Sihasak Says China’s Travel Warning Alone Will Not Solve Thailand’s Scam Problem
Sihasak Says China’s Travel Warning Alone Will Not Solve Thailand’s Scam Problem
BANGKOK, October 28, 2026 — Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow plans to meet the Chinese ambassador to discuss Beijing’s travel safety warning for Chinese citizens visiting Thailand, arguing that general cautions alone will not resolve the underlying problem.
Speaking on October 27, 2026, Sihasak said Thailand and China should work together to identify and dismantle organised networks allegedly involved in criminal activities, rather than treating ordinary Chinese tourists as the source of concern.
Sihasak Seeks Talks With Chinese Ambassador
The Chinese Embassy in Thailand recently issued advice urging Chinese nationals to exercise caution when travelling to the country.
Sihasak said he planned to discuss the advisory with the Chinese ambassador and seek a coordinated approach to addressing the concerns behind it.
He argued that those responsible for the problems were not typical tourists but individuals operating through organised networks with specific objectives.
A general travel warning, he said, would not directly address the issue. He urged Chinese authorities to scrutinise their own nationals more closely to determine whether individuals entering Thailand were genuine tourists or intended to work illegally.
Thailand Calls for Joint Action Against Scam Networks
Sihasak said Thai and Chinese authorities needed to cooperate in tracing the groups allegedly responsible for scams and other wrongdoing and tackling their operations at the source.
He maintained that the situation had not affected ordinary Chinese visitors or tourists from other countries, adding that Thailand remained a highly safe destination.
The minister’s comments come as Chinese tourists remain an important part of Thailand’s tourism industry, supporting businesses that depend on international arrivals. However, embassy-issued safety advisories can influence travel decisions even when they are intended as precautionary guidance rather than formal travel restrictions.
Sihasak said closer cooperation between the two governments was necessary to investigate the alleged criminal networks and develop a practical solution.
The planned discussions aim to address the concerns behind China’s advisory while maintaining confidence among Chinese visitors and protecting Thailand’s tourism sector.
