PHUKET: China has reminded Thailand of the importance of tourists' safety as it promotes the kingdom as a destination for Chinese travellers.
Chinese consul general in Songkhla Ma Fengchun said on Wednesday that the issue of safety for Chinese tourists taking holidays in Thailand was key to the Chinese government.
"The Chinese government has placed the utmost importance on the safety of tourists from China," Mr Ma said after talks with Phuket governor Pakkapong Tawipat.
The Chinese diplomat is on a trip to Phuket, Krabi and Phangnga to foster tourism relations in the wake of last year's dive boat disaster.
In July last year, 47 Chinese tourists died when the Phoenix sank off the Phuket coast. The tragic incident lowered the numbers of Chinese visitors to Thailand, although arrivals later picked up.
More tourists visited Thailand from China than from any other country -- 10.5 million, according to Tourism and Sports Ministry figures. The Association of Thai Travel Agents is confident that at least 11 million Chinese will visit the country this year.
