Government, China embassy to clarify travel warning

Chinese arrivals could halve, with the decline extending into next year's Chinese New Year, unless the government clarifies with the Chinese embassy about its warning to mainland citizens about fraudulent job offers and suspected trafficking in the country, warns the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta).

Atta president Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn said Chinese arrivals via tour groups already dipped by more than 30% since the embassy earlier this month issued a travel alert for those planning trips to Thailand about kidnapping targeting Chinese nationals.

Mr Thanapol said the association supports government officials meeting with the Chinese ambassador to clarify why the travel alert was issued, determining what are the latest scams or kidnapping cases, and how the issue should be addressed.

According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Thailand has welcomed more than 4.19 million Chinese tourists this year, making China the largest source market. However, Chinese arrivals fell 24.1% week-on-week.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Tuesday the ministry plans to hold talks with the Chinese ambassador regarding this issue.

Mr Thanapol said the government should also coordinate with every stakeholder and not generalise all Chinese travellers as part of the grey market or criminals.

In addition, it is questionable that Thai officers and nationals are involved in such criminal cases, he said.

"If the issue is not properly addressed, it could affect Thailand's tourism industry as China is the country's largest source market and many hotels and tour operators depend on Chinese visitors," said Mr Thanapol, adding operators in Pattaya already reported a decline in Chinese arrivals.

Moreover, since the two-way visa-free scheme was introduced, the number of Thai tourists visiting China has increased annually, he noted.

Atta is promoting two-way tourism with its Chinese partners via roadshows to entice people from each country to visit the other.

Mr Thanapol said it is unlikely Chinese arrivals will reach 5 million this year if measures are not implemented to address the issues properly, while the negative travel sentiment could last until the next Chinese New Year.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tourism operators including Atta have been invited to discuss the Chinese market recovery and stimulus plan later this week.