ATTA has cut its 2026 Chinese tourist arrival forecast from 9 million to 7 million, citing safety concerns, ransom and disappearance reports, scam-linked crime fears and rising travel costs.

The Thai government’s decision to levy a 7% value-added tax (VAT) on goods imported online worth one baht or more beginning in May would not affect e-commerce of products from China, Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said on Friday.