From China to Thailand: “Before Covid, we were here every year”

Before the pandemic, one in four foreign tourists to Thailand came from China. After the end of the zero-Covid policy there, the country is hoping for a recovery. It no longer requires tests or proof of vaccination.

The dancers on stage practice the last steps again. They haven’t performed in front of a large audience for a long time, says manager Mirinn Promnok. “In the past, 90 percent of our customers were Chinese,” she says. “We’re just getting ready for them to come back.” You have two shows that are about Chinese songs. “And we plan to hire another interpreter for Chinese.”

The first planes carrying Chinese tourists landed in Thailand this week. 39-year-old Wang Zhenyin was on the first plane. “Before Covid, we were here every year,” she says. “This time I brought my whole family.”

Before the Covid pandemic, every fourth foreign tourist came from China. When the government announced that Chinese tourists would have to show proof of vaccination, the industry protested. The government quickly backtracked. Like all other holidaymakers, Chinese tourists now do not have to present proof of vaccination or a negative corona test.

“Don’t Panic”

The vaccination rate and immunity in the country are high enough, explained the health minister of Thailand – the proof of vaccination only cumbersome and impractical. “The Covid situation should be at a level that we can control. We shouldn’t get too excited or panic,” said the politician. “This is an opportunity to recover faster economically – from the losses of the last three years. Tourism is a very important source of income for our country.”

At the same time, the Minister of Health recommended that all citizens get a fourth vaccination as soon as possible in order to minimize the risk of serious illnesses.

hope and concern

Dokchan Gobhuea stands in front of her massage parlor in Bangkok with an advertising sign. The 55-year-old is looking forward to the many tourists from China, but she is also afraid, she tells the Reuters news agency. “I’m worried they’ll bring Covid. But I’m also worried about starvation. So I want the visitors to be from China. I need customers.”

So does Chantharakorn, who owns a restaurant in Bangkok. “Some days are very quiet,” she says. “Foreigners are still coming, but since the pandemic, many are looking for cheaper places. I understand that they can’t come to our bar as often because they have to split their savings.”

“Income just about covers expenses”

Your guests would currently choose the small rather than the large bottle from the menu – and often stick with one. “We’re getting by. But our business… – we’re not making a profit at the moment. Our income just about covers our expenses.”

Many shops in the neighborhood have already closed. Small and medium-sized businesses have a harder time than the big chains, says the president of Thailand’s tourism association. “We lack employees in the hospitality industry.” The big hotels would have hired those employees who would otherwise have worked in the small hotels. “It’s a problem that many hotel owners tell me about.”

No return to mass tourism

Thailand also reoriented itself during the Covid pandemic. The country does not want to go back to mass tourism, which accounts for almost a fifth of the country’s economic output. Instead, it wants to focus more on class instead of mass in the future – on more sustainable tourism.

As of June, Thailand is therefore planning to levy a tourist fee. Just under nine euros per person, due upon entry. The money is to be used, among other things, to improve tourist destinations or safety for tourists. In Thailand, accidents involving holidaymakers are more common than average. So far, however, the levy has not yet passed through the cabinet.

The dance theater manager doesn’t think the fee will deter tourists. She is happy that the country is recovering – and that the tourists are coming back.