29-1-2025 (BANGKOK) Growing concerns over kidnapping syndicates have cast a shadow over Thailand’s Chinese New Year tourism prospects, with thousands of Chinese visitors cancelling their holiday plans despite official attempts to calm fears.
Thailand’s tourism sector, which welcomed nearly 7 million Chinese visitors in 2024, faces a significant setback as reports of kidnappings along the Thai-Myanmar border spark anxiety among potential holidaymakers. Aviation authorities report approximately 10,000 cancellations for the Lunar New Year period spanning 24 January to 2 February 2025.
The concerns intensified following the recent rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing from a Myanmar-based cyber fraud operation. Wang’s account of being lured to Thailand under the pretence of an acting audition before being trafficked across the border has heightened anxieties within the Chinese tourist community.
“I travelled here without informing my family,” confides Gao, a 29-year-old tourist from Hainan province, speaking at Bangkok’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The fact that many perpetrators are reportedly Chinese-speaking has created additional unease amongst visitors. “We’re avoiding interactions with Mandarin speakers,” explains Hu Yangfan, 25, from Zhejiang province, whilst visiting the Grand Palace.
The tourism downturn threatens to impact Thailand’s economic recovery significantly. The sector generated over US$50 billion in 2024, representing roughly 10% of the country’s GDP. Kasikorn Bank analysts project Chinese visitor numbers could drop by up to 17.5% during this year’s festive period compared to last year.
In an unprecedented move, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra released an AI-generated video of herself speaking Mandarin – a language she doesn’t know – to reassure potential visitors of Thailand’s safety. “These incidents aren’t perpetrated by Thai citizens,” she stated on social media platform X, announcing plans for discussions with Beijing to address the situation.
The impact is already evident in Bangkok’s tourism sector. Veteran Mandarin-speaking guide Buri Chin notes a marked change in visitor behaviour: “Tourists appear hesitant to engage with Chinese-speaking guides. Many of my colleagues are opting to return home rather than work during the holiday season.”
However, not all visitors share these concerns. “Tourism is Thailand’s economic backbone,” argues Li, a 65-year-old Shanghai resident. “If there were genuine safety issues, Thailand’s reputation would suffer irreparably. We’ve found evening walks perfectly safe.”
