Thailand is opening its doors to Chinese tourists without requiring visas for a generous five-month period, spanning from September 25 to February 29.
This initiative aims to breathe life back into Thailand’s tourism sector, which took a significant hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognizing China as a primary source of visitors, the Thai government hopes to attract even more Chinese tourists through this measure. In the first half of this year, approximately 1.4 million Chinese tourists had already visited Thailand, according to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The visa exemption also extends to travelers from Kazakhstan, further broadening its scope.
To ensure a smooth experience for the expected influx of tourists, the Thai government has undertaken preparations and collaborations with relevant authorities. Thailand’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, suffered a severe blow during the pandemic. In 2019, the country welcomed around 40 million international visitors who contributed significantly to its economy, generating approximately 1.9 trillion baht ($53.2 billion) in revenue. However, by 2021, this figure plummeted by more than 99%. Thailand is now banking on this visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to reinvigorate the tourism industry and boost its economic recovery.