"We hope the minimum price will help tour agents thrive and stop depending on attracting Chinese tourists with zero-dollar tour packages," said TCT president Ittirit Kinglek. The minimum price is expected to cover tour agents' expenses as well. Previously, a zero-dollar tour package was sold for 999 baht, and tour operators would attempt to lure Chinese tourists towards purchasing optional tours and expensive souvenirs. The crackdown has since had an adverse impact on Thai tourism, with September seeing a dip in the number of Chinese tourists. TCT had predicted Thailand would host 10.2 million Chinese tourists in 2016, of which 6 million would arrive on zero-dollar tour packages.

Source: Bangkok Post September 21, 2016 23:26 UTC