Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has stirred up conversations in an innovative approach towards bolstering security for Chinese tourists in the country. The initiative seeks to integrate officers from the People’s Republic of China into patrols around some of Thailand’s popular tourist attractions. The ultimate objective is to bolster confidence amongst potential Chinese visitors, who, post-pandemic, appear less enticed by the visa-free policy Thailand offers.
This move was instigated by an unfortunate series of events involving Chinese tourists, whose concerns about safety rose following a shooting incident at the renowned Siam Paragon shopping mall that resulted in a Chinese national’s death. Besides, several reports of kidnappings involving Chinese citizens have exacerbated fears. Therefore, these unforeseen circumstances have driven the Thai administration to improve security measures for its largest group of foreign visitors.
On November 12th, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin convened a crucial meeting with key representatives from Thailand’s Tourist Police, Immigration Police, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Despite the significance of such a meeting, the Prime Minister refrained from addressing the media due to a scheduled trip to the US for the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. However, Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, the director of TAT, undertook the responsibility of briefing the public on the meeting’s outcomes.
Thapanee elucidated that the discussions revolved around foreign tourists’ safety in Thailand, primary focus being on Chinese visitors. They intend to initiate a patrol project incorporating the Chinese police, with discussions planned with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on November 15th. The proposed plan will see Chinese police officers patrolling select tourist hubs alongside their Thai counterparts. The authorities are confident that this strategy, previously successful in Italy, will help instill trust in potential Chinese visitors.
The aim is to provide Chinese law enforcement with firsthand experience of the Thai police’s efforts to guarantee tourist safety. Considering the high regard Chinese citizens have for their law enforcement officials, having Chinese police on the ground is seen as a crucial factor in bolstering safety measures for mainland Chinese travellers. Thapanee forecasted that this unique patrol project would help meet the annual target of attracting 4 to 4.4 million Chinese tourists.
In line with these efforts, the Royal Thai Police have been proactively cracking down on illicit firearms, unlawful businesses, and spread of misinformation that could potentially tarnish Thailand’s image. This comprehensive approach towards security exhibits the Thai government’s determination to safeguard its vital tourism sector, especially in this turbulent post-pandemic period.
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