Chinese travelers are canceling plans to visit Thailand during the Lunar New Year holiday, as fears over human trafficking reverberate across the country.

Thailand is stepping up security for tourists to restore the confidence of Chinese visitors, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Friday after an alleged kidnapping of a Chinese actor sparked concerns about the safety of travellers.

Chinese interest in Thailand as a vacation destination has taken a hit during the annual Lunar New Year holiday. Bookings have declined by 15.6 percent from January 13 to 20, compared to the previous week.