Our deepest gratitude extends to the throngs of Chinese visitors who continue to place their trust in Thailand and its leadership,” asserted government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, in his most recent address on Saturday.
Guided by the firm hand of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, all relevant government branches are working tirelessly to implement enhanced security measures aimed at protecting both structures and visitors in Thailand, added Wacharonke.
In his address, he reiterated the government’s unflagging commitment to the safety and welfare of foreign enthusiasts gracing Thai soil.
Reminding his audience of a recent incident, the spokesperson delved into details of an event that occurred on October 3. In this horrifying incident, a 14-year-old armed assailant, wielding a makeshift firearm, went on a rampage at the upscale Siam Paragon shopping plaza, leaving two dead and injuring five.
A Chinese holidaymaker and one worker from Myanmar tragically lost their lives, while an additional Chinese tourist, a Laotian citizen, and three Thai nationals sustained injuries.
Regrettably, on October 13, a 30-year-old Thai woman who had managed to survive the initial onslaught but with severe gun wounds to her head and body, succumbed to her injuries, drawing the death count up to three.
Despite this heinous act, Wacharonke voiced optimism, citing data from Thailand’s airports that suggested undiminished confidence in Thailand’s prospects as a preferred tourist destination for Chinese tourists. According to these records, of the 650,000 Chinese tourists who had booked their flights to Thailand for later in the year, a whopping 590,000 stayed their course, confirming their travel plans even after the shooting incident.
While acknowledging a slight 9.2% dip in Chinese tourist arrivals, Wacharonke insisted that this deviation was within normal bounds and a testament to the Chinese tourists’ unwavering faith in Thailand’s commitment to providing a secure travel environment.
Under typical conditions,” he said, “we observe a variation of +/-15% in actual tourist arrivals compared to initial travel and accommodation bookings. This current divergence falls well within our regular statistical model.”
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