Confidence among Chinese tourists is declining after an extortion case involving Chinese nationals, prompting the embassy to warn visitors to exercise precautions. Apichart Jinakul
Chinese tourists are losing confidence in travelling in Thailand again as their bookings slow for the coming months, following a recent case involving police officers extorting Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo, says the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta).Policemen were arrested for kidnapping and extorting five Chinese nationals, as the investigation probes possible links to transnational crime syndicates.
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok posted on Facebook a request for the Thai authorities to conduct "a proper, fair and transparent investigation to find the truth as soon as possible, and bring those responsible to judgement".
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of Atta, said this incident went viral on Chinese social media over the past week.
He said the perception is negative as officials were reportedly involved, which affects Chinese sentiment because they typically have strong trust in government officers.
