Monday, August 26, 2024 Thailand’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant boost, thanks to the introduction of a new visa-free policy that has drawn millions of international tourists. This policy has particularly resonated with Chinese visitors, who now make up the largest group of arrivals. However, beneath this surge in tourism lies a growing concern: the revival of Chinese zero-dollar tours, which could potentially siphon off much-needed revenue from the Thai economy.
Between January 1 and August 18, Thailand saw an impressive influx of 22,474,172 international tourists, contributing a remarkable 1.05 trillion baht to the nation’s economy. Among these tourists, Chinese visitors led the charge, with 4,555,262 arrivals, closely followed by tourists from Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia.
Despite these impressive numbers, there are fears that the economic benefits may not be as widespread as they appear, particularly for local Thai businesses. The crux of the issue lies in the resurgence of zero-dollar tours, a practice where foreign tour operators manipulate Thai laws to gain market dominance. These operators, often through Thai nominees, undercut local businesses by offering tours at unsustainably low prices, sometimes even at a loss.
This aggressive strategy not only undermines Thai competitors but also threatens the broader economic gains from tourism. Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sermsak Pongpanich, has emphasized the government’s awareness of th.