Low Chinese tourist influx despite Thailand’s visa exemption policy

[webfact]

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled an update on the nation’s tourism landscape following the introduction of a visa exemption policy, at a media briefing held at noon on November 25.

 

Despite the waiver of visa fees, the daily influx of Chinese tourists has been unexpectedly low, averaging around ten thousand visitors.

 

This surprising figure sparked questions from Thai journalists regarding potential misuse of the visa-free policy by foreigners seeking illegal employment in Thailand.

 

They also raised concerns about possible security threats from foreign criminals entering the country. In response, Srettha assured that immigration officers and other relevant officials would take legal action against any individuals found guilty, regardless of their visa status.

 

by Top 

Image via เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin, Facebook

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-28

 

- 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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[2baht]

Well that backfired spectacularly, what's the next bold plan, pay them to come??? 

[gt162]

China is having their own economic problems. Plus currently, they are having big respiratory disease outbreaks as well.

 

So I don't expect to see them in large numbers for a while.

[bamnutsak]

1 hour ago, 2baht said:

Well that backfired spectacularly, what's the next bold plan, pay them to come??? 

 

Free shrimp buffets.

 

We're told by the PM that the dearth of Chinese tourists is due to bad or fake news about dangers in Thailand.

 

 

[Nabby]

Overall, the Chinese are absolutely awful. No one likes them. They are a scourge. I hope Xi forces them all to stay in China forever. 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite the waiver of visa fees, the daily influx of Chinese tourists has been unexpectedly low, averaging around ten thousand visitors

That's what happens when you shaft the goose that lays the golden egg.

[Smokey and the Bandit]

5 hours ago, gt162 said:

China is having their own economic problems. Plus currently, they are having big respiratory disease outbreaks as well.

 

So I don't expect to see them in large numbers for a while.

So it all sounds like very good news?

[ukrules]

Is Thailand still on the list of forbidden countries for independent travelers?

 

Because if it is - then that's why. They don't speak of the list do they?

[attento]

China is experiencing the same 'cost of living' problems as many other countries, and there  is considerable unemployment.

Most Chinese tourists visiting the Kingdom have done so in group tours. They are not rich Chinese. The rich, who are not affected by the Chinese economic downturn, will continue to visit the Gulf states:... UAE, etc.   

Thailand is seldom a destination of choice for  the better off .....( from any country).

Edited November 28, 2023 by attento