Thailand plans to make it easier for Chinese and Indian tourists to visit the country by simplifying visa procedures and extending the duration of stays.
Thailand is gearing up to make travel easier for Chinese and Indian tourists by streamlining visa processes and extending permissible stay durations. The country’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, envisions a substantial boost in tourism revenue, targeting nearly $100 billion for the upcoming year. Recognizing that cumbersome visa procedures have deterred Chinese tourists and imposed visa fees on Indian visitors, the plan is to expand the list of visa-exempt countries and increase the maximum stay duration for most international tourists, potentially allowing Chinese and Indian tourists to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.
To facilitate this tourism boost, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has engaged in discussions with executives from Airports of Thailand Pcl and various airlines, focusing on strategies to attract more foreign visitors, particularly during the fourth quarter, traditionally the peak tourism season. The airport operator has committed to reducing congestion and enhancing flight capacity by 20%. While the specific visa regulations are still being finalized, they are expected to roll out in the coming months, potentially transforming Thailand into an even more inviting destination for tourists from around the world.