TAT forecasts surge of Chinese tourists into Thailand via land in 2023

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that over 300,000 Chinese tourists are expected to cross into Thailand overland next year. This surge is due to the China-Laos railway, contributing to visitor numbers, especially in the northeast’s second-tier cities.

Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT’s regional marketing director for East Asia, indicated that around 70,000 to 100,000 Chinese tourists, 2% to 3% of the projected 3.5 million arrivals for this year, entered Thailand through four major border checkpoints. Many of these tourists utilised the China-Laos railway before connecting to Thailand.

The northeast checkpoints include Nong Khai and two locations in Loei: Thali and Dan Sai. The north’s gateway is the Chiang Khong immigration station in Chiang Rai. Tourists usually spend an average of 15 days travelling around the northeast…