TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) is quickly working on burnishing Thailand’s image among Chinese tourists who have been shaken by Chinese actor Xingxing being lured to a scam centre in Myanmar’s Myawaddy township, just across the border from Thai Mae Sot town, which reportedly led to a drop in the number of tourists and cancellation of concerts, TV Channel 7 said this evening (Jan. 15).
TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the detention and freeing of the Chinese actor during Jan. 3-7, 2025 led to a wide variety of opinions being expressed on social media including by those who have never been to Thailand and have panicked.
Chartered flights are being introduced to win over the scared tourists, she said.
While admitting that some flights had been cancelled Thapanee said those Chinese tourists who have been to Thailand before and know that this is a peaceful country that welcomes tourists are not affected.
In particular, those who usually travel on their own on regular airlines have not been disturbed by Xingxing’s scam centre ordeal with 90 to 95% still coming to Thailand.
Even so Thailand has to work on its image online and communicate the true picture of the country to Chinese netizens.
All five TAT offices in China have asked agents, tour operators and airlines to prepare to welcome tourists during Chinese New Year with focus on three issues – safety, products and services plus the good experience of holidaying in Thailand.
Tourism and Sports minister Surawong Theinthong has given great importance to working with Tourist Police for safe tourism in Thailand.
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Top and Front Page: Chinese actor Xingxing after he was brought back to Thailand from a scam centre in Myawaddy. Top photo: Amarin TV, Front Page photo: Naewna
Insert: TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
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