Restoring Confidence: TAT’s Efforts to Assure Chinese Tourists After Actor’s Disappearance

Authorities Act to Reassure Tourists

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is actively working to restore confidence among Chinese tourists following the troubling case of actor Xingxing’s disappearance. Xingxing, also known as Wang Xing, was reported missing last Friday upon his arrival in Mae Sot, a district in Tak province, for a film shoot. The news of his disappearance quickly circulated on social media, igniting widespread concern among Chinese citizens regarding their safety in Thailand.

Recovery and Investigation

Fortunately, Thai and Myanmar authorities were able to rescue Xingxing on Tuesday. Initial investigations revealed that he had been conned by a Chinese gang via the WeChat app, who lured him to a supposed film shoot in a third country using Thailand as a transit point.

TAT’s Response

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool recognized the incident’s repercussions on Chinese social media but reassured that it has not yet impacted overall tourism in Thailand. “We must be prepared to handle online crises and monitor public sentiment,” she stated, mentioning that five TAT offices in China are actively managing the situation and educating both Thai and Chinese citizens regarding cyber threats.

Looking Ahead: Chinese New Year and Tourism Goals

In anticipation of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, TAT is collaborating with the Tourist Police to bolster safety measures. Thapanee noted, “We expect a significant increase in Chinese visitors compared to last year.” TAT aims for a remarkable rise in Chinese tourist numbers, projecting a total of 9 million visitors in 2025, with an overarching goal of ultimately welcoming 10 million tourists, generating THB 500 billion in revenue.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these ambitious goals, obstacles remain, particularly due to China’s policy encouraging domestic tourism and restrictions on public officials traveling abroad. Nonetheless, TAT is optimistic about the potential for a resurgence in tourist numbers and is focused on ensuring tourist safety and confidence.