Thai Businesses Prep for Return of Chinese Tourists With Caution

A labor shortage will be a major issue in seaside provinces like Phuket because of a mismatch between rising demand and inadequate personnel. Photo: Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) — Chinese tourists accounted for nearly a third of Thailand’s visitors prior to Covid, so their pending return has local businesses hoping for a much-needed boost. But a full recovery from the crisis remains a way off.

Thai government and industry estimates on Chinese visitor numbers for next year range from 3 million to 5 million — a wide spread that reflects some uncertainty over the eagerness and ability of people to travel after Beijing scraps quarantine on Jan. 8. Some places are also tightening rules on travelers from China as infections surge there, though Thailand has yet to do so.