Chinese tourists in Thailand have sharply decreased, with projections for 2025 showing just 5 million arrivals compared to the 10 million in previous years. PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand is currently facing a major issue with the significant decline in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country. Some media outlets have even described it as being in a “crisis” stage. It has been estimated and predicted that, for this year, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand will be around 5 million, compared to a peak of 10 million annually in the past. This issue is garnering attention because Thailand’s economy has long been reliant on tourism, with each successive government promoting the sector as a key factor for economic growth. The current situation regarding Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand reflects two main aspects: first, the noticeable drop in the number of tourists, and second, the change in travel behaviors. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in April 2025, Chinese tourists visiting Thailand averaged just 5,833 per day, which is less than one-third of the peak numbers before 2020. For the entire year of 2024, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand was far below the target of 7 million. The sharp decline in Chinese tourists visiting Thailand can be attributed to several factors. First, there is a sense of boredom with the traditional style of tourism and concerns about safety in Southeast Asian countries. Second, the travel behavior of Chinese tourists has changed, especially among Generation Z travelers. These tourists are increasingly opting for new destinations like Vietnam or Kazakhstan, rather than the traditional “Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore” tourism routes. This trend reflects a shift in the preferences and desires of Chinese tourists who are seeking new and unique travel experiences. It highlights changing demands from Chinese tourists, who are also increasingly concerned about safety in Southeast Asian countries. Chinese Generation Z travelers are choosing newer destinations like Vietnam and Kazakhstan, leaving traditional routes like Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore behind. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand in March this year dropped by 9% compared to the previous year, especially from East Asian markets. The number of Japanese tourists decreased by 36%, South Korean and Hong Kong tourists by 23%, and even the European market, which is usually strong, saw a decline of 4-9%. In Pattaya, the tourism scene is also visibly quieter, with the absence of Chinese tourists making the area feel deserted. Another important factor contributing to this decline is the recent earthquakes in Thailand, which have also affected tourist confidence. Images of collapsed buildings in Bangkok have further eroded foreign tourists’ trust in Thailand’s safety, as evidenced by reports from Japan. A tour operator in Tokyo mentioned that “NHK, Japan’s national television, broadcasted a map showing the seismic risks in Southeast Asia for three consecutive days. Even though Thailand wasn’t the epicenter of the earthquake on March 28, some customers who had booked tours to Thailand canceled their trips.” Additionally, images of the earthquake and collapsed buildings in Bangkok have been widely shared on Chinese media, contributing to negative news about Thailand in Chinese media outlets. Data from China’s comprehensive tourism platform shows that in the first quarter of 2025, searches for Thailand as a travel destination dropped by 19% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, emerging destinations such as Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Japan saw search interest increase by more than 35%. A Chinese travel blogger pointed out that “traditional tourist spots like the Grand Palace, ladyboy shows, and seafood markets seem to be less attractive now.” Another important reason is that “the cost of traveling to Thailand has gone up, including the cost of food, accommodation in tourist areas, and the exchange rate, with the yuan continuously weakening against the Thai baht.” A Chinese frequent visitor shared that the exchange rate for yuan to baht has decreased, with 1 yuan now equating to approximately 4.5 baht, compared to 1 yuan to 5 baht previously. This makes traveling to Thailand more expensive, prompting many to opt for traveling within China or to other countries instead. Additionally, accommodation and food prices in popular tourist areas have become more expensive, and some small-scale tourism operators continue to deceive tourists, especially Chinese tourists who frequently fall victim to scams like “Chinese scamming Chinese” or “Thai scamming Chinese.” A Chinese real estate investor in Thailand told the travel blogger that he is now postponing his purchase of a condominium because of the higher costs and more complicated procedures for transferring money into Thailand. The Thai Land Department has become stricter in its scrutiny of money transfers from abroad. The investor explained that paying for a condominium using money already in Thailand is no longer as simple as it used to be, and while there might be ways to circumvent the rules with under-the-table payments, he did not provide further details. Earthquakes and negative media coverage, coupled with economic uncertainty in China, have diminished tourists’ confidence in Thailand. An issue worth noting and debating is whether Thailand has been slow to adapt to the changing behaviors of Chinese tourists. As Chinese tourists’ behavior has shifted due to several factors, particularly the economic aspect where Chinese citizens are now more cautious with their spending, the once-booming tourism and shopping scenes in Thailand, especially duty-free shops, are now seeing a quieter atmosphere. Previously, Chinese tourists would eagerly shop during their trips, but now the shopping malls appear emptier. Chinese media reports state that “a Chinese hair salon owner in Pattaya was arrested,” as more and more Chinese nationals are coming to Thailand not for leisure travel, but to work and find business opportunities. This trend is now gaining traction, with many Chinese visitors now seeing Thailand as a place for business rather than just tourism. Many Chinese people have commented on international travel, stating that due to the economic uncertainties and the devaluation of property, they feel less secure than before. Moreover, the Chinese government has been promoting domestic tourism heavily in the past 2-3 years, and it seems to be working. Some Chinese citizens have written in online comments that “tourism within China is better than going to Thailand, considering the cost, convenience, and safety.” Others have mentioned that “tourism in China has progressed far more than in Thailand.” Despite the downturn in Chinese tourism to Thailand, the Thai government continues to push tourism campaigns in China aggressively. This includes organizing roadshows to promote Thailand’s tourism and Thai cuisine in second- and third-tier cities, aiming to increase awareness of Thailand as a travel destination and attract more Chinese visitors. The marketing strategy of “targeting smaller cities” has been a successful tactic for countries like South Korea, which used it to promote Jeju Island and saw an 18% increase in visitors in 2019. Adapting new marketing strategies may be key to helping Thailand open its doors to new groups of tourists. Lastly, offering free visas to Chinese nationals might stimulate tourism in the short term, but it is not a sustainable solution. It could even become a channel for Chinese nationals to come to work rather than just for tourism. The decision of whether a Chinese tourist will visit Thailand or not depends on many factors, and it needs to be assessed holistically. Issues like Thailand’s cannabis legalization are also a concern for high-quality Chinese tourists, who might feel uneasy about it. Attracting high-quality Chinese tourists is something Thailand’s tourism sector desires, but in order to do so, Thailand may need to improve its social environment and tourism management. Thailand remains a beautiful country with diverse tourist destinations and cuisine, and with better management, it could still attract more high-quality Chinese tourists.

Thunderstorms ahead, but Pattaya still buzzes over long weekend break. PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite unstable weather conditions forecast for much of Thailand this week, Pattaya remains a popular destination as large crowds are expected to arrive for the upcoming long weekend, May 9–12 (Friday – Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Monday – Visakha Bucha Day substitution). The Thailand Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of summer storms across the northern and northeastern regions, as well as parts of the central and eastern provinces — including Chonburi, where Pattaya is located. According to the latest 24-hour forecast released on May 8, upper Thailand will experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds in some areas, with occasional hail and lightning also possible from May 9 to 12. These conditions are due to a moderate high-pressure system from China extending over Vietnam and the South China Sea, clashing with Thailand’s hot to very hot air mass. In Bangkok and its metropolitan area, hot weather will prevail with scattered thunderstorms expected in about 30% of the region. Temperatures are projected to range between 26–28°C in the early mornings and peak at 34–36°C during the afternoons. Similarly, in Pattaya, tourists should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially isolated afternoon storms and gusty winds, though skies may remain clear for much of the day. The southern region, including coastal areas along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, is forecast to see increased rainfall, especially on the western side, with the potential for flash floods and runoff in mountainous zones. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution as wave heights in the Gulf and Andaman Sea may exceed 2 meters during thunderstorms. Even with the unpredictable conditions, hotel bookings and beachfront activity in Pattaya remain strong, a testament to the city’s enduring appeal as a holiday hotspot. Local businesses and tourism operators are continuing operations as usual, while authorities urge caution and preparedness for changing weather patterns. Tourists planning outdoor activities are advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and seek shelter during severe weather. The Meteorological Department emphasized public awareness of health risks linked to temperature fluctuations and strong winds, especially for those in high-risk or outdoor professions.

Noise, Speed, and No Helmets: Residents fed up with unchanging bike behavior in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite frequent police efforts to curb reckless riding in Pattaya, many expats say the situation feels unchanged—and hopeless. From speeding motorcycles with deafening exhausts to helmetless tourists weaving dangerously through traffic, the lack of lasting enforcement has created an atmosphere of frustration and fear among long-term foreign residents. “It’s not just Pattaya,” one commenter pointed out. “All of Thailand is like this—but nothing will change as usual.” Authorities have in recent months launched publicized crackdowns, including the destruction of illegal exhaust pipes in photo-op events. However, critics argue that symbolic gestures aren’t enough. “Squashing car and bike exhausts for a PR stunt? Squashing the bikes would send a stronger message,” another wrote. Many expats and locals agree the noise from modified bikes, especially at night, has become unbearable. “The noise every night is so annoying. I live not far from Sukhumvit and it’s a racetrack between lights. It’s just macho crap—also so dangerous,” a resident shared. Crackdowns or PR Stunts? Foreigners call for real action on dangerous riders. Suggestions from the community range from immediate bike confiscation, heavy fines, and one-year bans, to IQ tests on arrival. “Half of Thai riders fall into that category already—that should keep them off the roads. But it doesn’t. Hurt their wallet. Take the bike right away,” another commenter said bluntly. The behavior is not limited to Thais either. Tourists are also blamed. “95% of tourists have no helmets, no shirts, and no licenses,” one user noted. “The police should stop being lazy in front of Soi 9, where they rack up safe helmet-wearing tourists, and go after speeding and noisy riders who are the real danger.” Even simple urban design changes are called for. “Speed bumps are helpful,” one person suggested, calling for more traffic-calming measures. Still, the most biting critique came from a commenter who quipped: “The lower the IQ, the louder the pipes.” In the end, while police make sporadic efforts and city officials promise action, many residents remain skeptical. The dangerous habits on Pattaya’s roads, they say, seem to roar louder than any official can silence. Roaring Chaos: Expats say Pattaya’s roads still lawless despite police efforts.

When in Thailand, respect goes a long way. A wai and a smile can open more doors than ignorance ever will. (Photo – Shoe swallows tourist’s leg — stunned foreigner left in tears as kind-hearted Thais rush to help during Songkran water festival in Chiang Mail, April ‘25) PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand continues to attract millions of international visitors each year, a growing divide is emerging between tourists who make an effort to understand and respect local customs—and those who treat the country as a consequence-free playground. While many foreigners are eager to learn about Thai traditions, etiquette, and values, a vocal number of longtime residents and locals express frustration over a persistent stream of cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and outright disrespect. From public disturbances and street fights to reckless driving and tone-deaf social media content, examples of bad tourist behavior seem to dominate headlines far more than stories of positive engagement. “It doesn’t matter what nationality you are. Respect the Thai law and tradition,” wrote a Swiss man who has lived in Thailand for years. “You are a guest here even if you’re supporting Thai businesses. Just make a wai and your excuse will be accepted.” This simple gesture—the wai, a polite bow with hands pressed together—is just one of many small ways foreigners can show humility and respect in a country where social harmony, deference, and face-saving are deeply rooted cultural values. But not every visitor is prepared—or willing—to adapt. The “live free, party hard” mindset that some tourists bring to destinations like Pattaya, Phuket, and even Chiang Mai has drawn criticism from both locals and expats. Some residents believe Thailand’s friendly reputation is being taken advantage of, and that leniency toward foreigners has gone too far. “9 out of 10 posts are about bad behavior, fights, car accidents, and general farang stupidity,” commented one observer on social media. “There certainly has to be something good to write about.” Indeed, many foreign visitors and long-term residents do respect Thai norms, often going to great lengths to learn the language, study local customs, and contribute positively to their communities. It’s these individuals who often become unofficial ambassadors for their countries of origin—demonstrating that cultural exchange can work, and work well. The foreigner thanks kind Thai locals in tears after freak accident traps leg — ‘I’ll never forget your kindnesses’.

Strong Baht, Weak Signal – Tourists feel the pinch as Thailand’s currency stays firm, driving them toward cheaper regional alternatives. PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand, once considered the gold standard of Southeast Asian tourism, is facing increasing headwinds as its currency strengthens and neighboring countries grow more aggressive in luring travelers with competitive pricing, friendlier visa policies, and fresh experiences. Foreign visitors and tourism industry insiders are beginning to take note — and not always in a good way. As of May 8, the Thai baht opened at 32.87 against the U.S. dollar, a slight depreciation from the previous day’s close of 32.70. Despite the weakening, the baht remains relatively strong compared to regional currencies, which has a direct effect on tourists’ wallets. A more expensive baht means Thailand no longer offers the same “value for money” appeal it once did, especially when neighboring nations like Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines offer similar experiences at lower costs. The baht’s recent movement followed comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who maintained a wait-and-see approach on interest rate cuts. The Fed’s stance, coupled with increased concerns about stagflation — a mix of slowing growth and stubborn inflation — has supported the U.S. dollar’s rebound. As a result, the baht has fluctuated between 32.66 and 32.93 per dollar, with resistance expected around the 33.00 mark. Some analysts suggest that while the baht’s weakness may temporarily help Thai exports and inbound tourism, the broader currency environment and mixed investor sentiment — including foreign dividend outflows — may limit any significant depreciation. Simultaneously, factors such as the launch of ESG-focused Thai investment funds could offer limited support to the baht, though inflows into Thai bonds may slow as investors begin to take profits and reevaluate long-baht positions. All of this is happening against a backdrop of intensified competition in the region. Vietnam, for example, has recently attracted global headlines with its push to increase visa-free entry and position itself as a calmer, more culturally rich alternative to Thailand. Many travelers now praise Vietnam for its affordability and “better-behaved” tourists, a not-so-subtle jab at the often chaotic scenes in places like Pattaya and Phuket. While Thailand still enjoys strong global brand recognition, the tide may be shifting. If the baht remains strong and the tourism offerings stay stagnant, the Land of Smiles could risk losing its competitive edge — not only to neighbors offering similar tropical beauty and street food delights, but also to countries that are perceived as safer, better value, and less commercialized.

ทุกวันนี้ผมว่ามันไม่มีหน้าโลว หน้าไฮ เหมือนสมัยก่อนแล้ว ฝรั่งจะมามากมายน้อย มันเดาได้ยากมาก ยิ่งสมัยนี้อาชีพการงานมีหลากหลายขึ้น บางคนมาเที่ยวทั้งปีก็มี ทำงานอยู่นี่เลยก็เยอะ โลกเปลี่ยนไปแล้ว อีกอย่างกฎเกณฑ์ในการคัดนักท่องเที่ยวมันก็ฉีกแนวกว่าแต่ก่อน คือถ้ามีน้อง ๆ ถามว่าไปทำงานพัทยาตอนนี้ดีมั้ย ฝรั่งจะเยอะช่วงไหน ส่วนตัวนะ อันนี้ส่วนตัวจริง ๆ ถ้าตั้งใจจะมาก็มา มาเลย! มาดูทำเล ดูรูปแบบงาน จะลงทุนทำอะไรก็มาลองสักตั้ง สถานการณ์อนาคตมันคาดเดายาก ซอยนู้นคนแน่นฝั่งเราคนเงียบ ร้านนั่นมีแต่ฝรั่ง ร้านเราอินเดียเหมา มันเป็นไปได้ทั้งนั้น หน้าโลวหน้าไฮไม่มีผลอะไรแล้ว เก็บออมให้ดี รักษาสุขภาพ และภาวนาขอให้ตัวเองถูกหวย

Mum and son fling onto road after Pattaya motorbike crashLegacyA late-night ride turned into a nightmare after a mother and her young son were violently hurled from their motorbike during a high-speed crash in Pattaya. The terrifying accident occurred just after midnight yesterday, May 8, in Soi Boon Kanjanaram 8. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene after reports that a motorbike had slammed into a roadside electric pole, leaving two critically injured. Rescue teams arrived to find 34 year old Chotirot Prakothan lying in a pool of blood. She had sustained a fractured skull and a broken left leg. Just metres away, her young son, who had been riding pillion, was unconscious with a serious head injury. Both were stabilised on-site and immediately transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The crash scene was littered with debris. The pair’s black Yamaha Grand Filano scooter was found mangled, with the front destroyed from the force of impact. An eyewitness, 32 year old Piyaphon Kopatthakit, told police he had been riding in the opposite direction when the crash unfolded before his eyes. “I saw the bike hit a patch of sand and lose control. It skidded and smashed into the pole. The impact threw them in opposite directions.” Piyaphon quickly called for help as bystanders rushed to assist. Police Lieutenant Phuttharak Sonkhamhan, Deputy Investigator at the Pattaya City Police Station (Dongtan Curve Substation), arrived at the scene to examine the wreckage and record evidence. Officers noted the presence of loose gravel and sand, which may have contributed to the crash, reported The Pattaya News. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to pinpoint the exact cause of the incident. Investigations remain ongoing. In similar news, a young man was left in critical condition after crashing his motorbike into a power pole in the early hours of February 20. The accident happened at approximately 2.40am on Thepkrasattri Road, near the entrance to Soi Srisoonthorn (Soi RCA) in Village 5, Srisoonthorn, Phuket. The story Mum and son fling onto road after Pattaya motorbike crash as seen on Thaiger News.

Nowhere to hide: ‘Digital Crime Clock’ targets Pattaya’s criminalsLegacyIn a high-tech twist straight out of a crime thriller, Pattaya police have rolled out a mobile crime-tracking system that could change the game for criminals lurking in the shadows. Dubbed the “Digital Crime Clock,” this innovative platform is the first of its kind in Thailand’s Provincial Police Region 2 and offers real-time crime data at officers’ fingertips. The system transforms old-school pinboards into a digital dashboard, making crime mapping as easy as checking your phone. The initiative, championed by Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepjumnong, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, is part of a broader push to integrate cutting-edge tech into everyday policing. AI-powered facial recognition is already helping officers identify suspects and monitor known troublemakers across the region. “The Digital Crime Clock is a tool to enhance—not replace—our officers’ work,” explained Police Major Sittiwat Katchamat, Deputy Superintendent for Prevention at Pattaya City Police Station. “It lets us make quick, accurate decisions based on real-time data.” The platform records incident details—type of crime, date, time, and location—and plots them digitally for easy access. Officers can then view patterns and deploy patrols accordingly. And the results are already speaking for themselves. Take Pattaya’s central beachfront, once a hotspot for late-night assaults. By crunching the numbers, police identified that attacks were most common between 3am and 4am, reported The Pattaya News. “We adjusted our patrol schedule,” said Sittiwat. “And the number of incidents dropped significantly.” While Sittiwat didn’t cite specific statistics, he said even a modest drop of 5-10% is a sign they’re on the right track. “It means we’re using our expertise to serve the public and the Royal Thai Police effectively,” he said. “That’s a win.” The Pattaya City Police Station is the first in the region to implement the system, but not the last. The ultimate goal? Expansion across the eastern provinces for standardised, data-driven policing—backed by the motto: “Trust, Faith, Professionalism.” Whether it’s petty theft or something more sinister, criminals might want to start checking the time. Because in Pattaya, the clock is ticking—and the police are watching. The story Nowhere to hide: ‘Digital Crime Clock’ targets Pattaya’s criminals as seen on Thaiger News.

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