Thailand Boosts Efforts to Reassure Chinese Tourists Amid Concerns

[webfact]

Picture: ASEAN NOW

 

In a bid to restore confidence among Chinese tourists after a concerning incident, Thailand's government has unveiled a new tourism campaign and heightened security measures.

 

The move follows the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing, also known as Xingxing, who was lured to a lawless area in Myanmar after arriving in Thailand.

 

This proactive response was announced by government spokesman Jirayu Huangsub, who relayed that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra instructed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to develop initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust among Chinese visitors. Furthermore, the prime minister has directed the police chief to ensure sufficient tourist police presence in high-risk areas, with a specific focus on combating influential criminal gangs.

 

"The prime minister highlighted that, although the missing Chinese actor has been found in Myanmar, this unfortunate incident has shaken the confidence of Chinese tourists," Mr Jirayu stated.

 

Wang's ordeal began when he vanished shortly after his flight landed in Bangkok on January 3rd. He was last seen in Tak's Mae Sot district near the Thai-Myanmar border before losing all contact. Fortunately, he was located in Myanmar by January 5th and returned safely to Thailand the next day, eventually heading back to China.

The government is also intensifying its efforts to tackle fake news. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is working closely with Chinese authorities to address misinformation and facilitate trust revival.

 

Police inspector-general Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabut has taken this opportunity to partner with the Chinese embassy in Bangkok. Discussions are underway to establish a cooperative centre for Thai and Chinese police to coordinate searches for individuals enticed across borders, whilst sharing intelligence on transnational crime, including call scams. There is also a renewed focus on curbing illegal border crossings.

 

Muk Sulaiman, secretary to the House speaker, reported concerns from various embassies about their citizens being kidnapped by scam gangs during visits to Thailand, including incidents involving Kenyan nationals.

 

The repercussions of such incidents have been stark. According to industry sources, there has been a noticeable dip in Chinese tour group bookings for the upcoming Lunar New Year, with numbers dropping by 20-30%. Moreover, high-profile events are being impacted; in a prominent case, Hong Kong singer Eason Chan abruptly cancelled his February 22nd concert at Bangkok's Impact Arena, citing safety concerns for his Chinese fans.

 

In light of these developments, the Thai government’s focus remains resolutely on reassuring tourists, ensuring their safety, and restoring the country's reputation as a hospitable destination, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-14

 

 

[Emdog]

"The government is also intensifying its efforts to tackle fake news." Perhaps if the government put out half as many news bulletins, the amount of fake news could be cut by 50%....

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

In a bid to restore confidence among Chinese tourists after a concerning incident, Thailand's government has unveiled a new tourism campaign and heightened security measures.

No more moat trips ?

[ignore it]

Hey, Chines

 

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