Chinese tourists get VIP welcome in Thailand as visa-free travel begins

Chinese tourists get VIP welcome in Thailand as visa-free travel begins

Chinese tourists are greeted by Thai dancers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok
Chinese tourists are greeted by Thai dancers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Photo: Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP
Source: AFP

Chinese tourists received a personal welcome from the Thai prime minister Monday as they arrived in Bangkok under a new visa-free scheme the government hopes will give the kingdom's vital tourism sector a boost.

Traditional dancers accompanied a smiling PM Srettha Thavisin as he greeted visitors arriving from Shanghai at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, handing out welcome gifts.

"I was shocked by the welcoming ceremony, and I'm very happy. It's a great start of my trip," visitor Zhuang Pan, 31, told AFP.

Jin Li, arriving for her honeymoon, told AFP the scheme was great, before she and her new husband grabbed a photograph with Srettha.

"I don't need to worry, can go on a trip at any time, just need to book a ticket," she said.

Visitors from China accounted for the largest percentage of Thailand's tourists pre-pandemic, with tourism overall making up around 20 percent of the kingdom's GDP.

Read also

EU businesses 'questioning their position' in China: trade commissioner

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!

Covid-19 travel restrictions hammered the sector and recovery has been slow, stymied by a struggling global economy -- and safety fears stoked by a Chinese blockbuster thriller about a man being kidnapped and forced to work in a Southeast Asian online scam centre.

Zheng Zhengzhou, 36, said he was aware of the dangers of visiting Thailand, referencing "No More Bets" -- the film that has spooked many tourists.

"So it would be a lie to say I don't have any concerns (on safety issues)," he said.

Srettha has sought to reassure visitors about their safety before, emphasising that visitor security in the kingdom is a priority.

"The safety of tourists from their first step in Thailand to their departure when they leave must be safe and spectacular from all sides," he said.

Read also

Scottish port feels force of UK fishing storm

Chinese visitors were greeted by tourism police officers and informed of the details of a 24-hour police hotline.

The visa-free scheme was launched in time for China's "Golden Week" holiday period in October, and runs until February 29.

Srettha said that under the scheme bookings had already increased "tenfold", and that he was confident it would "significantly stimulate the economy".

"Today marks a good day for Thailand and we hope our other policies will continue to stimulate the economy," he added.

New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.