Welcome Ceremony for Chinese Tourists During Chinese New Year 2025

 

On January 29, 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized a welcome ceremony for Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event was attended by Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms. Chang Yu Meng, Minister-Counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of TAT, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuak-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Noraset Suwannanikha, Commander of the Tourist Police Division 1, Mr. Keerati Kijmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand PCL, and Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The officials warmly welcomed Chinese tourists arriving on Thai Airways flight TG 663 from Shanghai by presenting special gift bags containing Thai honey oranges, which symbolize prosperity throughout the four seasons. This gesture aimed to enhance the travel experience, strengthen Thai-Chinese relations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and reaffirm Thailand’s hospitality.

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Thailand

On January 29, 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized a welcome ceremony for Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event was attended by Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms. Chang Yu Meng, Minister-Counsellor for Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of TAT, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuak-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Noraset Suwannanikha, Commander of the Tourist Police Division 1, Mr. Keerati Kijmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand PCL, and Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The officials warmly welcomed Chinese tourists arriving on Thai Airways flight TG 663 from Shanghai by presenting special gift bags containing Thai honey oranges, which symbolize prosperity throughout the four seasons. This gesture aimed to enhance the travel experience, strengthen Thai-Chinese relations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and reaffirm Thailand’s hospitality.

Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that the Chinese New Year is a deeply meaningful tradition for Chinese people worldwide. On December 4, 2024, UNESCO officially recognized the ‘Chinese New Year’ as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, further emphasizing the festival’s profound cultural value.

The celebration of Chinese New Year in Thailand is one of the largest outside of China, with grand festivities in various locations, including:

   - CentralWorld and Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown) – A major celebration featuring cultural performances, grand parades, and culinary showcases reflecting the blend of Thai and Chinese cultures.

   - Other destinations across Thailand – Featuring traditional performances, food fairs, and tourism promotions, offering visitors an immersive experience into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

This welcome ceremony was part of the Chinese New Year celebrations in 2025, aiming to provide Chinese tourists with a memorable experience and boost confidence in traveling to Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presented visitors with Thai honey oranges, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity throughout the year, as a token of appreciation.

Additionally, TAT has collaborated with private sector partners to provide exclusive benefits for Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year period, including discounts on flights, accommodations, restaurants, and tourist attractions. These initiatives are part of the campaign “เที่ยวเมืองไทย ยิ่งเที่ยว ยิ่งติดใจ” (游泰国，越玩越倾心) “Travel Thailand: The More You Visit, The More You Love It.”

During the Chinese New Year period (January 24 – February 2, 2025), TAT anticipates:

   - 287,000 Chinese tourists, a 7% increase compared to the previous year.

   - Estimated revenue of 8.8 billion baht, a 9% increase from last year.

Beyond the Chinese New Year season, China remains a key source market for Thailand, with continuous travel demand throughout the year. Between January 1 – 26, 2025, Thailand welcomed 532,853 Chinese tourists, marking a 32.6% increase from the same period in 2024. China remains the largest inbound market, with an increasing number of high-quality, high-spending travelers, including:

   - Families

   - Caravan road-trippers

   - Incentive groups

   - Gig travelers

   - Fan meet groups

   - Gen Z travelers

To sustain the momentum, TAT continues to execute aggressive marketing strategies, including:

   - Joint promotions with CTRIP, offering special airfare discounts during festivals and holidays.

   - Amazing Thailand Road Show to China 2025, promoting Thailand across key Chinese cities.

With these ongoing efforts, TAT is confident that Thailand will attract up to 8 million Chinese tourists in 2025, reaffirming its status as a top global destination for Chinese travelers.

 

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