That is about a 1% dent to the tourist arrivals estimate for 2019
The Thai finance ministry says that the coronavirus outbreak is expected to last three months and cut around 400,000 visitors to the country this year. Despite that, they still estimate tourist arrivals for this year to be at 41.1 million - up from 39.8 million last year.
Adding that if virus fears subside before three months, then "our tourism will be better than forecast as even though Chinese arrivals may drop, tourists from other countries may rise".
There is little doubt that they are trying to tone down the fear mongering over the situation but it would be naive to think that the virus outbreak will only affect Chinese arrivals.
Global travel in general will be a bit more subdued and with Thailand being a hot destination for Chinese tourists, many people may have a change in travel plans to the country.
