Prime Minister Anutin leads an economic delegation to China to engage major Chinese investors in targeting Western Chinese tourists to Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) partners with Sichuan Airlines to plan direct flights to Hua Hin and U-Tapao, collaborating with Meituan to promote proactive tourism efforts. They are confident that by 2026, Chinese tourist arrivals will exceed 5 million, generating revenue of 288.385 billion baht.
On 19 July 2026, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's visit to the People's Republic of China, one-on-one business meetings were held with executives from Sichuan Airlines and Meituan on 18 July.. The meetings took place in Chengdu on 18 July 2026 to promote tourism and travel cooperation between Thailand and China. The official visit from 16 to 20 July 2026 covered Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing, aiming to restore confidence and expand marketing opportunities.
In discussions with Sichuan Airlines, led by Chairman Mr. Wang Fei, focus was on increasing flights and expanding direct routes from Western China to Thailand, especially reopening the "Chengdu–Chiang Mai" route and exploring new air routes to Hua Hin and U-Tapao airports. The goal is to attract affluent Western Chinese tourists who are increasingly traveling abroad. Meanwhile, Meituan, China's leading lifestyle platform, represented by Mr. Li Jinfei, emphasized advancing digital marketing through the Two-Way Tourism campaign, promoting Thai soft power as a World Class Gastronomy Destination via the Black Pearl restaurant guide, and driving the Trusted Thailand project to attract quality Chinese tourists. Also participating in these talks were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Digital Minister Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob.
To reinforce this strategic partnership, on 19 July 2026 in Beijing, TAT signed Letters of Intent (LOI) with five major Chinese firms: China Tourism Group (CTG), Utour Group, China Comfort Group, AMAP, and TCP Red Bull. This initiative aims to launch the Amazing Thailand brand online in China and employ Smart Tourism technology for in-depth marketing, targeting high-value tourism and appealing to premium tourists to enhance Thailand’s image.
According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (1 January – 11 July 2026), over 2.8 million Chinese tourists have visited Thailand, a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2025. China remains Thailand's largest tourism market. TAT therefore forecasts reaching the target of 5 million Chinese tourists in 2026, generating revenue exceeding 288.385 billion baht.
Modern Chinese tourists have shifted from group tours to independent travel (FIT), with the upper-middle class prioritizing experience, convenience, and safety, often using online platforms to make decisions. This shift offers an opportunity for Thailand’s secondary provinces to compete in the market. Prime Minister Anutin’s visit to China marks a significant step in expanding the market base and restoring Thailand’s tourism economy for the long term.
