More
than 6,000 Chinese visitors are attending a convention and incentive travel
event in Bangkok and Pattaya between 22 February and 3 March 2014.
Bangkok remains under the state of emergency
following the Civil Court’s ruling on 19 February 2014 that the caretaker
government has the authority to enforce the Emergency Decree to maintain peace
and order. But the Court also ruled that the government has to refrain from use
of violence on anti-government demonstrators or break up a peaceful
demonstration.
Thailand is a popular destination for Chinese
visitors because of the visa-on-arrival facilities, short travelling distance,
and high value-for-money factor. The two countries also have much in common in
terms of food and cultural and ethnic relationships.
Thailand’s political situation in recent months
has slowed down the flow of Chinese visitors to Thailand. A report from the
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) cited this visit of the Chinese visitors as
a huge show of confidence in Thailand. TAT is confident that when the political
situation in Bangkok returns to normal, Chinese visitors will be back in full
strength.
In spite of the temporary slowdown, China is now
of the largest groups of international visitors to Thailand. Total Chinese
tourist arrivals in 2013 came to 4.7 million, up by 68.8 percent over 2012. In
January 2014, Chinese arrivals totaled 309,731, a decline by 8.6 percent. TAT
has predicted a quick turnaround once political demonstrations in Bangkok end,
with a projection that Chinese visitors will grow by 15 percent to 5.4 million
in 2014.
In 2012, Chinese visitors stayed an average of
eight days and spent about 4,716 baht, or 151 US dollars, per person per day.
This generated 45.5 billion baht, or 1.4 billion dollars, in tourism foreign
exchange revenue to the Thai economy, the highest revenue generating market for
Thailand.
Thailand’s top tourist destinations for Chinese
visitors include Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Ko Samui. New famous
destinations are also attractive to them. They include Rayong, Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai, Ko Chang, Krabi, and Kanchanaburi.
TAT is adjusting its tourism marketing plan to
maintain tourist confidence in Thailand.
(thailand.prd.go.th)