PM Paetongtarn to Assure Xi Jinping of Chinese Tourists' Safety During Thailand Visit

[webfact]

In this photo released by Thailand's government spokesman office, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP)

 

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to extend personal assurances to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the safety concerns of Chinese tourists. This significant diplomatic engagement is scheduled for next month, as part of an effort to sustain and expand the influx of Chinese visitors to Thailand, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.

 

Thailand's ambitious target for 2023 is to welcome 9 million Chinese tourists, marking a 35% increase from the previous year's 6.7 million. Building confidence amongst these visitors is a top priority for the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), particularly in the wake of recent high-profile cases that have raised safety concerns.

 

Minister Sorawong highlighted on Tuesday that current efforts are not yet fully resonating across the myriad social media platforms frequented by Chinese nationals. In response, direct communication strategies are being reinforced, including collaborative efforts with the Chinese embassy to effectively convey reassurances. The ambassador has committed to aiding these communication endeavours.

 

Recent incidents, such as the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai-Myanmar border earlier this month, have spotlighted vulnerabilities. The 31-year-old actor, who was safely repatriated to Thailand shortly after, is suspected to have been a victim of human trafficking, amplifying safety concerns among potential visitors.

During the impending official visit to China, Prime Minister Shinawatra plans to address these concerns directly with President Xi, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to ensuring a secure environment for tourists. This diplomatic dialogue is crucial not only for mitigating immediate fears but also for bolstering long-term tourist confidence.

 

Despite the recent safety scare, Minister Sorawong was keen to note that Chinese tourist numbers are on the rise. As of January 20, daily arrivals have averaged 22,000, surpassing the usual average of about 17,000. He remarked that cancellations predominantly involve first-time group tourists who are hesitant due to safety worries, whereas seasoned independent travellers remain largely unaffected.

 

In further efforts, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urged cabinet colleagues to prioritize stringent security along border areas, targeting the operations of transnational criminal groups. Additionally, China has sought cooperation with ASEAN members to launch coordinated crackdowns on scam networks and expedite the rescue of their victims.

 

Defence Minister Phumtham expressed optimism that these measures would rejuvenate confidence among Chinese tourists, ensuring a robust return to Thailand's welcoming shores. With the collective commitment of both nations, the outlook remains positive for achieving the year’s ambitious visitor targets, thereby boosting the Thai tourism sector and its economic contributions, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-22

 

 

 

[MikeandDow]

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to extend personal assurances to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the safety concerns of Chinese tourists.

She is digging a hole for herself ! Nobody can guarantee safety of any tourist !!

[Gottfrid]

And, how can she guarantee that? Have they finally found a way to keep track on all criminals. Bet they will keep that a secret. 

[newbee2022]

Will she care for them personally? How can she promise that? She should know her people, or she don't?

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to extend personal assurances to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the safety concerns of Chinese tourists

More words... she can't do a thing to stop Thailand doing what it does best... trafficing people, robbing people and killing people through lack of safety measures.