He said tensions between China and South Korea over Seoul's decision to deploy a US missile defence system, which Beijing says threatens its security, could further boost Chinese tourism. The picture should be clearer after March 15, when Chinese tour groups to South Korea will be banned, Mr Ronnarong said. "That's an opportunity for Thailand to see its tourism active again as more Chinese visitors are coming," said Mr Ronnarong. Chinese tourism accounts for just over 3% of Thailand's GDP. In 2016, Thailand received 8.87 million Chinese tourists, down from 10 million it had expected before the crackdown.

Source: Bangkok Post March 14, 2017 07:18 UTC