Chinese tourists to get etiquette manuals

Wiang Gum Gam in Chiang Mai has become a popular destination among Chinese tourists, an influence of Chinese's Lost in Thailand movie. (Bangkok Post photo)

Thousands of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand during their New Year holiday will receive "tourism manuals" in an effort to curb offensive behaviour, officials said Monday.

The city of Chiang Mai will be the focal point of the Mandarin-language manuals, as it is the most popular destination for Chinese tourists, with some 90,000 expected over this week's holiday period.

The manual will list museum etiquette, such as not touching paintings, warn against using public property as lavatories, and encourage proper driving behaviour, according to the Tourist Authority of Thailand office in Chiang Mai.

Chinese tourists visit Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. (Bangkok Post photo)

Last year 4.6 million Chinese tourists arrived in Thailand, down just 0.29% from 2013. Year-on-year arrivals skyrocketed in December, however, up 86.5%.

Chinese tourists in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have been the target of numerous complaints from locals who accuse the visitors of defecating in the city's moat, causing traffic accidents with reckless driving and defacing several tourist attractions.

Chinese tourists were banned for half of Feb 3 from entering Wat Rong Khun, the "White Temple", one of the top tourist destinations in Chiang Rai, after complaints of inappropriate toilet usage.

Days earlier, photos of a Chinese tourist drying her bra and panties on a chair at Chiang Mai's airport created a firestorm online and tourism authorities told tour operators to curb such inappropriate behaviour.

On Saturday, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd asked Thais to keep their patience with the tourists over the Chinese New Year period.

Sansern admitted that "undesirable" elements were inevitable among such a large influx of tourists but that Thais must keep their spirit of hospitality.