Thai junta pegs economic fortunes to China as uncertainty looms Chinese tourists visit malls and visitor attractions in Bangkok. In 2019, the country is expected to welcome some 11 million Chinese tourists, the tourism sector remains the kingdom's banker, accounting for one fifth of the Thai economy. The junta heads to the polls in March trumpeting its vision of an innovative and wealthy country stewarded by market-savvy generals, but critics say the military risks becoming over-reliant on cash and tourism from China in a shift to reboot a once-healthy economy. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES