President of Thai – China Travel Association said that the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country in the last quarter is satisfactory. However, domestic political situation has caused them to change their destination to the South. As for the stronger Thai baht, the appreciation doesn’t affect the Chinese tourist market because the Yuan has also gone up against the dollar. Unstable political situation including rallies and explosions in Bangkok has caused Chinese tourists to avoid Bangkok and Pattaya, but opted to travel to the islands of Samui and Phuket instead. The two provinces have seen the number of visitors go up by more than double compared to that of last year. Chartered flights have also gone up to 60 flights a week, up from 20 per week last year. The Association has expected over 1 million Chinese tourists throughout the year, and more than 1.3 next year.
via Chinese Tourists avoid Bangkok
