Drop in Chinese tourists hurts Thailand’s economy - BBC News

[@shabushi1997]

As a Thai myself, I don’t understand why Thai tourism targets only travelers from mainland China when there’re other million tourists from Korea, Malaysia, or India. I also see the trend of Vietnamese and Indonesian tourists coming to Thailand increasingly every year. Seems like Thai government needs only Chinese yuan.

[@funnymakerboy4199]

​@MaxineWashingtonI said, you should compare Chinese city status with New York, Tokyo, London once and you will know the status .

[@999score]

🇨🇳 full of 💵 ✨️ ✨️ 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 full of 💩🐃💩🐃 others full of empty pockets

[@profitmuhammed]

Understand what it means by population count and travel distance which affect plane cost?what about difference in purchasing power?

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Common sense 1B population plus lots of money from manufacturing but since slowdown of their economy tourism is affected as well

[@JEMXliveChannel]

@MaxineWashingtonso what are u trying to say, to brag how rich the chinese and look down to Thailand? This comment is just about balance the risk of thailand economy, doesn’t involve about how superior chinese are. China can manage to get rid of the poverty, which is good, but it take sometime to get rid of a people with a narrow mind just like u. Wealth of nation is one thing, honorable is other thing. Hope china become number 1 not just to collapse again.

[@jkidding386]

Well, I was robbed by a taxi driver in Bangkok in 2018. Passport, phone and wallets stolen. Despite police report with CCTV proof, the police couldn't do anything as the taxi owner said that he sub-let his taxi to unknown individual. Lousy country

[@RafaelGarcia-dt3wt]

Did he rob you at gun point? or with a knife? How did he rob you?

[@jkidding386]

@@RafaelGarcia-dt3wt no. I feel asleep somehow. Taxi driver took a long way until I fell asleep. By the time I came down from the car, I realised everything was gone. Even my gold chain was gone.

[@breezeb8720]

Did the police revoke the cab owners license. This is an outrage! Did he touch you too? Lol

[@aforadorable6006]

Horrible nation.

[@Demonfireangel]

That's unfortunate. I would avoid using any of the local taxi cabs, and instead use the ride-share apps like Bolt and Grab.

[@CocoNut2018]

There are many factors both within China and with Thailand. China is facing economic issues. Thailand is great but behind on the infrastructure to make cities more walkable. Sidewalks are uneven, narrow and a trip hazard.

[@seventhwave5963]

nobody needs China. fuck China

[@eurotraveler4597]

Thailand has been in decline for years, even before COVID devastated the tourism industry.

[@DR_1_1]

I was there 10 years ago, the country was already destroyed by too much development. Greed and speculation are ruining everything, and not only in Thailand!

[@jw841]

​@@DR_1_1Yep! Glad to have experienced the old Thailand. Ironically the decline seem to happen when the Chinese moved in and there was a sudden surge in development. Mostly ugly concrete buildings seem to pop up everywhere. The change was very notable in Chiang Mai at the time.

[@C1K450]

@@jw841Thailand HDI steadily been dropping, but still considered very high standard of living sitting at 0.800.

[@bldomain]

​@@jw841Thailand tourism has been declining over the years and Western tourists don't spend much as they are more into cultural experience and want a 3rd world Thailand environment for their eyes and Instagram. Western tourists are also into the sex tourism which is not good for Thai society. Western tourists also get into fights more from being drunk. That's why they need Chinese tourists because they are big spenders especially on shopping.Unfortunately it has declined with news of many kidnappings as shown in the Chinese movie " No more bets", recent shooting in the Thai mall which killed a Chinese mother of two and all the infamous unfriendly attitude towards Chinese tourists - biting the hands that feed them. This is what I call what comes around, goes around.

[@rizkyadiyanto7922]

​@@DR_1_1so thailand should stay poor. typical western colonialism mindset.

[@AuGAlaN]

sounds like the perfect time to go to thailand, last time i went was way too crowded around the tourist traps

[@momofighter3211]

Tourism will be great again.

[@antonymwangi4986]

😅, you need money for that

[@profitmuhammed]

Less tourist means there will be more tourist traps, as local ppl need to gain more money off foreign tourists

[@rc....]

Still is

[@Patrick-qt8iy]

Thailand's lack of development outside of tourism and manufacturing is a deep-rooted issue. Public Thai schools place too heavy a focus on learning about Thai culture and history, rather than useful skills such as English, Maths and Science. The government won't do anything about it because they get elected mostly by elderly Thai people, who prefer to keep schools this way. By the time the young Thai generation will have the power to change this, the rest of the world will have already moved on. I've lived here for more than a year now -- and I love it -- but Thai people let tradition govern themselves too much. To survive in an ever-changing world, they need to abandon some of their old practices and embrace new ideas, just like the Chinese did.

[@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d]

Actually China is not much different. Their economy is based on manufacturing and real estate, both of which are on the decline there. And like other Asian nations, China's educational system focuses on rote memorization and mechanics. The best role-models would be Singapore, Taiwan and the Netherlands.

[@samchoi9084]

The North American's education system is worse, transitioning to gender studies, teaching kids gender pronouns while making essential classes like Math and Science optional. China is going to kick America's ass in 10-20 years.

[@LOLLOL-kg4dz]

thailand has no future ,their education performance is shrinks every year , they only proud white people visit their country but they dont realize mostly just for red district ,lady boys lol

[@aaga721]

China's new Economic engines 1、 The new generation of information technology industry 2、 High end equipment manufacturing industry 3、 New materials industry 4、 The biopharmaceutical industry 5、 New energy vehicle industry 6、 Energy conservation and environmental protection industry 7、 Digital creative industry 8、 Modern agricultural equipment industry 9、 New energy industry 10、 High tech service industry @@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d

[@imasora6330]

Why dont you just leave Thailand and get back to your homeland where you feel everything goes the way you envision it to be. What you consider "development" or "progress" might not be considered the same way by other people. Speaking of the topic in the vid, as a local Thai, Im more than happy that we have fewer and fewer ill-mannered tourists despite knowing that this is not a good thing for the tourism section. Without low quality tourists, no matter what country they are from, we local Thais are able to live life more peacefully. This is such a huge relief. When you decide to live somewhere even for a short period of time, isnt it lovelier? that you learn to embrace the differences than pointing out .. lack of this, more of that. Thais themselves know how to be responsible for their countries and even if they fail, still it's their business, not yours. Probably it's lovely to just get back to your roots when you feel living in Thailand isnt what you expect. That might make you feel better.

[@superbeingp-vortex8610]

Several cases of kidnapping of Chinese Nationals caught on CCTV are really horrifying. We think the Thailand Police Force and the Law and Order are appalling. Even we South East Asians would think twice about going to Thailand. 😢

[@xiaoliu3397]

Thailand millitary warlords do business in human trafficking and drugs

[@leekattestaart7499]

​​@@xiaoliu3397Probably never heard of the CHINESE MAFIA.These are the main culprits.

[@leekattestaart7499]

Don't be a pussy, be like white Americans, Europeans or Australians! They're never afraid of traveling to Thailand.

[@silverianjannvs5315]

99% Malaysians visiting Thailand driving private car was targeted with traffic violation tickets. Welcome to land of fake smiles..

[@ktng3176]

Thailand is not very safe to go to for Holiday nowadays. It has become a job scam and human trafficking hub of South East Asia, mainly linked to Chinese Gang in Myanmar, Laos & Cambodia. In addition, Human Organs Syndicates are also on the rise recent years. Surely, you do not want to spend a 'worry-free' holiday in such country..

[@문수진-c9o]

I used to come to Thailand often, but after I've enjoyed the Vietnam trip at a half cost, I really can't go back to Thailand that is basically stuck 20 years ago. Wish the best for Thai people🙏

[@leekattestaart7499]

Vietnam is boring!

[@ninja.saywhat]

i was thinking the same thing. vietnam seems to be more ideal destination than thailand. over the years thailand has become saturated with tourists that the prices have gone way up compare to the neighboring tourist destinations.

[@rizkyadiyanto7922]

what are you looking for as a tourist? the night life?

[@cocaineminor4420]

​@@leekattestaart7499nah it's really exciting

[@pichupuche2474]

Thailand basically stuck 20 years ago. How many railway Vietnamese has LMAO Do you really want to compare Transportation Thailand and Vietnam?

[@danerose575]

For good reporting, wouldn't it be good to show more context: What is the percentage drop? Is it only Chinese or are other countries also dropping at the same percentage rate? Is that different than other tourist destinations, or is it only Thailand? I have no idea after watching this and expect more from BBC.

[@amphibiouscamel506]

I currently work in China. Me n my colleagues were planning to travel together for the coming Chinese New Year this Feb, I suggested Thailand, but seems none of them were interested, it seems all the rumours of kidnappings really did put a dent on Thailand as a holiday destination for Chinese tourists.

[@abmong]

It's the Chinese movie "No more bets" and Chinese influencers riding the hype train posting embellished or even complete fake stories about themselves nearly getting kidnapped while on holiday in Thailand.

[@Tourism09]

Come to Vietnam then 😅

[@Featherface01]

I lived in China for 7 years and used to go to Thailand most years, sometimes to Indo or further afield. Thailand is a great holiday. Kidnappings happen everywhere every day. Don't let things like that put you off.

[@skycloud4802]

Less tourists, sounds like tourist attraction. Thailand will be fine. It's a beautiful country with beautiful people.

[@DR_1_1]

It was a paradise 30 years ago... too much development since then, spoiling the most beautiful places! But that's the way it goes everywhere, and the government won't offer free education or universal income for those who are lacking, so greed and speculation are running high!

[@profitmuhammed]

This sounds dumb, less tourist lead to private tourist sites closing down, giving less choices to visit for new tourists

[@LOLLOL-kg4dz]

dont go to thailand its very dangerous country also now so many pdopil from western like american or european ,australian

[@ehjo4904]

​@@DR_1_1 A paradise for you ? Not for many locals

[@DR_1_1]

@@ehjo4904 Do you think Bangkok or NYC are more of a paradise than 1970's Phuket? Inequalites are not really related to the landscape...

[@wahyuk6103]

In fact，many mainlanders in China are concerned about Thai's drug problem and high crime ratio. I have been to Thai once many years ago. It was not that good experience coz I can feel discriminated by the hotel owners. They said there were too many Chinese tourists in Bangkok， which was kinda a real eyesore. I got ripped off at tourist attractions. Local people charged me more than triple the price. When I came back home only to find that all those so-called souvenirs were made in Yiwu, a city famous for trades.

[@Featherface01]

Drugs and crime exist everywhere, China is not an exception. The CCP show you what they want you to see. Perhaps you should check the authenticity of the goods you buy before buying them?

[@Nerinav1985]

Discrimination against Chinese tourists by Thai restaurants owners during Corona pandemic is not forgotten

[@zhengjy5401]

custom request tips😅

[@ktng3176]

Can't blame them, they want to STAY ALIVE

[@milkwolfcheng359]

We really want to go travelling Thailand, but we don't have money.... The last 2 years are so tough

[@poonabsidhikveryindian]

Thats the real reason, even young people have a hard time finding jobs

[@ahndeux]

If you don't have money, stay home. Learn a new trade and make more money.

[@MaxenceRoy-e1v]

I’ve been living in Thailand for 5+ years now and I hope it becomes a rich country in the years to come. I would love to see it becoming more of a destination for long term expats who have money, and less on short term tourism. Unfortunately, Thailand needs to address its foundational challenges and become more open to foreign investment if it hopes to become a wealthy nation one day.

[@leigh7507]

The downside of becoming rich will that it will become just like Europe - expensive housing, beer, food, and non flexible policing.

[@cajizheng]

before pandemic ,CHina tourist go to thailand is 10m per year,thai get income more than 20b$ per year, in the pandemic,Thailand have largely attack China and Chinese people in internet,social media and TV,at that time I have clearly said after pandemic thailand will lose big incomes.Now come ture...Any other tourist like japan or vitnam ,can not replace the big accout of China.

[@prattlee3636]

Thai proverb says : fish in water, rice in fields. ในน้ำมีปลา ในนามีข้าว We don't rely on tourism alone.

[@cajizheng]

@@prattlee3636 tourism is biggest income of thailand ,no other replace

[@prattlee3636]

​@@cajizhengWrong. Go Google: What Thailan's largest source of income? ANSWER: EXPORTS In 2021 it was 58% of GDP

[@slpuah7264]

Don't visit massage parlours, Karaoke, bars, etc. If you don't want money stolen or extorted.

[@midcent73b]

This is a great opportunity for Thailand to invest more in manufacturing and wean itself of its dependency on inbound tourism, especially Chinese tourism.

[@DW-op7ly]

Yep they need more western sex tourist like you instead

[@fredwangleboy1490]

great opportunity to spend money that they are currently not making?

[@AB-fi5jt]

How do you invest more with less money from tourism?😂😂😂

[@funnymakerboy4199]

​@MaxineWashingtonCompare the Chinese city with London, Tokyo and New York, then you will see the status of the Chinese city.

[@davidphatty9083]

@@funnymakerboy4199there u go, a villager from nowhere. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_GDP#:~:text=6%20References-,Largest%20metropolitan%20areas%20by%20GDP,GDP%20(~US%241.1%20trillion).

[@rungsakthongmuk8538]

Thailand is my homeland.🇹🇭

[@zhengjy5401]

I think one of the biggest reason why Chinese stopped to go to thailand is that people are finding out that it is not as funny as they expected it would be, the whole tendency of Chinese tourists visiting thailand started with the publishing of the movie "lost in Thailand", a movie about three cringy guys' amusing adventure to thailand. now with the coverage of the long-hidden safety hazard of thailand, and the disenchantment of traveling in Thailand, people begin to realise thailand is no more than the so-called sex paradise.

[@stefankhoo1618]

What safety hazard?

[@wjameszzz186]

Don't come then. Nobody cares what you think.

[@PlaAwa]

thailand will be fine. slow and steady wins the race. good to break dependency on certain places and industries.

[@ScotchOnyx]

Absolutely untrue. It's not about breaking dependency. Thailand's economy does not depend on Chinese tourist. I don't know what this news media is saying. What had a huge blow in the Thai economy is foreign investment on real estate. 67% decreased in foreign investment in real estate compared to 2019. This hurt the economy because foreign buyers pay a huge premium in Thailand compare to a Thai citizen. The Thai government simply miscalculated as they were so drawn to attracting American to retire in Thailand. Those Americans are renting not buying properties.

[@PlaAwa]

​@@ScotchOnyx all three of my points are absolutely true. what you're describing are the effects of things like the pandemic on all asian tourist destinations. yes they also happen to be locations that attract foreign investors for the same reason that tourist like them - good weather and low price. of course foreigners have to pay more than locals. it's the same everywhere and why shouldn't it be? governments can't calculate for the unexpected. they can put too many things in one basket but thailand, like many others has much more going for it than just foreign investment. the whole legalization of canibus is going to bring steady growth for decades to come. the chinese may have brought a serendipitous spike in the economy but like any fad, all that glitters ain't gold, hence why dependency on such is a recipe for disappointment. as china increasingly makes a fool of itself on the world stage, its wild upper-middle class brats will feel guilty enjoying such pleasures openly. and usually their government sooner or later starts telling them where not to visit, often if the destination has offended them, usually exaggerating some random negative occurrence. as if they actually care about the safety and wellbeing of their population. it's more about control and exercising carrot-and-stick powerplays for political influence and big brother warnings/threats. but, as you see in the video, if you watched it, the real people of china - the higher quality ones - whom the chinese government have failed and who see through the governement, end up becoming foreign investors. permanent ones, not temporary ones. so the whole point is that quality over quantity migh be the naturally evolving solution. something promising in this hopefully temporary lull. this can be seen not only as the drawing to a close of the chinese tourists but also the beginning of massive long-term foreign investment from china. from the richest of the richest, potentially. now that the pandemic and most of its aftereffects are over and waning, one of the most detrimental phenomena effecting economies is war and thailand is fairly independent in that regard apart from being part of a growing number of nations against the threat of communist-led mainland china. hopefully the mainland diaspora are able to influence remotely the ugly state of affairs at home to rid it of this hard to control virus on rails towards goodness knows where the 'resoluteness' is taking it. like depoliticized and apathetic russians, the chinese will have to start waking up and taking responsibility for the autocrats keeping them ignorant or of course they're going to keep finding themselves near random explosions all over the world.

[@CulturalXplorer19]

Except Thailand is not breaking dependency on Chinese tourists. They are trying to find ways to get Chinese tourists. They also recently recommended bringing Chinese police officers to Thailand, to reassure Chinese tourists about safety in Thailand...

[@CulturalXplorer19]

According to Thailand, this will reassure Chinese tourists about safety, and increase the numbers of Chinese tourists again.

[@PlaAwa]

​@@CulturalXplorer19 yeah, but they SHOULD break dependency on chinese tourists and having chinese police there is the worst thing in the world. china have been planting police all over the world for a while and it's no good. china should have their own red light districts, even if it involves importing gigolo labour from abroad. china is one of the biggest exporters of prostituation globally but somehow aren't renown for doing it at home. either that, or people always feel better indulging in sex tourism services abroad, away from people they know, in a more 'anonymous' fashion or at least capitalizing on the 'fun' aspect of it in places where it's not frowned upon. another reason why installing police from your country just spoils the fun for everyone.

[@Soloadriantraveler]

Just got back from Thailand and it's packed with tourists. Just not Chinese ones. Its probably a good thing because before Bangkok and Phuket were over crowded.

[@cocaineminor4420]

It's still crowded what are you talking about?

[@Joey66886]

The main reason is that they are afraid of the Myanmar thing.

[@DR_1_1]

What is the "Myanmar thing"?

[@Joey66886]

@@DR_1_1 Human trafficking is very serious in southeast Asia especially in Myanmar. Some tourists abducted in Thailand to Myanmar. It’s almost impossible to escape.

[@DR_1_1]

@@Joey66886 I sure have seen these poor Burmese working for nothing in Thailand... but the other way around? No way, Jose, China would destroy Myanmar, if that happened!

[@vassanab4243]

⁠@@DR_1_1The big boss mafia in Myanmar are also Chinese, and Chinese government also want to crack them down

[@vassanab4243]

@@DR_1_1 1:39

[@wmjohns881]

I love the Thai people and the manner how they are respectful to each other. 🙏🏽🇹🇭

[@bryandeng570]

Yes, some Thais are keen on kidnapping Chinese and send them to neighbour country for scams . It is terrible . We Chinese are afraid to travel Thailand now. Personally , I visited Thailand in 2016 and It is a nice place. Its climate is very close to one place in Yunnan province, China.

[@charlessimmons7825]

You obviously haven't either driven here or waited in a line at 7-11, you won't find much respect in either, the opposite

[@Spidy-Mang]

😂

[@CoffeBuz]

Ive noticed that people here talk about over reliance on tourism as the main source of income in Thailand. Id like to add more to it that Thailand is split into 3 main pillars of income. Tourism, Export and domestic consumption. Why the government puts so much emphasis on this? Because it is the least capital intensive economic gain that can be earned the quickest. It requires very little intervention from the central government to bring in income. It also feeds off income to all areas of society, not just the rich. Unlike export, where big players tend to capitalize on. Medical, service, food and transport sector also gained much from this tourism boom. As part of the campaign to kick-start and restart the Thai economy, Tourism was put into focus because of this fact. As noted by the Prime Minister him self, tourism accounts to only 30% of the whole picture. Export is the main income of Thailand. But due to global slowdown, export numbers were not as satisfactory as years past. Which leaves the last, Domestic spending. Constraint by the House hold debt that is 90%/GDP, the government has alot of work to do. Fixing the economy that was left shredded by the previous administration is a tough job. Imagine 10+ years of lackluster policies and international trade relations, have put Thailand to where it is today. Challenge lies ahead. But based on some early indicators, it is slowly turning the tide. They're not perfect, but it's the right direction to steer forward. Despite lower than expected performance in Tourist entries from China, the Thai gov have set eye else where too especially FDI. How successful this maybe, only time will tell.

[@crockett888]

1:04 "say hi to the camera" literally no one said hi 😅

[@kasimkasim6649]

Women traficing is the main business in Thailand.

[@bhst7487]

Who told u that? Seem like you are people who no education

[@steve-fc6mc]

The most rapes commited in Thailand are commited by Indians Fact!

[@ktng3176]

Male escorts are also increasing popular in Thailand nowadays 😅

[@RayMak]

I think they are better now

[@mrila-x3e]

lesson: don't overrely on such an uncertain industry. one horrific news story, tourist stop, GDP plummets is a sign of overdependence

[@alexzhang1897]

Because Chinese people are more concerned about local security issues, the shooting cases that just happened this year have further dampened Chinese people’s confidence in traveling to Thailand.

[@Unknown-bv7lv]

I love Thailand been traveling there for the last 30 years and will continue to do so

[@nick-cg4ew]

THey love you too with all the free money you d...mb silly ferangs give them for doing nothing

[@zobenny8290]

我是中国人，我喜欢泰国🇹🇭，中国人早晚会去泰国的 ，因为新冠疫情中国人都有点懒惰不想出远门了，这是暂时的，泰国给中国人留下太多美好的记忆，我有机会还想去那个充满微笑的美丽国度。

[@Featherface01]

The CCP have completely ruined many aspects of life for Chinese people haven't they?

[@marianasalles242]

I loooove Thailand! Bless this country, its fauna and flora🙏🏻💚🌍✨

[@djzrobzombie2813]

More than Germany?

[@gannitirta7839]

LGBT for you

[@xoho3462]

@@gannitirta7839manusia alay indo mabok agama muncul

[@gannitirta7839]

@@xoho3462 lebih baik melihat orang mabuk agama daripada membuat propaganda untuk menghancurkan negara lain. Sebagai proxy war

[@gannitirta7839]

​@@xoho3462china tidak mempunyai mental penjajah 😂 berbeda dengan berita bohong amerika yang selalu menyalahkan china dan russia. In credible news

[@Tom_D_Harry]

Before the covid incident, use to hear regular reports for Thai people don't want Chinese tourists coming to their country because of the way they behave. Now it 180 degree turn.

[@SirHellNaja]

No, they don't, Tom Deng Hua. The government doesn't represent the whole country. A lot of Thai wants a reform in tourism, industries and get useless tourists out. Those Chinese tourists don't contribute much to the local businesses. Most of them only goes to Chinese-owned businesses, and by Chinese, I mean mainlanders. So most of their money goes back to China anyway. And then there's the Russian draft dodgers.

[@LaJicotito]

I can't travel to heavy human trafficking places. I would rather put my vacation money where I see it grow and bloom.

[@al-paciyes5722]

Great news....now I can travel to Thailand peacefully

[@dravenvea2605]

get your bullet proof jacket

[@al-paciyes5722]

@@dravenvea2605 only for dumbass like you

[@ABAddonfromHeLL]

@@dravenvea2605bruh Thailand ain’t America😂. You’ll really need a bulletproof vest if you want to go to the US though

[@prattlee3636]

​@@dravenvea2605Unfortunately bullet proof vest is prohibited to purchase by Thai laws. Only government sector could.

[@leekattestaart7499]

​@@dravenvea2605The shooter was a Chinese copycat.

[@AhWai_Documentary]

I think the risk of being kidnapped is one of the main reasons of stopping Chinese travelers to come to Thailand, it's so horrifying.

[@mrila-x3e]

CN economy is slowing down, real estate bubble, people are not confident about the future and dont want to spend much money outside let alone thailand

[@hansu230]

@@mrila-x3eyou are sb

[@AhWai_Documentary]

@@mrila-x3e yes, I agree with you that economic decline also plays a key role in the shrinkage of outbound tourism in China

[@MithunOnTheNet]

Most of the kidnapping is by Chinese gangs targeting Chinese tourists. It's not Thais who are committing the crimes. For all the surveillance and face scanning China does, they easily let their criminal and gangs get out of China? Even the Chinese criminal operations out of Myanmar are mostly happening right across China's border with Myanmar.

[@LOLLOL-kg4dz]

dont go to thailand its very dangerous country also now so many pdopil from western like american or european ,australian

[@Chrismcdel2ton491]

The reality is that the disorder and abnormality prevailing in Thailand stem from the illicit activities of some individuals among Chinese (from China not Taiwan) as well. It’s disconcerting to witness such pretentious behavior, feigning fear without introspecting on one’s own actions.

[@finback2005]

so its all chinas fault. Thailand is known to be white male sexpat capital. Blame China for Thailands downfall. Got it.

[@samartz]

My friend lives in phuket. Its not as bad as bbc is reporting

[@torquemada4327]

It's a asian style, the bad comments here almost from our beloved neighbors, you can check there accounts yourself😂, by the way we Thais are far from perfect ofcourse.😊

[@tripledelight8104]

Some year more tourists, some year fewer tourists . Tourists are very risky, unpredictable bussiness.

[@bk1571]

Is not rumors, cases of Malaysian abducted after arriving in Thailand...

[@Jason-sf8vx]

I think Thailand needs to improve security for tourists , it seems there are cases of security issues happened to tourists

[@Havoc-bc6oy]

it may hurt the economy but I'm sure Thais and other tourists are happier for it.

[@mszkey2168]

racist idiot

[@axnyslie]

I did my part I came this year, and coming back next year!

[@DanH-u3f]

They have not been going to Thailand since 2020. It's good for all other tourists when they are not there.

[@rahulrawal8801]

No worries....we Indians will fill the gap!!

[@RealEastBeast]

Come come!

[@majed2488]

Lol from what I gathered Thai locals hated indians

[@orangeblue3531]

no thanks. u smell

[@SamsungLe-vz2uy]

indians come thailand for 3 or 1 in beach road , they wont spend money like the chinese

[@crew]

Lmao you’d be surprised what the thais really think and treat Indians in Thailand if you speak and understand thai. I was there last year, the thai workers at the hotels and restaurants said some nasty things about Indians. If you are a vegan Indian, be very careful what you eat in Thailand and what the people tell you. They will just lie to you it is vegan when it really is not. Thai people are very good at pretending to be nice so you can’t read their faces.

[@pathomthavaradhara]

Thailand had been seen and criticized for “ sexual heavens “ for tourism, which as a Thai, I am not proud of that reputation.

[@silverianjannvs5315]

Buddha don't have problems with sex outside of marriage & money from prostitutions...😂

[@pathomthavaradhara]

But I do

[@saidonfax]

I was gonna say how absurd it is about that kidnapping rumors. But I remember seeing it on the news a few times during this past 2-3 years. But those Chinese tourists were kidnapped by fellow Chinese citizens. The news said those were for ransom money. I remember thinking how ridiculous it was. Like, "you guys traveled this far all the way here to kidnap fellow countrymen?". Not to mention who the hell still kidnap people for money? It's kinda harsh to blame it on the local Thai people though. Who would expect foreign criminals to go through all the troubles getting into the country just to commit crime against own fellow countrymen? Anyway, it's too bad but I just wish more Thai people speak English.

[@prattlee3636]

Be honest to yourself. Those foreigners who stay in Thailand now how many of them feeling unsafe? Check it out around in Bangkok. Many mainland Chinese nationals open business as restaurants, supermarkets. Those are expats visited Thailand as tourists and remain staying. Are they feeling unsecured?

[@saidonfax]

@prattlee3636 You don't just go around a city and think "heh, there's a lot of people" and use that as a formal proof. You use statistics. You use reports and numbers. That's how professionals, companies, and governments work. Let's check out the number of tourist visited Thailand *before and after* COVID. You'll notice there are fewer tourists now visiting Thailand. That is a fact and not biased. And because Thai economy still relies significantly on tourism; it can be a problem. Some few Thai people can act like they don't care about Chinese tourists. But I bet they don't work in tourist sector and don't earn their income from tourists. In fact, Thai people should feel proud when foreigners from whatever countries like to visit and stay in Thailand.

[@prattlee3636]

​@@saidonfaxYou did not answer my question. How many foreigners in Thailand feeling unsafe? Meanwhile there are still crowded of tourists at Suwanphumi international airport every single day. Make one thing clear here. Thai proverb says : fish in water, rice in feild. Thai people don't just rely on Chinese tourists.

[@saidonfax]

@@prattlee3636 I did answer. You're just too dumb to understand it.

[@cocaineminor4420]

​@@prattlee3636many feel unsafe I think it will affect Thailand tourism.

[@thecitizen87935]

No problem we Indians are comming 😂😂😂😂

[@potsawatpinchusri8716]

Welcomeee, Indian are the one truely help us to replace Chinese and we are glad

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

Namaskar Bharat 🙏

[@user-hs4qv3nk3h]

@@potsawatpinchusri8716 Most Indians go to Thailand for sexual services. Indians are famous for their dirty minds.

[@wavemaker2077]

The Chinese economy is not doing good. A lot of businesses are closing down. So it is expected that a lot of Chinese don't have the money now to travel as tourists.

[@Drmunnybear]

Its interesting that the BBC does not investigate the Myanmar concern, but chooses to call chinese a crowd that is easily buffeted by rumours…

[@PerfectSense77]

Nice try but the BBC has done many, many reports on the situation in Myanmar.

[@Drmunnybear]

@@PerfectSense77 please enlighten me with a link on their investigation about kid napping of Chinese individuals. Their short comment in this video appears to simply dismiss this as a rumour without further backing.

[@forlua9211]

TL;DR Unlike in China, if something happens in Thailand, "it will be on the news not the rumors". In Thailand, there are numerous news about people getting lured into high-paying jobs in Myanmar but in the end, they get detained, tortured, and forced to do scamming. In Myanmar, Cambodia and the area nearby the Golden Triangle are well-known for drug trafficking for decades and recently for scamming. These types of crimes in many cases are run by Chinese crime organizations. So, would you get abducted if you come to Thailand? The answer is NO. I've never heard from the Thai media of anyone getting abducted to Myanmar or Cambodia, except if they go there voluntarily. Unlike in China, if something happens in Thailand, "it will be on the news not the rumors" (of course, except for the news related to the royal family). Thailand has been dealing with these crime organizations and armed groups for a long time. The Thai government even has (mostly secret) close cooperations with the armed groups along the borders outside of Thailand to control the drug or human trafficking. In conclusion, as long as you don't go to these risky countries by yourself you are safe. You have to understand that some areas in these countries are controlled by Chinese mafias or ethnic armed groups, their governments cannot even enter those areas. But this is not the case in Thailand, there is no such crime or ethnic territory in Thailand. Thai police are indeed corrupt, but helping the criminals for human trafficking and organ harvesting are the redline for them. No police wants to do that, they usually corrupt on something that in the shady areas, not in the blackish ones.

[@juice6521]

Well done, Chinese paid posters.

[@Carol-ps8tv]

It’s funny that you expect BBC to be fair. I always treat it as an entertainment.

[@Shichman]

This was really odd. Rumors from a social media person and then a reason why people are actually coming to Thailand. Not sure I got the full story here at all. This felt like half journalism.

[@boonp.7935]

I also noticed that. Feels like half-ass reporting. Must be some hack pushing some kind of narrative.

[@zhengjy5401]

I think one of the biggest reason why Chinese stopped to go to thailand is that people are finding out that it is not as funny as they expected it would be, the whole tendency of Chinese tourists visiting thailand started with the publishing of the movie "lost in Thailand", a movie about three cringy guys' amusing adventure to thailand. now with the coverage of the long-hidden safety hazard, and the disenchantment of traveling in Thailand, people begin to realise thailand is no more than just the so-called sex paradise.

[@monsterteamstudio5923]

Amazing Thailand

[@tc2334]

I'm an American living in China and I know I'm going to sound selfish in saying so, but honestly I'm somewhat glad the number of Chinese tourists going to Thailand has fallen. Traveling to other countries in Asia (and even Europe sometimes) during Chinese holidays can get kind of hectic because of the swarms of Chinese tourists. Sometimes I'd enter restaurants in Thailand and I'd only hear the customers speaking Chinese! It was as if I hadn't even left China. lol I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing more Thai people when I visit Bangkok in two months.

[@ChatGoPT]

The best sentence said by a Chinese guy: " Life is short, you have to change your life faster if you have enough money "

[@svart7716]

Not good to be dependent on tourism: one plague, one bad gossip about the country, one disinformation can destroy the country’s reputation and thereby its livelihood.. Beautiful Thailand..

[@tripontube365]

"It's really embarrassing. Is Thailand incapable of finding other ways to generate income? When will we stop relying solely on tourism? When will we stop living off past merits (use their mother land to lure tourists money) and start innovating know-how for the nation?"

[@chinarise]

never～

[@hub6490]

It's more like you're too retarded for not knowing that Thailand's main income has come from manufacturing since the 80s. and tourism income has never been Thailand's main source of income even once. Even in the year 2019 (peak of tourism in Thai history) revenue from tourism accounts for only 9% of GDP.. it's relatively huge but far away from the word "rely solely on tourism" as your stupid claim.

[@chititewan]

Numbers are not as important as higher spending per head and long term visits.

[@nelsontan8178]

it's okay...thailand will survive...it does not need tourist really...

[@cocaineminor4420]

No it will not They rely on tourism heavily

[@Greenpoloboy3]

This is why I am always encouraging people when buying ready meals, to buy Thai ready meals, such as Thai Green Curry with Rice, to support the Thailand economy

[@ShahrezadNorMohammadiy9116]

*Be the person who breaks the cycle. If you were judged, choose understanding. If you were rejected, choose acceptance. If you were shamed, choose compassion. Be the person you needed when you were hurting, not the person who hurt you. Vow to be better than what broke you-to heal instead of becoming bitter so you can act from your heart, not your pain.*

[@Lyndanet]

✌🏽

[@jamesholland4608]

Thailands problems started when the Thai government started to raise the exchange rate .

[@knowledgeforyou2024]

love Thailand land of happy ❤❤🎉🎉

[@lz4737]

Only if more British could do their part and visit Thailand more, and help the locals to recover.

[@adomman1819]

Come to Indonesia Like Bali,Lombok, Komodo island and many more it's good to Healing.

[@adipratomooke]

Wonderful Indonesia

[@walkingstick6655]

Correction: the US market cap is greater than nearly all other countries combined, not GDP. Still, the US GDP is considerably greater than any other individual country.

[@WIZARDGAMINGCHANNEL27]

Was there really a drop? My wife is an ESL teacher with her students based in China. All of her students want to go to Thailand.

[@stevenhull5025]

Thanks to the legalisation of marijuana and it's no hold barred nightlife Thailand's economy is booming. To improve tourism even more Thailand should introduce a 90 day social visit pass for all foreigners such as its neighbour, Malaysia.

[@AB-fi5jt]

It’s so weird for a “tourist” to have that much concerns over how Thailand governs its country.

[@levitabacug3377]

I can’t think of a country that amassed wealth through tourism alone. If Thais see tourism as sustainable for economic growth, then good luck 🤞. Hope your marijuana open business will draw more tourists coming in.

[@hub6490]

It's more like you're too retarded for not knowing that Thailand's main income has come from manufacturing since the 80s. and tourism income has never been Thailand's main source of income even once. Even in the year 2019 (peak of tourism in Thai history) revenue from tourism accounts for only 9% of GDP.. while 58% of Thai GDP comes from exports.

[@terrysan8260]

Only BBC thinks that tourism is bad for a country -- go figure

[@Hunter-go4bv]

You want new investment it has to be technology innovation, and foreign investment. You cannot rely on tourism to fuel your economy.

[@intreoo]

Countries relying on tourism feels like influencers relying on views. I hope Thailand can find more emphasis on other ways to nurture its economy such as manufacturing or finance.

[@gregorywilson2124]

The dependency on tourism is idiotic. The should invest in the young people instead of exploiting them.

[@tliew3846]

Chinese are so much safer touring China's vast and beautiful vacation destinations. Their money also goes a lot further at home.

[@cocaineminor4420]

They also can come to Malaysia and Singapore to see beautiful destinations. In fact it's Their top destination right now.

[@N.N.N-w7f]

is tourism the only main source of income for the Thai government? what about other sources like export? I am just curious...

[@roymoxley2587]

Import tax is big money believe me

[@gihankanishka]

good luck to the couple !!!

[@narfer]

Thailand isn't missing anything.

[@ShahrezadNorMohammadiy9116]

😢 Every pain gives a lesson and every lesson changes a person🙏🏻

[@shahrzadtales]

Said wisely

[@AK_AVFC]

They're basically British tourists in benidorm/merbella/magaluf ect

[@aman888]

Can Thailand reduce its Russian tourists too?

[@man_3782]

there are not many Russians there, just Kazakhs, Belarusians and Ukrainians also speak Russian

[@aman888]

@@man_3782 are you kidding? they are Russians. Statistically, even Thai tourism reports that based on their passport. It's not just anecdotal. The Thai government has now even extended standard visas lengths to Russians to 90 days.

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

We are friendly with everybody, Darling kiss kiss joop joop

[@aman888]

@@VintageThaiLadyBoy everybody exept the Thai locals

[@xian4616]

BESIDES from China there are some are from Viet, Myanmar , SG , Indo and Nepal visitors.

[@jerryteh420]

Malaysian here, went just before covid, wasted 6 hours plus for River Market scam from tourist counter just infront of our hotel

[@ktng3176]

River markets or Floating markets are mushrooming across Thailand. Many are setup to attract tourists only 😂😂😂

[@cc2016]

Thailand is doing just fine with other tourist ❤❤

[@IamHandsome4u]

No, they are not.

[@kalima3683]

This report only scratches the surface. Thailand being portrayed as a party place and more tolerant of the lgbtq community is fine, but what about the post pandemic economic situation in China, and it’s affect on disposal income, and the effects this has on people’s future? The scare tactics of kidnapping, drugs, and being hustled by gangsters should be explored more.

[@こんにゃく-c2h]

I'd love to visit Thailand!!!!

[@neoflying]

That’s why our ancestors said “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket “

[@jobturkey7418]

When your entire economy requires depending on others you should rethink the approach

[@jjsamuelgunn1136]

tell albanese

[@funnymakerboy4199]

I would like to take the next few years to Thailand, it is a very fun country..

[@irishque]

its the same old thing..thats thailand's problem

[@frixosfriedman7813]

The vibrancy of Thailand has gone down since the military coup in 2014 (which removed the democratically elected leader from office) and this decline was also accelerated by Covid. In Bangkok, the junta have cleared away street food areas which were once popular amongst tourists and locals. Some exciting nightlife areas have become gentrified with 'chain' places like Starbucks replacing independent local cafes and restaurants. Many open air eating areas have been closed down to make way for new (usually empty) condos and especially shopping malls. The gov has also cracked down on many nightlife areas and imposed massive fines on bars and clubs for various reasons. Venues havent been allowed to remain open past 2am since 2014. There definately doesnt seem to be as many bars or clubs since covid. I think many closed down and didnt reopen. Furthermore, things are more expensive since Covid now too, especially in the touristy islands. In Bangkok, the pollution has become a big problem that discourages people to go out, so that is also a contributing factor. The have made weed legal here now. Their bright idea was that this would boost the economy. But did they really think this is enough? Because it isn't. I think tourists come here now and don't get as much excitement as Thailand is reputed to have (I believe it was once more exciting), and then on top of that don't feel as though it's particularly cheap either. I assume the trend will continue, that is until the junta leave, which doesnt look like it will be happening any time soon.

[@albertteng1191]

Vietnam will probably replace thailand

[@peena5408]

The junta is already left. Election was done earlier in May.

[@mbbsboi7248]

​@@albertteng1191I don't know about replace, but Vietnam will surely be a big player

[@skycloud4802]

Nothing turns me off quicker than knowing a place stinks of weed. Asian countries are usually considered very clean places that frown on substance misuse, so it's a shame Thailand become more seedy and gross.

[@bakabon114]

You probably missed a news. The Junta is gone since May this year!! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Thai_general_election

[@ironman-vb7zs]

I'm Chinese, and my advice is that you don't want CCP money.

[@yellowbhee9797]

London is cold at this time of the year.....

[@peterking3186]

😂😂😂

[@VintageThaiLadyBoy]

This is why everyone should come to Thailand. It's warm and it's insanely photogetic! You''ll be an instant superstar among friends and fam.

[@pipiqiqi4010]

@@VintageThaiLadyBoy we want out kidneys still in our body, Thailand is transferring station for Chinese trafficking to Myanmar.

[@danielxia8801]

I love Thailand compare with other Southeast Asia countries is the fact that they have that much of pretty girls, even they aren’t originally 😅

[@cocaineminor4420]

Bruh Vietnam has more pretty girls compared to Thailand

[@zhengjy5401]

@@cocaineminor4420 vietnam has more strict regulation on prostitution industry than thailand does

[@Olly07]

08th January 2024 - 5:14am

[@Andrew-w2x6b]

Please show the data,OK?

[@potsawatpinchusri8716]

@@pas4585indian replace those chinese and thais are fine with it

[@Allmoney8]

A gay couple cannot start a family. Come on now 🤦‍♂️

[@Allmoney8]

People have to stop thinking like that

[@Kiwionwing]

Thailand may wish backpackers back

[@DR_1_1]

That was like 30 years ago I think... I mean there are still some backpackers! but they are like 3% in numbers, and 0.01% in revenues.

[@jw841]

Ironically it was the backpackers that made Thailand a tourist destination in the first place.

[@skyhigh6650]

nobody wants the begpackers back

[@SamuelPadua-oe6cu]

LUGAR MUITO BONITO E LINDAS PRAIAS.

[@gerrylast]

I find it hard to trust the BBC given inability to pronounce the letter "h" correctly or to do that story on malcombe to x correctly without confusing itself.😅

[@AngpaopaoPao]

จริงๆแล้ว การที่นักท่องเที่ยวจากจีนลดลง คนไทยท้องถิ่นที่ไม่ได้ทำการท่องเที่ยว กลับมีความสุขมากขึ้น คนที่กี่ยวข้องมีกี่คนกัน การจราจรก็ย่ำแย่ แต่ทางรัฐบาลอยากเอาใจคนที่ทำการท่องเที่ยว ส่วนคนที่ทำอาชีพอื่นที่เขาไม่สุขสบายกับที่มีนักท่องเที่ยวมากเกินไป เขาไม่ออกมาบ่น เพราะเห็นใจคนไทยด้วยกัน แต่ในระยะยาวเรารู้ว่า เราต้องเปลี่ยนแต่มันต้องใช้เวลา

[@suchat8310]

ถูกต้อง คนเยอะ รถติด เสียงดัง ขยะเต็มซอย... เราไม่ได้ทำธุรกิจที่ได้ประโยชน์จากนักท่องเที่ยว....เซ็งโคตร... อาจมีคนถามว่าทำไมแกไม่ทำ??? อ้าวก็ข้ามีอาชีพของข้าอยู่...😂😂😂

[@mesamis144]

คนต่างชาติพวกนี้การศึกษาต่ำคอมเม้นคิดว่ารายได้คนไทยมาจากการท่องเที่ยว และผู้ชายต่างชาติแก่ๆ ทั้งที่ในคลิปก็เห็นว่าผู้ชายหนุ่มไทย entertain ผญ แต่จริงๆรายได้หลักของประเทศมาจากการส่งออกสินค้า