Various sectors in Thailand are now making preparations to accommodate Chinese tourists, who are expected to start making their way to Thailand due to China’s easing of travel restrictions. 300,000 travelers from China are now expected to arrive in Thailand in the first quarter of this year. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has told relevant ministries to make preparations in advance and keep people’s health and safety in mind.
According to Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the prime minister has assigned relevant agencies to make preparations for greater numbers of foreign tourists in 2023. The agencies are to take into consideration health safety and COVID-19 measures as they make the preparations. Relevant agencies will meanwhile closely follow up on information and the progression of COVID measures in various countries.
Spokesperson Anucha also addressed China’s reopening and the ability of Chinese tourists to travel unimpeded internationally. He said the Thai private sector expects about 300,000 Chinese tourists to arrive in Thailand in the first quarter of 2023. This has prompted the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to revise its 2023 foreign tourist arrivals target from 20 million visitors to 25 million.
The tourism sector has been gradually recovering after Thailand’s easing and lifting of entry restrictions brought on by the pandemic. The government spokesperson said the prime minister is emphasizing the pursuit of economic activities in tandem with strict public health measures. The aim is to enable people from all walks of life to earn income while adhering to global COVID-19 practices.
Anucha added that the prime minister wants to encourage the private sector to be good hosts for tourists returning to Thailand. (NNT)
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