Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin, have rejected claims by its former coalition partner Bhumjaithai that a massive decline in Chinese tourism this year is linked to the government’s casino policy.
Instead, the decline is a direct result of safety concerns, the pair said in separate interviews. They also maintained their view that Thailand should develop entertainment complexes with legal casinos – despite the government having agreed to withdraw its Entertainment Complex Bill from the House agenda earlier this week.
While Paetongtarn stated that China’s President Xi Jinping had specifically confirmed to her during a recent meeting that he had issued no order for Chinese citizens to steer clear of Thailand – and certainly not because of the casino policy – Thaksin fronted a special live broadcast aired by The Nation where he insisted safety was the main concern for visitors.
This follows the earthquake that rocked Bangkok in March and more specifically negative publicity around scam centers on the Thai border following the high-profile kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January. Wang was later located in Myanmar where he had been forced to work in a scam center.
Plans to allay safety concerns for visitors included the government’s push for Smart City development, Thaksin said, which would feature AI-powered cameras, as well as ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal practices such as call centers located in nearby locations like Myanmar.
On the issue of casinos, Thaksin reiterated his stance that their presence within entertainment complexes were vital to boosting revenue streams and likened them to ski resorts which offer a variety of activities to appeal to all.
He added that the government’s plan already included the implementation of a strict Know Your Customer (KYC) system to ensure only those with legitimate income could participate.
“It’s not like anyone can just walk in without any income or tax records. These people have learned from the casinos in Cambodia; it’s completely different,” he said.
Kevin Clayton, Chief Brand Officer, Thailand for Galaxy Entertainment Group, recently singled out safety concerns as the main issue facing Thailand’s tourism industry right now, explaining that entertainment complexes were one avenue through which to help allay such visitor fears.
In comments to IAG, Clayton said that the earthquake and kidnapping incidents had resulted in a “reassessment of Thailand as a destination”, particularly among Chinese tourists.
“Affordability and accessibility will always be key considerations for many travelers before making a decision on a vacation, but safety will always rank above all else,” he explained.
“It’s therefore much easier to understand why Chinese are deciding against Thailand and preferring other more favorable destinations like Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
“Thailand Tourism needs a reboot with Entertainment complexes being one important strategy to fuel incremental growth. This [would take the form of] billions of [US] dollars of international investment in luxury entertainment attractions that will headline live performances, the very best international dining, the finest hospitality, unique retail concepts and plenty of fun – all presented with Thailand’s warm, welcoming culture.”
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