BANGKOK (Agencies): Thai officials have announced a proposal to invite Chinese police officers to participate in patrols in various tourist cities in an effort to enhance the confidence of Chinese tourists. The move comes in response to safety concerns following a deadly shooting in Bangkok in early October that resulted in the death of one Chinese tourist and the injury of another.
The plan, disclosed by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is set to be discussed with the Chinese embassy on November 15. The intention is to address security concerns and improve the quality of services for tourists visiting Thailand. The initiative aims to contribute to the goal of hosting up to 4.4 million Chinese tourists in the final two months of the year.
However, National police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukwimol has denied that Thai police sought Chinese counterparts’ patrols, emphasizing that the Royal Thai Police can already ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
The slowdown in Chinese arrivals since the October shooting has prompted Thailand to address Chinese tourists’ safety worries. If implemented, the presence of Chinese police patrols is seen as a potential boost for Chinese tourists hesitant about visiting Thailand.
Chinese experts believe that this police cooperation could be positive news for Chinese tourists and the Thai business and tourism industry. The Thai tourism sector, eager for more Chinese travelers amid economic recovery post-COVID-19, sees this initiative as a way to reassure and attract Chinese visitors.
The success of this cooperation may set a precedent for similar models to be adopted by other countries in Asia. Chinese residents in Thailand express a sense of reassurance if Chinese police officers are involved in patrols, highlighting the potential impact of this collaboration on the perception of safety among Chinese tourists in the Southeast Asian country.