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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target to attract 6.7 million Chinese visitors by 2026. This goal follows a significant downturn in Chinese arrivals this year, driven by negative sentiment and unforeseen events. TAT is actively working to restore confidence through various partnerships, including agreements with a leading Chinese travel agency and the Haikou tourism authority.

 

In 2023, TAT anticipates welcoming 4.5 to 4.6 million Chinese tourists, a noticeable drop from the 6.7 million recorded in 2024. Challenges such as the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing and natural disasters affected tourist sentiment this year. To counteract this, TAT has launched the "Trusted Thailand" campaign and is facilitating new chartered flights between the two countries.

 

From January to November, Thailand registered 4.1 million Chinese arrivals, marking a 33.8% decline compared to the previous year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool outlined the strategy to boost numbers by at least 40% next year, aiming to return to 2024 levels with an expected resumption of seat capacity.

 

Despite challenges, Ms. Thapanee emphasised that Chinese tourists with substantial purchasing power still seek international travel. The key task for TAT is to ensure that these travellers see Thailand as offering strong value for money. Recent agreements include letters of intent with the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Tourism and the Tongcheng Travel agency, underscoring these efforts, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways:

• TAT aims for 6.7 million Chinese arrivals in 2026 after a sharp drop this year.
• Campaigns like "Trusted Thailand" and new charter flights focus on restoring confidence.
• Recent partnerships with Chinese entities aim to attract high-purchasing-power tourists.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-19

 

 

 

Smoke another bowl of hopium.  The Chinese are gone. 

Its too late they and other tourists are going to other destinations thailand has shot itself in the foot with the baht, the war and visa issues 

and I hope to win the lottery in 2026 ,it doesn't mean it is going to happen.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target to attract 6.7 million Chinese visitors by 2026. 

 

⁶🤷⁷

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target to attract 6.7 million Chinese visitors by 2026

 By the beginning, end, or .... of 2026?

Targeting them with what? Cruise missiles?, aka 47s? 

They can target what they want, but the THB is far too expensive , the Cambodia crisis is holding tourists away, and the political crisis that is coming with the elections, will hold off tourists.. and than we don't talk about scams, double standards, no vaping, air pollution and dangerous traffic and several more issues... And than later they are surprised that there are less visitors as expected 

21 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

And than later they are surprised that there are less visitors as expected 

 

But then TAT will want another 50 million baht to promote tourism as the numbers are down.
Rpeat and Rinse.

It is a yearly circle that puts money into the banks of the wrong people.

Every year .... all they do is chase 'NUMBER OF VISITORS' as a gage of success.

 

Why not chase revenue per visitor ?

 

Ridiculous organisation that needs to go.