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Government Expects Tourism Rebound Within Two Months
“It is expected that there will be visible, positive results within one or two months,” government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, adding that the Lunar New Year holiday in February should bring a seasonal bump in arrivals.
The announcement follows a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Anutin and President Xi during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea last week, where Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s opposition to gambling resort development.
Xi Jinping Agrees to Internal Tourism Discussions
President Xi agreed to hold internal discussions on encouraging tourism to Thailand after receiving assurances about the country’s stance on gambling. According to Prime Minister Anutin, Xi praised the anti-casino commitment and indicated that while China would not have interfered with Thailand’s decision to authorize casinos, he would have taken internal measures to discourage Chinese citizens from traveling abroad purely for casino tourism.
“President Xi appeared satisfied with the confirmation,” Anutin stated. “The talks went well and were full of mutual understanding. President Xi appeared more at ease when he learned that the current Thai government has no policy to legalize casinos.”
President Xi reportedly emphasized that China would use its own internal measures to discourage citizens from traveling for casino tourism, citing the severe negative impacts of gambling on daily life.
Sharp Decline in Chinese Visitor Numbers
Thailand’s tourism sector has experienced a concerning downturn in Chinese arrivals, historically the country’s largest source of international visitors. The country expects 33.4 million visitors in 2025, nearly 6% less than in 2024 and the first decline in foreign arrivals since the pandemic.
Only 2.3 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in the first half of 2025, down approximately one-third from the same period in 2024. Before the pandemic, nearly 11 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand annually, accounting for about one-quarter of all arrivals.
The decline has been attributed to multiple factors, including safety concerns following the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Myanmar through Thailand, which triggered a wave of Lunar New Year trip cancellations.
Policy Shift From Previous Administration
The current government’s position represents a significant policy reversal from the previous administration. Earlier this year, President Xi reportedly warned former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra against casino legalization, expressing concerns about potential negative consequences on tourism and bilateral trade.
“We have other options to improve the economy of Thailand, relying on the capabilities of the Thai people, Thai products, and Thai technology,” Prime Minister Anutin stated, confirming that his government has no policy to use casinos as an engine for economic stimulus.
Anutin, of the Bhumjaithai Party, became prime minister after the party disavowed Shinawatra, prompting her removal. The Pheu Thai Party, which previously led the government, has been relegated to the opposition.
Strategic Positioning in Regional Tourism Market
By publicly rejecting casino legalization, Thailand seeks to distinguish itself from regional destinations such as Macau, the Philippines, and Singapore, where casinos are legal and heavily promoted. The policy positions Thailand as a family-friendly, culturally aligned destination for Chinese tourists.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has identified Chinese travelers as a key target group for recovery. The government expects arrivals from China to accelerate through the end of 2025, particularly as new visa-free travel measures and promotional campaigns take effect.
Industry leaders have urged the government to pair the no-casino policy with stronger efforts to enhance safety, improve tourist infrastructure, and simplify payment systems for Chinese travelers, including digital yuan and WeChat Pay compatibility.
50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
The meeting between the two leaders occurred ahead of the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations in 2025. Prime Minister Anutin noted the milestone as a key moment to establish a joint vision for a “safe and prosperous future” between the two nations.
During the discussions, Anutin extended an invitation to Chinese tourists to return to Thailand, guaranteeing the government would ensure their safety and security. The Prime Minister also commended President Xi’s commitment to joint efforts in suppressing cybercrime, which Thailand considers a national priority requiring regional cooperation.
China remains Thailand’s largest trading partner, while Thailand ranks among China’s largest sources of tourists, underscoring the economic significance of the bilateral relationship beyond tourism alone.
Source: Bloomberg
