Chinese tourists extend stays over Lunar New YearMore Chinese tourists have chosen longer stays in Phuket for the Lunar New Year holiday after travel plans to Japan were disrupted, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Raweewan Sangcha, deputy director of the TAT Phuket office, said the island's tourism market is currently driven mainly by long-haul travellers. As a result, some Chinese tourists who had planned to visit Japan were unable to do so and instead looked for nearby destinations, with Thailand seen as a key alternative. She said Chinese arrivals during the period added momentum to the island's tourism sector, which continues to show positive signs. Lunar New Year revenue in Phuket is estimated at around 600 million baht, with most spending coming from Thai tourists, while foreign visitor demand remains strong.

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2026 05:32 UTC