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Thailand and China have declared a permanent visa waiver for each other’s citizens, effective from March.
NEW DELHI: Thailand and China have declared a permanent visa waiver for each other’s citizens, effective from March.
This strategic decision comes after Thailand initially waived visas for Chinese nationals in September, witnessing an impressive response with over 22,000 Chinese visitors in just the first two days of the waiver.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in a press conference on Tuesday, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Right now, we’re ready to open the country and to take good care of tourists in both countries mutually. This is welcoming news and an upgrade to the relations between Thailand and China, boosting the significance of Thai passports.”
China holds the position as the second-largest group of foreign visitors to Thailand, following Malaysians. The tourism authority of Thailand, anticipating a rebound in tourism, set a target of welcoming 3.5 million Chinese visitors for the entirety of 2023.
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Though it didn’t reach its goal of 4 million, there’s progress from 2022, when only 270,000 Chinese tourists visited the country.
The tourism industry also faced challenges, including a shortage of low-cost flights post-COVID and concerns about safety after rumours about tourists being kidnapped and sent to work in scam centres in neighbouring countries, along with a shooting incident in Bangkok’s renowned places.
Despite these obstacles, both nations are optimistic about the positive impact of the visa waiver on tourist arrivals.
China has started a trial allowing visa-free entry for visitors to attract tourists from certain European countries and Malaysia.
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The programme, starting in December and running until November, follows the worldwide trend of making travel easier by relaxing visa rules.
With these diplomatic and tourism-focused initiatives, Thailand aims to welcome 8.2 million Chinese tourists in 2024, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations and fostering economic benefits through increased tourism.
