Thailand exempts visas for Chinese visitors during peak season

From September 25 to February 29, 2024, the peak tourist season in Thailand, Chinese tourists can enter without a visa.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after a cabinet meeting on September 13. Accordingly, Chinese and Kazakh tourists can enter Thailand without a visa from September 25 to February 29, 2024. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsupakijkosol said the temporary visa exemption is expected to attract an additional 5 million visitors from the two countries.

Chinese tourists pose on a beach in Thailand. Photo: Reuters — Chinese tourists pose on a beach in Thailand. Photo: *Reuters*

The move is part of a strategy to raise tourism revenue to pre-pandemic levels of $87 billion by 2024. Since the beginning of the year, Thailand has welcomed more than 18.5 million international visitors. By the end of the year, the number of international visitors is expected to reach 28 million. According to the Ministry of Tourism, revenue from international visitors as of September 11 is estimated at 775 billion baht (nearly $22 billion).

China was Thailand’s largest source market before the pandemic. In 2019, Chinese tourists accounted for nearly a third of the 39.8 million international arrivals to Thailand. The government has also seen an increase in the number of Kazakhs visiting. The number of Kazakhs fleeing the cold is expected to “increase significantly” between now and the end of the year, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Tourists from some countries face cumbersome and costly visa procedures in Thailand, which is seen as a drag on tourism revenue this year, the head of government said.

Before entering politics, Mr. Srettha was known as a "real estate tycoon" and chairman of the US-based hotel operator Standard International. The new prime minister said he wants to expand the list of visa-free countries, increasing the stay limit for most international visitors from 15 to 30 days.

In August, Mr. Srettha met with airline representatives to discuss initiatives to boost tourism. Government spokesman Chai Watcharong said Thailand aims to attract 40 million international visitors next year, the same number as before the pandemic.

Anh Minh (According to SCMP )

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