Thai tourism operators have urged the government to reduce the visa-free duration for Chinese tourists from 60 days to 15 days, citing concerns over illegal employment and scams. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has also called for stronger action against transnational crime and fraudulent activities impacting the sector.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted on Monday that a recent incident involving Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was deceived by scammers and trafficked to Myanmar via Thailand, has heightened apprehension about foreign scammers exploiting the current visa-free policy.
The private sector believes a shorter 15-day stay aligns with the average travel duration of Chinese tourists, typically seven to ten days per trip. While some stakeholders advocate canceling the visa-free programme entirely, TAT opposes this measure, arguing it would harm tourism rather than resolve the issue.
Discussions regarding this proposal are expected to take place at an upcoming TAT board meeting, which includes a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thapanee emphasized the economic benefits of maintaining visa-free entry, especially for increasing tourism from China’s second-tier cities.
The Tourism Ministry aims to attract between 8.8 million and 9 million Chinese visitors this year, contributing to a projected total of 39 to 40 million international tourists. However, safety concerns have led to cancellations. In January alone, Chinese tourists canceled 4,572 room nights in Thailand, with 2,001 cancellations in Bangkok. Other foreign markets were similarly affected, with a total of 7,856 room nights canceled.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice-president of the TCT, noted that safety concerns resonate more strongly with Asian travelers than Western tourists. To address this, the TCT has proposed a “Chinese-friendly” standard for tourism operators, collaborating with the Thailand-China Tourism Association, which has vetted 200 companies for safety compliance.
He added that tackling scams and human trafficking should be a government priority to prevent long-term damage to the industry. Ratchaporn also recommended reviving international events, such as concerts, to restore confidence among travelers.