So far, 7,300 Phuket hotel room bookings for July and August have been cancelled by Chinese tourists, while tourism industry seeks tough measures to protect reputation after boat tragedy.

Thai Tourism authorities are worried following the massive cancellations of hotel room bookings by Chinese tourists in the southern island resort of Phuket following the tragic July 5 boat accident.

Industry insiders say the numbers are likely to increase as more hotels report their booking status. Chinese account for as many as 3 million tourists in Phuket per year, while on average some 10 million Chinese tourists visit Thailand every year.

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