Abduction of Chinese actor hurting tourism from China

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation, said 30-40% of Chinese tour groups have cancelled bookings in the eastern province. 

However, he confirmed that tour groups only accounted for 20% of total Chinese arrivals in the province, with independent travellers making up the rest.

Though news of the Chinese actor’s abduction might only affect Thai tourism in the short term, he noted that this caused difficulties for Thailand to attract Chinese travellers, who remain the biggest source for Thailand.

“Thai businesses have been hit by a slower-than-expected return of Chinese visitors, who have been more cautious on spending on everything due to China’s economic slowdown,” he said.

He…