Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says the government should not scrap visas-on-arrival (VOAs) for Chinese travellers despite the public health minister insisting on a suspension.
Anutin Charnvirakul, the public health minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader, has said the state should scrap VOAs for Chinese travellers because the Chinese government has already banned outbound tours. A temporary suspension is in line with the Chinese government’s policy.
But many in the private sector disagree with the proposal, saying Chinese tourists are already declining because of cancellations. Scrapping VOAs could hurt tourism relations.
In China, negative comments are spreading on social media as users voice displeasure at some countries banning visas for Chinese travellers.
Mr Phiphat said recent cabinet meetings have looked into VOA issues but have not decided on any formal resolution.
He said the number of Chinese tourists in Thailand this month is 40% lower than in the same month a year earlier. An 80-90% drop could be expected in the next two months as the Chinese government takes steps to curb travel.
See more at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1847324/tourism-minister-opposes-scrapping-visa-on-arrivals
