Chinese tourists drive from the border crossing in Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai province toward Chiang Mai province on the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai highway. The Land Transport Department imposed the rule after an influx of visiting motorists resulted in a spike in traffic accidents and waste management problems. Before the ban, most of these visitors went to Chiang Mai and other destinations deeper in the country including Bangkok, Mr Pornchai said. Tourism authorities in Chiang Mai would call for a review of the ban and oppose other future conditions that would add inconveniences to visiting motorists, Mr Boontha said. He estimated that the declining arrivals cost Chiang Mai 1 million a day in tourism income.

Source: Bangkok Post July 25, 2016 09:00 UTC