Thailand has taken a digital leap by posting an AI-generated video of its prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking in flawless Mandarin on its Facebook page. In reality, Shinawatra does not speak Mandarin, making this technological innovation a strategic move to appeal to Chinese tourists. This initiative comes as Thailand remains a favored destination for Chinese travelers, who made up nearly one-sixth of the 1.3 million arrivals in the country during the first two weeks of January.
The AI-generated video aims to quell mounting safety concerns among potential Chinese tourists. Recent reports of kidnappings and trafficking incidents along the Thai-Myanmar border, including allegations involving Chinese celebrities trafficked into Myanmar's cyber-fraud centers, have heightened fears. These scam compounds, notorious for swindling billions by exploiting trafficked foreigners, have cast a shadow over Thailand’s tourism sector.
The Thai government is actively working to bolster safety measures and combat transnational crime in response to these concerns. While ensuring tourist safety, the administration also anticipates a 7% increase in Chinese visitors during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. This period is expected to inject an estimated 8.8 billion baht (US$255 million) into Thailand's economy.
"I understand that recent reports of Chinese nationals being lured to scam compounds around Thailand's borders have triggered concerns among Chinese tourists… Thailand's government puts the safety of all tourists as its utmost priority." – Paetongtarn Shinawatra
In an effort to reassure and attract more visitors, the Thai government has embraced AI technology as part of its tourism promotion strategy. The video serves as both a welcoming message and a commitment to addressing the safety issues that have recently surfaced.
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