SURAT THANI - China has called on Thai authorities to provide better protection for its tourists visiting islands in Surat Thani province.
Chinese consul general in Songkhla province Zhang Jinxiong held talks on improved protection with Surat Thani authorities led by provincial governor Chatpong Chatphuti on Wednesday following complaints by visitors from China about scams.
Chinese consul general in Songkhla province Zhang Jinxiong (third right) holds talks with officials in Surat Thani province on Wednesday. (Photo by Supapong Chaolan)
A key problem identified by the Chinese diplomat involved tourists from China being forced to pay excessively high costs for damage to rented motorcycles and jet skis on Samui, Phangan and Tao islands. The three islands are popular with tourists from China.
Mr Chatpong said authorities will take action against all service providers unfairly taking advantage of foreign tourists and crack down on crime that affects confidence in the tourism sector in the province.
More than 50,000 tourists from China visit the southern province each year. About 4.6 million tourists from China came to Thailand last year and 1 million more are targeted for this year.