How Vietnam’s Tourism Boom Outpaced Thailand: Insights from Thanet Supornsahasrangsi

In recent years, the gentle sway of Thailand’s palm trees against a backdrop of azure beaches isn’t luring as many travelers from China and Russia as it used to. Instead, these wanderlust souls find themselves captivated by the charm of Vietnam’s vibrant tapestry of experiences. From more economical lodging to around-the-clock culinary offerings, Vietnam has crafted a new allure that’s hard to resist, leading the nation to welcome twice the number of tourists than its neighbor, Thailand.

Thanet Supornsahasrangsi, the articulate President of the Chon Buri Tourism Council, has voiced his concerns about this shift. He remarks that Thailand’s tourism image is fraught with difficulties. Once a favorite playground for Chinese visitors, tourist-dependent locales like Pattaya now find themselves in an eerie dance with dwindling footfalls due to a substantial reduction in Chinese arrivals, a market segment that has been pivotal for tourism in Chon Buri province.

Historically, a common travel path would see tourists touch down in the buzzing metropolis of Bangkok, and then spill over into the coastal party town of Pattaya or surrounding scenic spots. However, the tides have shifted dramatically with nearly a 50% decrease in Chinese tourist influx, encompassing both solo travelers and those booking through digital travel platforms.

This sharp downturn hasn’t gone unnoticed. Coupled with sluggish governmental reactions to souring news narratives, Thailand’s once-thriving tourist magnets are spinning into uncharted territory. While there seems to be a glimmer of hope with a seasonal surge in European tourists seeking Thailand’s balmy ambience from November to March, these numbers ebb as quickly as they flow when the cold winds cease.

On the flip side, the air lanes to countries like Vietnam and even Egypt are busier than ever with Russian tourists, mirroring a changing paradigm in travel preferences. The shift in flights alone paints a worrisome picture for the stakeholders in Thai tourism.

The underlying challenges facing Thailand have been numerous and tenacious. Thanet explains that incidents, such as the unfortunate shooting involving Chinese tourists and the harrowing kidnapping drama involving a Chinese celebrity at the Thai border, have cast shadows of doubt on the safety assurances once thought robust. Coupled with tremors from an untimely earthquake, these factors have stirred the pot of skepticism among potential Chinese tourists.

In contrast, Vietnam triumphs with a cocktail of affordability and accessibility, serving up nourishing accommodations at prices significantly below Thailand’s, and bolstering its appeal with attractions that stretch beyond the postcards. Be it enchanting natural wonders or spirited man-made amusements, Vietnam delivers in spades. KhaoSod reports illustrate that in March alone, Vietnam hosted nearly 700,000 Chinese tourists compared to Thailand’s meager 300,000, showcasing a significant shift in tourist allegiance.

Meanwhile, Japan, despite facing an economic whirlwind with a weakened yen, is maneuvering to pull Chinese visitors back into its fold, spurred by the same regional drivers that favor Vietnam.

As the balmy winds of Thailand whisper through its coconut trees, the challenge remains for this idyllic destination to renew its irresistible promise of paradise, crafting a narrative that beckons travelers back to indulge in its rich tapestry of experiences.