Tourists shop for street food ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand, January 19, 2023. Photo by Reuters
Thai Prime Minister SretthaThavisin has called on its citizens to show kindness to foreign tourists in a bid to help fuel the country’s tourism.
The prime minister’s statement follows concerns over recent disputes between locals and foreigners that have affected Thailand’s reputation, according to Nation Thailand.
“They want to travel and relax here because they love Thailand. Please be kind to tourists and help them implement the government’s policy to promote tourism. The industry is a important tool to boost the Thai economy,” the Prime Minister said.
Last January, Pattaya police arrested a Thai man for using a gun to intimidate a foreign tourist because he was upset that the foreigner was not interested in the beer he was selling. Khaosod English the news site reported.
Last month, police also arrested a 41-year-old man for attempting to rape and rob a Chinese tourist in a remote forest near Pattaya.
Thailand welcomed 28 million foreign tourists last year, losing its throne as Southeast Asia’s tourism champion to Malaysia, which welcomed nearly 29 million.
This year, Thailand plans to welcome 35 million foreign arrivals.
