Although they may seem occasionally rude, uncouth, disrespectful and annoying, a government official urged folks to welcome Chinese visitors because they’re good for the economy.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday Chinese travelers should be made to feel welcome for the money they bring to the kingdom.
“Tourists may do things that do not impress local people, but everyone should understand that the arrival of foreign tourists in our country is better than their not coming here, because their presence stimulates the economy,” Sansern was quoted in Bangkok Post.
Officials with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said they were trying to increase sensitivity on both sides by communicating with travel agents the different cultural expectations.
Reports of behavior ranging from bizarre and outlandish to crude and rude have become staples of the daily news cycle, particularly in northern Thailand.
In recent weeks alone, visitors from mainland China have stolen bicycle rickshaws, brawled over queue-jumping, aired underthings at the airport and “misused” a famous toilet.
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