Chinese tourists are losing confidence in travelling in Thailand again as their bookings slow for the coming months, following a recent case involving police officers extorting Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo, says the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta).
Policemen were arrested for kidnapping and extorting five Chinese nationals, as the investigation probes possible links to transnational crime syndicates.
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok posted on Facebook a request for the Thai authorities to conduct "a proper, fair and transparent investigation to find the truth as soon as possible, and bring those responsible to judgement".
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of Atta, said this incident went viral on Chinese social media over the past week.
He said the perception is negative as officials were reportedly involved, which affects Chinese sentiment because they typically have strong trust in government officers.
The embassy is calling on Thailand to strengthen its law enforcement and maintain order. The country warned Chinese nationals residing in Thailand or planning to visit to exercise precautions.
Mr Adith said the announcement from the Chinese embassy reinforces the gravity of the case.
Travel agents have already started to receive cancellations, while new bookings from the Chinese market are slowing, he noted.
However, it is too early to gauge the long-term impact on Chinese arrivals this year as the incident occurred less than a week ago, said Mr Adith.
Thailand must plan ahead for stimulus and marketing measures for the low season, especially when the Chinese school holidays begin in July, he said.
Despite the incident, Atta remains bullish about the Chinese market, targeting 7 million arrivals this year.
This month daily Chinese arrivals averaged 20,000, which is an acceptable level, said Mr Adith.
Atta is organising a travel roadshow to four cities in China next week in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
According to the TAT, China is Thailand's largest tourist market with 2.16 million arrivals this year, an 18.8% year-on-year increase as of May 17.
Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said a greater tourism impact is expected if Chinese social media continues to discuss this case, although there has been no immediate effect on Pattaya.
Mr Thanet said it would be very fortunate if Chinese arrivals did not fall by more than 20-30% from last year's 4.47 million, given this criminal case.
He said the Thai government must investigate this incident and clearly communicate with the Chinese government and its people to regain trust.
