Thailand Already Has a China Problem And Casinos Might Make It Worse
Photo Credit: Tourists at a night market in Pai in Thailand. Pexels / David Egon
Skift Take
To gamble or not to gamble, that's Thailand's dilemma. Integrated resorts could boost revenue, but there's also the risk of losing Chinese tourists, a market already shrinking over safety worries.
Thailand’s once-thriving Chinese tourist market is under threat. Once a top destination for millions of Chinese travelers, the Land of Smiles is now facing a steep decline in arrivals.
Concerns over safety, economic uncertainties in China, and changing travel preferences have already led to this number going down. Now, a new factor threatens to further challenge this: Thailand’s controversial plan to legalize casinos.
Chinese tourists have historically made up a large portion of Thailand’s tourism revenue, and their reluctance to return in large numbers spells trouble for the country. And if China decides to actively discourage its citizens from visiting Thailand due to its new gambling policies, the situation could get even worse.
The issue was raised on Monday by the opposition People's Party, who warned that legal gambling was never part of the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign promises and could harm Thailand’s relationship with China.
