Why Thailand said no to China on joint patrols with their cops
In 2019, out of the 39.9 million foreign visitors to Thailand, 11 million were from China.(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Thailand and China initially planned joint patrols in tourist areas to enhance confidence among tourists, particularly Chinese visitors.
However, Thailand reversed its decision on Tuesday following negative public reactions, as reported by Reuters.
Tourism officials proposed this idea on Sunday with the goal of bolstering tourists' trust, especially among Chinese visitors.
However, the plan encountered substantial online criticism, with concerns raised about potential threats to Thailand's sovereignty.
Facing strong public criticism and opposition from law enforcement and security agencies, the #Thai government of @Thavisin now scraps its controversial plan to ask #Beijing to deploy #Chinese police in #Thailand’s holiday destinations. #ตำรวจจีน #มณฑลไท่กั๋ว https://t.co/brQ0CqgeCL
— Sunai (@sunaibkk) November 14, 2023
The nation's police chief expressed disapproval of the proposal, leading Thailand to abandon the joint patrol plans.
Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol officially announced on Tuesday that the implementation of joint patrols would not proceed.
This decision coincides with Thailand's heightened security measures following a recent shooting incident at a Bangkok mall that raised significant safety concerns.
1. The 14-year-old boy arrested after the Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok is too confused to undergo questioning.
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) October 4, 2023
"He said it was like there was another him telling him who to shoot," said Thailand's Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol. https://t.co/vb6iqeJdbW pic.twitter.com/F4WAVOznwe
Ensuring confidence, particularly among Chinese tourists, is crucial for Thailand's tourism industry.
In 2019, out of the 39.9 million foreign visitors to Thailand, 11 million were from China.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable absence of Chinese tourists returning to Thailand. In an effort to stimulate their return, the government opted in September to waive visa requirements for Chinese nationals.
As of this year, Thailand has welcomed 23.2 million visitors from various countries.