Thailand welcomed the first group of Chinese tourists under the new visa-free entry program on September 25, 2023. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeted the visitors and took photos with them. The tourists were treated to cultural performances featuring traditional dancers and puppeteers.
The visa-free entry program is an initiative to boost Thailand’s tourism sector, which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese tourists are a major source of revenue for the Thai tourism industry.
Under the new program, Chinese nationals can stay in Thailand for up to 45 days without a visa. The program will be in effect for five months, until February 2024.
The Thai government is hoping that the visa-free entry program will attract more Chinese tourists to Thailand and help to revive the country’s tourism industry.
Thai Prime Minister, Chinese tourists, Visa-free program, Tourism in Thailand, VIP welcome