With an increase in Chinese tourists, Thai tour operators are facing a new difficulty. They are unable to hire enough competent Chinese tour guides to help make the travel experience of Chinese tourists better.
The Thailand-China Tourism Association (TCTA) President, Mr. Ronnarong Cheewinsiriamnuai has urged the Thai government to do something about this lack. He emphasized on the fact that private sector has played a key role in making Thailand an attractive place for Chinese visitors. He also added that the private sector has also helped the government in catering the Chinese tourists.
The TCTA is expecting that the number of Chinese tourists would increase this year. 4.7 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in 2013 and 2014. This number rose to 7.9 million in 2015. It is further expected to increase to 10 million this year.
Mr. Cheewinsiriamnuai also admitted that the lack of expert Chinese speaking guides has forced some tour operators to illegally hire unlicensed tour guides. The request for government interference on the issue was backed by more than 100 representatives of TCTA. They submitted their request in the form of a petition to the Prime Minister on Wednesday.