Thailand and other countries in ASEAN have been affected by the slow return of Chinese tourists, as China's economic weakness and domestic promotions keep them at home. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

ASEAN tourism banks on year-end boost after weak Chinese return

Flight capacity and security concerns cloud holiday travel forecast

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

November 24, 2023 04:35 JST

BANGKOK -- For signs of Thailand's desperation to bring Chinese tourists back, look no further than the Thai tourism czar's controversial proposal to allow Chinese police to patrol local attractions.

Chinese arrivals in Thailand are expected to reach only a third of the pre-pandemic level this year, an underwhelming start for the Southeast Asian country that depends hugely on this source of tourist income. Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said rumors about scams targeting Chinese tourists has had "quite an impact." The death of a Chinese tourist in an October shooting at a Bangkok luxury mall also did not boost tourists' confidence.