Arms open for Chinese return

Key tourism provinces are bracing for the return of tourists from China after the country reopens its borders tomorrow.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya of Chon Buri are popular among Chinese travellers. About 300,000 Chinese arrivals are forecast for the first quarter of the year, including January with a reduced total of only 60,000 due to limited seat capacity.

Suladda Sarutilavan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Chiang Mai Office, said the Chinese market plays a major role in driving the tourism sector in the province. Before the pandemic, it had welcomed 1 million Chinese travellers each year.

She said business operators are well-prepared for high demand after three years when most of the world was forced to abandon holiday plans and stay at home.

However, she said the number of arrivals is likely to increase gradually and the first…