Chinese tourists being dissuaded from visiting grieving Thailand
Refunds are being offered, but those who insist on going are being reminded to behave properly
No alcohol, no laughing, no colourful clothing for at least a month – that’s the message tourists from the mainland and elsewhere are hearing from tour operators as Thailand begins an extended period of mourning after the death of its beloved monarch.
Asia’s airlines, tour agents and cruise operators are on the alert for a tourism slowdown in Thailand, where partying and drinking alcohol in public have been banned following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday that the nation would hold a year-long period of mourning and that all entertainment functions must be “toned down” for a month.
Chinese travel agencies, in fact, are dissuading tourists from visiting the country for at least the next four weeks. While China’s tourism authority has not issued any ban or warning about the favourite destination of Chinese holidaymakers, travel agencies are refunding bookings and imploring those who intend to go through with their holiday plans to behave properly out of respect for Thai people’s feelings.