Thailand’s quashed plan for Chinese police posts at tourist hotspots was never needed
- Last weekend, Thai officials proposed to establish Chinese police posts, saying they would ‘boost Chinese tourists’ confidence’ and attract more visitors
- That plan was quickly withdrawn after uproar among Thai citizens – but was never necessary given the resourcefulness of well-travelled Chinese tourists
The controversial plan was unnecessary to begin with given the increasing savvy of Chinese tourists and the discontinuation of such a practice elsewhere.
Over the weekend, Thailand’s tourism authorities said that placing Chinese police at tourist hotspots would “boost Chinese tourists’ confidence” and attract more of them to its shores. This led to an uproar among Thais who said that apart from having the country’s sovereignty compromised, Thailand would also become a location for covert operations targeting Chinese dissidents overseas.
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As early as 2013, a report by travel industry website Skift noted that Chinese travellers have become younger, wealthier, more educated and increasingly sophisticated. In August, professional services firm Dezan Shira & Associates wrote in its newsletter that the post-pandemic Chinese traveller exhibits traits such as heightened digital savvy and an appetite for novel experiences.
Such savvy – which includes using online trip planners, payment and translation platforms – means they are better able to independently plan and navigate their journeys, and solve any problems that might arise while they travel. If they require the help of police, they will approach local officers or turn to Chinese consular help.
Pent-up demand to travel abroad after the pandemic will mean more Chinese going abroad this year and beyond, according to Chinese online travel agency Tuniu.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said having Chinese police would “show how Thailand has ramped up safety measures”. But surely, that can be done without the physical presence of foreign police, and these measures can be easily explained, in tourism pamphlets and publicity campaigns.
The stations were said to have monitored, harassed, and in some cases, repatriated Chinese citizens living in exile, claims which Beijing denied, saying the stations were used to provide services such as driving licence renewal.
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It is understandable that the kingdom wants to – according to Srettha – cooperate with Chinese police on information exchange about criminal networks that may be active in Thailand.
Then these should be carried out during normal police operations and collaboration, and be distinct from ensuring the well-being of Chinese tourists.
Attracting Chinese tourists to the Land of Smiles does not require extreme measures. The five-month temporary visa‑waiver programme from September to February for Chinese tourists has already generated almost full flights and is expected to bring in 2.88 million visitors, according to government estimates. The figures speak to the tourists’ lack of worry about safety concerns. Why sour ties between them and the Thais?
Maria Siow is a senior correspondent at the Post’s Asia desk.