The loosening of visa restrictions has lead to a surge of Chinese tourists to Chiang Mai, as clearly noticeable in areas from Nimmanhaemin to the Old City.
According to published numbers, there have been 2.3 million Chinese tourists to Thailand since the start of this year. The average number of arrivals from China is 10,000 and with the government’s five month visa waiver policy which extends from now into February next year. It is expected that this policy will see a 30% rise in arrivals and net Thailand a total of 140 billion baht.
Chiang Mai is bracing for, and embracing, the windfall.
