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January 17, 2025 | 07:48 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand has launched a new tourist app in response to a recent surge in human trafficking cases, including the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing. This initiative aims to bolster the country's image as a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers.
The "Land of the White Elephant" has unfortunately become a transit hub for a cross-border human trafficking syndicate targeting foreigners, including tourists. This alarming trend has led to a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand.
Thailand Tourist Police App
The Thailand Tourist Police App was officially launched on December 12, 2024. The app allows tourists to easily communicate with authorities by sending messages, photos, and location data for inquiries or emergencies.
It is directly linked to the 24/7 tourist police hotline "1155", which operates in eight languages. Furthermore, the app seamlessly integrates with the emergency hotline "191" for swift response.
Tourists in urgent need of assistance can quickly access emergency services by tapping the red "SOS" button on the app's homepage. This feature directly connects users to local police authorities.
Since its launch, the tourist police hotline and the app have received approximately 1,000 reports. On Monday, January 13, 2025, the system experienced a peak of around 200 emergency calls in a single day. These reports included a range of issues, including accidents, crimes, and immigration concerns. However, Thai authorities have not received any reports of individuals being stranded in Thailand or surrounding areas.
The Thailand Tourist Police is a part of the newly established Tourist Safety Operations Center (TSOC) that aims to strengthen security protocols through coordinated efforts between local law enforcement, tourist police, the Tourist Police Bureau, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Impact on Tourism
Since the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing, many tourists have been concerned about their safety in Thailand. This case has been in the public spotlight, coupled with other reports of missing Chinese nationals.
According to The Nation, Thai Lion Air has witnessed a substantial decline in bookings from Chinese tourists, with a reported cancellation rate of 20 percent following the kidnapping incident.
Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, Head of Marketing at the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported a decrease in bookings from Chinese tour groups at hotels in major destinations, particularly Bangkok. He stressed the urgent need for the government to restore confidence in Thailand's safety to mitigate potential short-term declines in the tourism sector.
Before the human trafficking incident involving Wang Xing, Thai hotels experienced high booking rates during the Lunar New Year holiday. Occupancy rates across all regions surpassed the previous year's figures. Bangkok hotels reported occupancy rates ranging from 70 to 80 percent, while resorts in Phuket achieved occupancy rates between 80 and 90 percent.
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