Thailand, China Partner to Boost Chinese Tourist Safety
The move follows a 13.57% year-on-year drop in Chinese arrivals in October, prompting a joint effort to address safety warnings and fraudulent job schemes.
Joint Efforts to Address Safety Concerns
Thailand is collaborating with China to rebuild trust among Chinese travellers, addressing concerns over safety and fraudulent job offers. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul stated that both nations plan to form a joint working group aimed at protecting tourists, sharing intelligence, and coordinating assistance.
The Minister discussed this proposed cooperation with Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Zhang Jianwei, on 5 November. This initiative follows an October advisory from the Chinese embassy, which cautioned Chinese citizens travelling to Thailand about deceptive employment schemes.
China's Stance and Domestic Measures
Minister Phancharoenworakul noted China's clear position: it does not support Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities within Thailand and expects firm action from Thai authorities. China has also expressed willingness to share information to help Thai officials differentiate between those involved in illicit operations and legitimate tourists.
Internally, Thailand's Ministry of Tourism will partner with security agencies. Their objective is to enhance checkpoints, patrols, and law enforcement in areas deemed vulnerable, aiming to improve overall visitor safety and rebuild confidence.
Impact on Arrival Figures
The need for these measures is underscored by recent tourism data. Chinese tourist arrivals in October saw a 13.57% decrease year-on-year, reaching 308,942, as reported by Bangkok Post. This marked the first monthly decline since February, interrupting a period of recovery in visitor confidence following earlier safety concerns.
Between January and October this year, Thailand welcomed 25.4 million international visitors, a 4.59% reduction compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Despite the recent dip, China remains Thailand's largest source market for international tourists, contributing 4.2 million arrivals during the first ten months of the year.
Outlook and APEC Engagement
Thailand's government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, intends to highlight its dedication to protecting international visitors at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. This meeting is scheduled for 18–19 November in Shenzhen, China.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports aims to attract between 5.1 and 5.5 million Chinese visitors for the full year. Achieving this target will depend heavily on the effectiveness of the new safety initiatives and the success of joint efforts with China to rebuild trust among potential travellers.
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