Thailand to Expect More Chinese Visitors, Says Thai Tourism Official

Thailand is set to expect more Chinese visitors, as Thai tourism officials revealed in an interview by Xinhua News Agency on Friday that travel agencies in China have provided more prerequisites and incentives to Chinese tourists.

According to Sisuda Vanapinyosak, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for East Asia, more Chinese visitors are expected to add to the 12,700 recorded visitors from China this month after the new incentives have been carried out by the mainland's travel firms.

"The number of Chinese visitors under the incentive tourism program which began several years back is expected to double or even triple because of the increasing number of China's middle class and wealthier families," the official said, adding that Thai Ministry of Sports & Tourism, the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau and the TAT have hosted dinner events to gladly receive Chinese visitors in Pattaya, a city in Thailand popular for its beach and tourist spots.

Thailand, considered as the jewel of Southeast Asia, is widely known for its beaches, palaces, national parks and historical sites.

In 2014, there were over 24 million tourist who visited the country, and 50,000 of those were Chinese visitors under the incentive tourism program by direct-sales agencies in China, China Daily reported.

Sisuda said that average Chinese tourists who visited the country under incentive tours have stayed for a week and spent about 5,000 baht ($ 150) each day.

"Though most of the Chinese visitors to Thailand at present have not taken advantage of tourism incentives, the number of those who will opt to try the offers will very likely increase by the year," the director added.

This year, Thailand awaits over six million Chinese tourists, who made up 20 percent of foreign tourists in the country in 2014.

In August last year, Thailand has granted free visas to Chinese and Taiwanese tourists to boost the country's tourism.