'We Talk': Chinese tourists inject momentum into Thailand's tourism industry

Summary

The video script focuses on a restaurant named 'Le Pla Daek,' located at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) in the heart of the city. It discusses the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and how the Chinese tourist market has begun to return. The restaurant sees a gradual recovery as tourists, especially from China, explore the art exhibits and enjoy local food like papaya salad and coffee. Despite a shift in spending habits, the script highlights optimism for the future as the economy and tourism pick up, emphasizing the warm relationship between Thai and Chinese people and the welcoming atmosphere for international visitors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker owns a restaurant named 'Le Pla Daek' located at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), near the Pathumwan intersection.
• 😀 Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many Chinese tourists visiting the art center, often coming as part of tour groups for one-day trips in the Ratchaprasong and Pathumwan areas.
• 😀 Chinese tourists would visit the art center, enjoy art exhibits, and dine at local restaurants, including the speaker's, where they would often order papaya salad.
• 😀 Post-COVID, the number of visitors has decreased, and the restaurant is gradually recovering with fewer customers compared to before.
• 😀 Chinese tourists are starting to return to Thailand, particularly in the morning hours, where they visit art exhibitions and order food and drinks at local cafes.
• 😀 Despite a slower recovery, the return of Chinese tourists is expected to increase, which will help the economy and the hospitality industry bounce back.
• 😀 The tourism recovery is also attributed to the fact that tourists are looking for special deals, which are offered in Thailand, ensuring they get more value for their money.
• 😀 Even business travelers from China are contributing to the increase in visitors and spending in the area, fostering a positive outlook for the economy.
• 😀 As more Chinese tourists arrive, demand for various experiences, including food, tourism, and souvenirs, is expected to rise, bringing the economy back to normal.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the friendship between Thailand and China, encouraging more Chinese visitors to return and experience the joys of Thailand as they did before.

Q & A

What is the business that the speaker is referring to?

The speaker owns a restaurant called 'Le Pladag' located at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), near the Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok.

How did the pandemic affect the speaker's business?

Before the pandemic, there were many Chinese tourists visiting the BACC, and the restaurant attracted a lot of customers. After the pandemic, the number of tourists decreased, affecting the business, although it is now gradually recovering.

How did Chinese tourists contribute to the restaurant's success before the pandemic?

Chinese tourists played a significant role in bringing customers to the restaurant. Tourists often participated in day tours around the Ratchaprasong and Pathumwan areas, which included visiting the art centre and dining at restaurants like the one owned by the speaker.

What is the current trend with Chinese tourists in Thailand?

Chinese tourists are gradually returning, especially in the mornings when they visit art exhibitions and enjoy coffee and food at the restaurant.

Has the restaurant seen an increase in customers since the recovery from the pandemic?

While the number of customers is not as high as it was before the pandemic, the restaurant is beginning to see more visitors, especially from Chinese tourists, indicating a recovery.

How has the overall economic situation in Thailand been affected by the tourism industry?

The Thai economy is recovering as more tourists, especially Chinese visitors, are returning. This boosts the tourism sector and helps revitalize local businesses.

What was the behavior of tourists regarding food purchases before the pandemic?

Before the pandemic, tourists were more spontaneous, ordering food without much consideration. They would often receive and enjoy meals enthusiastically.

How have the purchasing habits of tourists changed post-pandemic?

Post-pandemic, tourists are more cautious with their spending. They tend to evaluate what to eat and how much to spend, compared to the previous carefree attitude.

How does the speaker view the relationship between Thailand and China?

The speaker emphasizes a strong bond between Thailand and China, referring to the two countries as being like siblings. They hope for more Chinese tourists to visit and contribute to the economy.

What is the message the speaker wants to convey to Chinese tourists?

The speaker encourages Chinese tourists to visit Thailand, promising them an experience that will exceed their expectations, offering both happiness and value for money.