(Thailand, 8th) Bangkok's famous international food street, Banthat Thong Road, is currently facing severe challenges. In the first five months of this year, revenue for various restaurants has dropped by as much as 40% to 50%.
Banthat Thong Road, located near Thailand's top academic institution, Chulalongkorn University, only rose to fame in the past two years and was ranked the 14th coolest street in the world by Time Out magazine in 2024. The road is approximately 2 kilometers long, with over 300 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. It was initially a popular dining spot among university students, later attracting a large number of locals and tourists.
According to the Thai news agency, the primary reason for the decline in business is the decrease in international tourists, especially Chinese tourists. Chinese tourists were originally the main purchasing power in the area, but their significant reduction has broadly impacted local businesses.
Banthat Thong Road Business Association consultant Sithikorn said in an interview with the Bangkok Post that foreign tourists typically account for about 20% to 30% of those visiting Banthat Thong Road, with most being Chinese tourists. Therefore, the significant decrease in Chinese tourists has directly affected local commerce.
According to Thai data, from January 1 to May 18, Thailand received 13.4 million foreign tourists, a year-on-year decrease of 1.75%. Among them, the number of Chinese tourists decreased by 25%, totaling only 1.64 million. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was Thailand's largest source of tourists, with 11.13 million visitors in 2019.
Tourist safety concerns are a factor for Chinese tourists. In January 2025, the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand further drew public attention.
Additionally, Banthat Thong Road is also facing criticism on social media, with tourists complaining about a decline in food quality while prices remain high, leading to widespread controversy.
Banthat Thong Road, located near Thailand's top academic institution, Chulalongkorn University, only rose to fame in the past two years and was ranked the 14th coolest street in the world by Time Out magazine in 2024. The road is approximately 2 kilometers long, with over 300 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. It was initially a popular dining spot among university students, later attracting a large number of locals and tourists.
According to the Thai news agency, the primary reason for the decline in business is the decrease in international tourists, especially Chinese tourists. Chinese tourists were originally the main purchasing power in the area, but their significant reduction has broadly impacted local businesses.
Banthat Thong Road Business Association consultant Sithikorn said in an interview with the Bangkok Post that foreign tourists typically account for about 20% to 30% of those visiting Banthat Thong Road, with most being Chinese tourists. Therefore, the significant decrease in Chinese tourists has directly affected local commerce.
According to Thai data, from January 1 to May 18, Thailand received 13.4 million foreign tourists, a year-on-year decrease of 1.75%. Among them, the number of Chinese tourists decreased by 25%, totaling only 1.64 million. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was Thailand's largest source of tourists, with 11.13 million visitors in 2019.
Tourist safety concerns are a factor for Chinese tourists. In January 2025, the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand further drew public attention.
Additionally, Banthat Thong Road is also facing criticism on social media, with tourists complaining about a decline in food quality while prices remain high, leading to widespread controversy.