BANGKOK, Thailand – Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand could fall by as much as 50% following a travel safety advisory issued by China’s ambassador, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has warned, urging the Thai government to hold urgent talks with Beijing to prevent prolonged damage to the tourism industry.
Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of ATTA, said Thailand’s tourism sector was facing mounting challenges, particularly in short-haul international markets. Chinese and Vietnamese visitor numbers have slowed noticeably, with the warning from the Chinese ambassador to Thailand contributing to growing concern among prospective Chinese travellers.
According to Thanapol, Chinese travel bookings have already recorded cancellations exceeding 30% compared with the same period in 2025. He warned that without swift action to clarify the situation and restore confidence, the downturn could continue through the Chinese New Year festival in 2027.
Thanapol said one source of concern for the Chinese embassy was the widespread use in Thai public discourse of the term “grey Chinese” to describe Chinese nationals associated with illegal or questionable activities. He said the broad use of the label had made legitimate Chinese tourists and investors feel uncomfortable and unfairly scrutinized, including during immigration checks.
He argued that the private sector could not resolve the issue alone and that direct government-to-government communication was needed.
Thanapol called on the Thai prime minister and tourism minister to meet with the Chinese ambassador, or invite him for urgent discussions, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said the aim should be to establish a shared understanding and reassure Chinese visitors that Thailand welcomes legitimate tourists and investors. He also welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow’s stated intention to discuss the travel advisory with the Chinese ambassador, saying the talks should take place as soon as possible.
ATTA warned that delays in addressing the issue could deepen the impact on Thailand’s tourism sector, particularly if Chinese travellers continue to postpone or cancel trips ahead of one of the region’s key holiday travel periods. (Story, Photo: Prachachat Business)
