Chinese Tourists Ditch Thailand! - Kidnap scandal sparks mass flight cancellations.

[webfact]

ASEAN NOW picture for reference only

 

Thailand’s dream of welcoming nine million Chinese tourists this year is in serious trouble! The shocking kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing—who was trafficked through Thailand to Myanmar—has sent shockwaves through the travel industry.

 

Fear is spreading fast! Thousands of Chinese tourists are cancelling flights, ditching Thailand for safer destinations like Japan and Singapore. In January alone, flight cancellations to Thailand skyrocketed 94%, leaving airlines scrambling.

 

Japan is the big winner! Chinese visitors flocked to Japan’s snowy slopes and hot springs, making it the top choice for Lunar New Year. The numbers don’t lie—980,000 Chinese tourists landed in Japan in January, doubling last year’s figures. Meanwhile, Thailand managed just 711,000 visitors in the same period.

 

Thai authorities are in damage control mode! They’ve cracked down on scam gangs and cybercrime rings, teaming up with Myanmar to clean up their act. But experts say the damage is done—bad press is overshadowing Thailand’s safety efforts.

 

The tourism sector is critical to Thailand’s economy, pumping in THB 2 trillion ($55 billion) a year. But if safety fears persist, Chinese arrivals could plunge to just 7.5 million, hitting the economy hard.

 

Is there hope? Maybe. Flight bookings remain down for March but show signs of recovery in April and May. To win back tourists, Thailand must go beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai—showcasing hidden gems to lure visitors back.

 

As tourism expert Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun warns, Thailand must act fast or risk losing its tourism crown for good!

As reported by Bangkok Post

 

-- 2025-02-25

 

 

[Lorry]

We miss them badly

[Mike_Hunt]

This makes me sad. 

[Confuscious]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

But experts say the damage is done

Damage is done on many fronts and recovery will be hard for Thailand.

The Chinese kidnapping; The new TAX laws; The "crackdown" on foreigners; The "crackdown" on opening bank accounts; The crackdown on visa agents; Etc.

It seems to me that Thailand is shooting itself in the foot many times in a row.

[songhklasid]

Great, now to work on the Indians ! Lol 

rgds SS 

[ronster]

So just the scammers will come then ? 🙄

[wozzlegummich]

Is this a problem or a statement?