PHNOM PENH – The recent spate of alarming incidents in Thailand has cast a long shadow over Chinese tourism in Southeast Asia, with Cambodia bracing for a potential slowdown in arrivals, particularly during the upcoming Lunar New Year. The abduction of a prominent Chinese actor in Thailand, followed by his discovery in the notorious Myawaddy, a Myanmar hub for cybercrime, has sent shockwaves through the Chinese travel community.

Fear and uncertainty have gripped Chinese tourists, leading to widespread cancellations of trips to Thailand. The Hong Kong government has issued a travel advisory, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when visiting the country.

Adding to the growing unease, renowned Hong Kong singer Eason Chan Yik-shun abruptly canceled his scheduled concert in Thailand, further fueling concerns about the safety of Chinese nationals in the region.

But this anxiety has not been confined to Thailand alone. These events have inevitably impacted neighboring countries, including Cambodia.

Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA), expressed deep concern, noting that several Chinese tour groups have already canceled their trips to Cambodia this month and next.

“Everybody has a safety concern," she said. “Early into the month, we had a high expectation of the increase in Chinese tourist flow. With the news and trips called off, however, we expect the flow to be sluggish.”

Ho Vandy, secretary-general of the National Tourism Alliance and managing director of World Express Tour and Travel, said recent reports of safety concerns in Thailand are likely to have some impact on the flow of Chinese tourists to Cambodia. He said this is because Cambodia was previously associated with similar concerns regarding scams and online crime within Southeast Asia.

However, he remains optimistic about achieving the Tourism Ministry's target for Chinese tourist arrivals. He believes that a concerted effort by the ministry, tour operators, and relevant stakeholders, including promoting Cambodia as a safe and attractive destination and facilitating convenient air travel, is crucial for success.

"Tour operators must remain professional and provide quality service to all tourists without discrimination," said Vandy. "The government must ensure the safety and security of all tourists. If we are well-prepared and no major incidents occur, we are confident in attracting a significant increase in tourist arrivals."

This unfortunate chain of events underscores the interconnectedness of the tourism industry in Southeast Asia. A crisis in one country can quickly reverberate throughout the region, impacting travel plans and economic prospects for neighboring nations.

Cambodia witnessed a significant surge in Chinese tourism in 2024, welcoming over 840,000 visitors from China, a remarkable 55 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to strong cooperation between the two countries, with the Chinese ambassador expressing confidence in further growth, projecting an estimated 1.1 million Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia in 2025, according to Tourism Ministry spokesperson Hun Dany.

Addressing concerns about safety and the potential for scams, Dany emphasized Cambodia's commitment to prioritizing security, safety, and political stability.

The government, she said, aims to maintain the country's reputation as a safe, welcoming, and environmentally friendly destination for international travelers.

"While the world grapples with the spread of fake news and misinformation," Dany stated, "Cambodia is actively working to counter false information that can lead to misunderstandings and hinder progress across various sectors."

Ny Sokput, a tour guide in Siem Reap, reported a noticeable increase in Chinese tourist arrivals recently. However, he observed a unique trend: many Chinese tourists insist on being picked up at the airport by their designated tour guide, often refusing to travel to Cambodia unless this condition is met.

“They are concerned about their safety,” he said. “But, after the trip, they said they felt connected to the country as Cambodia and China have a history together dating back to ancient times.”

Prior to the unfortunate events in Thailand, Cambodia and its partners in China had established a strong commitment to bolstering tourism between the two nations. This involved concerted efforts from the Tourism Ministry to actively promote Cambodia as a desirable travel destination and attract a greater number of Chinese tourists.

"Collaboration between our nations is crucial to restoring the confidence of Chinese tourists," emphasized CATA’s Sivlinn. "The Chinese people place great trust in their government, and therefore, we must ensure a safe and secure travel environment within Cambodia."

According to Dany, the Tourism Ministry is actively engaged in promoting Cambodia's tourism market in China through a multifaceted approach. This includes collaborative events, cultural exchanges, and coordinated efforts to strengthen cultural ties. Recognizing the significance of the Chinese market, she said, the tourism minister has specifically tasked the ministry with coordinating, leading, and promoting Cambodian tourism in all major Chinese destinations.

"We are dedicated to showcasing Cambodia's tourism potential and combating the spread of misinformation," she stated. "Our goal is to raise awareness and cultivate a positive image of Cambodia as a diverse and welcoming destination that fosters economic growth."

Thailand has taken a significant step towards boosting tourism from China by permanently lifting visa requirements for Chinese citizens, effective March 1. This move is expected to attract a considerable influx of Chinese tourists, with the government aiming to welcome eight million visitors from China. However, the visa waiver program has come under scrutiny following the recent abduction of the Chinese actor, raising concerns about a potential surge in scams and other illegal activities.

A 2023 report by the UN Human Rights Office revealed the alarming scale of organized criminal activity in Southeast Asia. These criminal gangs are exploiting hundreds of thousands of individuals, coercing them into participating in online scams, including romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and illegal gambling.