According to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 2020, before the outbreak of Covid-19, the number one destination for Chinese tourists was Bangkok, followed by Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Koh Samui, respectively, owing to the beautiful nature, delicious Thai food, and Thai culture that attracts visitors.
Thailand will be able to accommodate the influx of Chinese tourists after the Chinese authorities relax travel measures. According to data from the Kasikorn Research Center, the Thai tourism market in 2023 may see an increase by 3-4 times in the number of Chinese tourists from 2022, reaching more than 1 million people, and the number may increase even more if circumstances favor travel, particularly if Chinese officials allow tour operators from abroad to market their tours, and the number at first is likely to consist of small groups of “Free Independent Travelers” (FIT) rather than large tour groups.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand