money to live

17 hours ago, Gknrd said:

BS,  Chines are saving their money and not spending at home or abroad.. 

Bad times are coming to the Chinese economy.  Being almost 100% focused on real estate as a means of preserving or increasing wealth for the average citizen is an "all your eggs in one basket" problem. 

19 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

"Viral social media rumors have spread fear that tourists could be kidnapped and forced into scams across the border in Myanmar or Cambodia... by Chinese criminals."

 

There, fixed it for everyone.

That was rather bold of you!

I keep seeing financial news about the China Economy slowing and the real estate companies failing along with manufacturing declining as possible reasons. There has been some abductions of Chinese so I can see some being concerned.