03:48Thailand: 'We’re happy they’re coming' - Chinese tourists boost Bangkok businesses ahead of Lunar New Year
Bangkok’s Chinatown is reportedly seeing an economic revival during this year’s Spring Festival as Chinese tourists flock to the Thai capital following Beijing’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Footage captured on Saturday shows a bustling marketplace decked out with traditional red lanterns as vendors selling food, clothing and other seasonal items worked away to keep up with demand.
“Today, Thailand’s economy is much better, and we are happy that China has allowed its citizens to travel and come to Thailand. All provinces of Thailand are experiencing much better business,” a street vendor said.
“Now that China has allowed its citizens to travel, which is helping our economy as there is more ability for them to shop and buy more products, so we are happy they’re coming to Thailand,” added a second.
Before the pandemic, Thailand was the most visited international destination among Chinese travellers. In 2019, some 11 million Chinese visited Thailand, more than a quarter of all international tourists.
The Chinese Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, which falls on Sunday, January 22, is followed by 15 days of celebrations, marking the transition from the Year of the Tiger to the Year of the Rabbit.
03:48Bangkok’s Chinatown is reportedly seeing an economic revival during this year’s Spring Festival as Chinese tourists flock to the Thai capital following Beijing’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Footage captured on Saturday shows a bustling marketplace decked out with traditional red lanterns as vendors selling food, clothing and other seasonal items worked away to keep up with demand.
“Today, Thailand’s economy is much better, and we are happy that China has allowed its citizens to travel and come to Thailand. All provinces of Thailand are experiencing much better business,” a street vendor said.
“Now that China has allowed its citizens to travel, which is helping our economy as there is more ability for them to shop and buy more products, so we are happy they’re coming to Thailand,” added a second.
Before the pandemic, Thailand was the most visited international destination among Chinese travellers. In 2019, some 11 million Chinese visited Thailand, more than a quarter of all international tourists.
The Chinese Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, which falls on Sunday, January 22, is followed by 15 days of celebrations, marking the transition from the Year of the Tiger to the Year of the Rabbit.