Bangkok: The government is moving forward to increase confidence among tourists in all dimensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Thailand continues to rank among the top destinations for Chinese tourists, as revealed by the latest data from Alipay and its affiliated application Alipay+. During the long Labor Day holiday and the recent Golden Week festival, Thailand maintained its position among the top five most popular destinations for Chinese travelers, alongside Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, and South Korea. Other popular destinations included Malaysia, Singapore, France, Canada, and Italy.
Thailand’s sustained popularity is attributed to several factors. The convenience offered by the Alipay payment system, which supports Chinese tourists by covering expenses at restaurants, hotels, department stores, and transportation systems, plays a significant role. Additionally, the variety of tourist attractions, the rich culture, and the warm welcome extended by Thai people align with the government’s strategy to promote a sustainable tourism industry.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the first quarter of 2025 saw Thailand welcoming more than 9.5 million foreign tourists, with China being the top source country. A total of 1,331,434 Chinese tourists visited Thailand, followed by tourists from Malaysia, Russia, India, South Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and France.
To maintain and enhance tourist confidence, the government is planning a special event, ‘Sawasdee Ni Hao,’ on May 29, 2025. This event will invite entrepreneurs and media from China to experience Thailand firsthand, strengthening cultural relations and promoting tourism in a tangible way.
Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, deputy government spokeswoman, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the quality of Thai tourism across all dimensions, focusing on safety, convenience, and modernizing services. This commitment aims to ensure that Thailand remains a top global destination and continues to impress tourists.