BANGKOK -- The quick apology issued by the Thai prime minister after an airport security guard slapped a Chinese tourist reveals the government's concern over the incident, which could cause a slowdown in visitors from China.
Tourism is a key pillar of the Thai economy and Chinese tourists make up the largest portion of foreign visitors. The Thai government was quick to apologize to the Chinese national, Mei Ji, who was slapped by a security guard as he tried to enter the country at Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport on Sept. 27.
