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Is a Chinese Blockbluster Discouraging Travel to Thailand

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Bangkok, Thailand – A Chinese blockbuster movie that depicts real life scams in Southeast Asia could be spooking tourists from China and giving them pause when considering traveling to Thailand, analysts and data suggest.

Released in August, No More Bets is a story about several Chinese citizens who are tricked into taking a work trip overseas only to be forced into operating illegal online investment, gambling and cryptocurrency scams in an unnamed Southeast Asian country. The movie is based on a real-life problem that has mushroomed in recent years. The same month the movie hit theaters, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report that said criminal gangs have forced hundreds of thousands in Southeast Asia into the illicit industry.

In theaters in China, No More Bets has been a roaring success, reaching number one on the movie charts for three weeks in August and ranking third highest grossing film of the year. The movie also reportedly raked in more than $500 million at China’s box office in the first month of its release.

In one scene, abducted Chinese tourists are traveling in a minibus, which drives under a road sign for ‘Sukhumvit,’ a well-known district in the Thai capital of Bangkok.

Experts say the film shouldn’t have a lasting effect on Chinese tourism to Thailand, but it has raised concerns that it could discourage tourists from traveling to Bangkok. And Thailand is not the only country where the movie’s success has triggered trepidation.

Khmer text is featured in the film, which has prompted Cambodia to ban its screening. In Myanmar, the country’s military administration has complained the movie ‘tarnishes’ the country’s image.

Vincent Zhuang, a former senior editor at the Robb Report, still sees Thailand as a suitable place for Chinese tourists, but he admits bad news can easily discourage some prospective visitors.

‘I never think this will be a big problem. I have visited Thailand this year by myself. We know Southeast Asia has lots of interesting places, which fits for Chinese market,’ Zhuang told VOA by email.

‘There’s an old Chinese saying which means good news is hard to spread, but bad things are easy. It is the same in the travel industry, bad incidents easily influence the guests to stop coming.’

The fact that No More Bets is based on true events has also resonated with viewers, Zhuang said.

”The movie is based on a true background. The telecommunication fraud in the last few years, nearly everyone had received a certain kind of fraud information, some [have] lost money too. That is the reason the movie makes us feel so real and make it success.’

Nithee Seeprae, the deputy governor for marketing communications at Tourism Authority Thailand, is confident the Chinese blockbuster won’t impact tourism in Thailand.

‘According to the travel agent and our partners in China, they said most of the people they knew understood what the truth of this movie and they still trust in Thailand as a safe destination,’ he told VOA in October.

Seeprae admitted that tourism authorities still need to show Chinese tourists who aren’t in China that Thailand is safe to visit.

‘Maybe we’ll have to coordinate with Chinese influencers and the Chinese influencer network in Thailand,’ he added.

But there is evidence the movie may have already had some impact on Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, as arrivals are less than expected.

There have been over 2.2 million mainland Chinese arrivals to Thailand this year through August, according to government data. But Thailand’s tourism bureau had predicted 5 million Chinese visitors by the end of 2023, a figure which seems unlikely to be reached by the end of next month.

Other reasons must be considered though.

China has a slowing economy and the number of flights to Thailand are still not at pre-pandemic levels. In addition to that, a mass shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok in September has also spooked some after three people were killed, including one Chinese national.

The shooting saw around 60,000 Chinese tourists cancel their trips to Thailand, local media reported.

Seeprae said the Thai government has done everything it can to reassure China its nationals were not a deliberate target.

‘The situation at the Paragon has already calmed down,’ he added.

Gary Bowerman, an Asia tourism analyst, told VOA the recent incidents have influenced Chinese tourists’ decision to enter Thailand.

‘The two recent Chinese hit movies, No More Bets and Lost in the Stars, caused expansive debate on Chinese social media about issues around personal safety and security in Southeast Asia. The fatal shooting at Siam Paragon mall has exacerbated those fears and Thailand is confronting significant cancellations of Chinese holiday bookings over its peak season.’

Thailand officials have tried to make it easier for visitors from China – as well as Taiwan, India and Russia – by announcing visa relaxations in recent months.

Arrivals from China can now enter Thailand for 30 days without requiring a visa. The waiver expires at the end of February.

FILE - Tourists from mainland China dressed in traditional Thai costumes visit Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 18, 2023. FILE - Tourists from mainland China dressed in traditional Thai costumes visit Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 18, 2023.

Thailand Removes Visas for Chinese Visitors to Boost Tourism

In 2019, 11 million Chinese visitors alone contributed to a record 39 million international arrivals in Thailand.

But with the pandemic limiting Chinese nationals from traveling, outbound tourism has dwindled. And in 2022, only 273,567 arrivals entered the Southeast Asian country, according to government data.

And it’s since become easier for Chinese tourists to travel domestically, Zhuang said.

‘The Chinese tourist had changed a lot. [Convenience] becomes a priority. Visa, flight time, language. In the Asia area, the air tickets and hotel price are still high for some of the guests. So, it will be [natural] that some will choose other destinations instead. Second, domestic destinations have been deeply developed in the last 3 years. There are many choices in China both for luxury and economy,’ he added.

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OSCAR SHOCKS AND SURPRISES: WHO IS LIKELY TO WIN BIG ON HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NIGHT

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On the big screen, Deadpool clashed with Wolverine in a spectacle that set social media abuzz, while animated darling Inside Out 2 stormed the box office — leaving Joker’s sequel in its shadow. Off-camera, there was more drama as Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni found themselves locked in a bitter legal feud.

The off-screen action, however, didn’t stop there. There were debates over The Brutalist’s daring use of AI and Anora’s controversial decision to forgo an intimacy coordinator sparked plenty of heated exchanges on social media.

As the Academy Awards draw near on Sunday, March 2,  2025, the anticipation is palpable. We look at some of the possible winners on Hollywood’s biggest night.

Best Picture: Anora leads, but there others 

Anora is just barely ahead—but only by a hair. Why? A string of major wins, including the Critics Choice, Producers Guild, and Directors Guild Awards, put it in prime position. But rivals like Conclave and The Brutalist are lurking. We could see a historic upset here.

Best Director: Close fight between Sean Baker and Brady Corbet

Two directors, one golden statuette. Sean Baker (Anora) and Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) are neck and neck. But history favours Baker, thanks to the Directors Guild Awards’ near-flawless Oscar track record. Still, nothing is certain.

Best Actor: Both Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet are in the race

Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) was cruising toward his second Oscar—until Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) crashed the party with a major SAG win! Brody is still the favourite, but don’t be shocked if Chalamet pulls off a dramatic last-minute upset.

Best Actress: Demi Moore has a fair chance 

Demi Moore (The Substance) has swept the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and SAG Awards. But with Anora’s Mikey Madison taking the BAFTA and I’m Still Here’s Fernanda Torres still in play, Moore’s victory lap could be premature.

Best Supporting Actor: Could Kieran Culkin lose?

Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) has dominated awards season. Could someone else steal the statue? Sure. But at 87.7% likelihood, this one looks locked in.

Best Supporting Actress: This could be a clean sweep for Zoe Saldana 

Despite chatter that controversy around Emilia Pérez could hurt her chances, Zoe Saldaña is sweeping through the competition. The numbers say she’s almost certain to take home gold.

Best Animated flick: The Wild Robot could go for gold

Chris Sanders has been nominated four times — but never won. At 55 per cent, The Wild Robot is the favourite. But Flow and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl are still in the game.

Best International movie: A twist in the tale

Emilia Pérez was expected to dominate — but controversy, critic-audience divides, and I’m Still Here gaining ground could mean a shocking upset.

Final Thoughts: Who will win, who’ll lose

There’s no such thing as a sure thing at the Oscars — but if the data is right, expect major moments, potential heartbreaks, and perhaps a few historic wins.

(Source: Hollywood Reporter, BBC)

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Bollywood power couple Govinda’s marriage on the rocks after 40 years

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Salman Khan’s ‘Nepotism’ Joke Steals the Show at Nephew Ayaan’s Song Launch in Dubai

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Salman Khan has never been one to hold back, and at a recent event in Dubai, he added his signature dose of humour to the oft-debated topic of nepotism in Bollywood. The superstar, fondly known as Sallubhai, was in town to launch his nephew Ayaan Agnihotri’s debut song, “Universal Laws”, and in true Salman style, he had the audience in splits with his witty remark.

As Dubai’s DJ Bliss – who hosted the event – praised the Khan family for their unwavering support for Ayaan, Salman quipped, “That’s what nepotism is!” His playful jab left everyone in the room in splits.

And as the crowd cheered, Salman officially launched the song, marking Ayaan’s much-anticipated entry into the music world.

A Star-Studded Affair

The event turned into a Bollywood reunion, with stars like Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, and other celebrities coming together to celebrate Ayaan’s big moment.

During his speech, Salman highlighted that Ayaan, the son of Atul Agnihotri and Alvira Khan Agnihotri (Salman’s sister), hails from a family of seasoned film producers. He also mentioned that Ayaan’s cousin, Alizeh Agnihotri, who recently made her Bollywood debut, shares the same film-driven lineage.

Ayaan and Salman’s Previous Collaboration

This isn’t the first time the uncle-nephew duo has joined forces. Salman and Ayaan previously worked together on the track, “You Are Mine”, where the young artist showcased his rap skills alongside the Bollywood megastar. The song, composed by Vishal Mishra, became a talking point among fans.

Salman & Sanjay Dutt Spotted in Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile, Salman is keeping busy with multiple projects. A recent video circulating on social media showed him and actor Sanjay Dutt filming on the streets of Saudi Arabia. The clip, shared by an X user, captured the two actors casually chatting with crew members.

The buzz is that Salman and Sanjay are working on a cameo appearance in the Bollywood remake of the 2021 Argentine film Seven Dogs. While details remain under wraps, fans are excited to see the duo share screen space again.

From family celebrations in Dubai to shooting in Saudi Arabia, Salman Khan is proving yet again that his star power knows no boundaries.

(Inputs from Hindustan Times, Zee News)

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