THAILAND. In a move with highly positive implications for the travel retail sector, the Thailand government on Friday gave the green light for citizens from China and Kazakhstan to travel freely to the country without visas from 25 September until 29 February next year.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new policy allows Chinese and Kazakhstani citizens to stay in Thailand for 30 days during the five-month period.
The move seeks to attract more tourists and enhance bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The new measure also aims to simplify the entry process for tourists from the two countries especially during the busy year-end travel season, which is expected to start in late September. China also marks its annual Golden Week celebrations from 1 to 8 October, which is traditionally one of the peak travel periods in the country.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the temporary visa-free policy aims to promote the local tourism industry, which plays a key role in driving economic growth.
The visa exemption scheme seeks to help revive local tourism and achieve this year’s target of 25 to 30 million visitors and generate 2.38 trillion Baht (US$66.4 billion) in revenue.
Thailand Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said: “This stimulus visa scheme forms part of the government’s quick-win measures announced on 11 September to achieve the long-term goal and boost the Thai economy through travel and tourism.
“It will help stimulate inbound travel from China, which is one of Thailand’s key source tourist markets, and Kazakhstan, which is considered an emerging market, especially during this coming high tourist season. Ultimately, it will help revive Thai tourism and reach the revenue target set for this year.”
In addition, waiving visas for Chinese visitors will help Thailand with its goal of reaching 5 million tourists from its Asian neighbour.
From 1 January to 10 September, Thailand has welcomed 2,284,281 Chinese visitors, making China the second-largest source of tourist markets after Malaysia. Without the visa exemption scheme, Thailand visitor numbers from China are expected to reach 3,470,430 in 2023 – about 31% of the 2019 levels.
The Chinese government has welcomed this new measure. Addressing the media during a regular briefing, an Embassy of China to Thailand Spokesperson said: “Thailand is a favoured destination for Chinese tourists. The visa exemption granted to Chinese tourists will make their travel easier. It can also benefit tourism development and economic recovery of Thailand.
“We appreciate this policy and are willing to provide necessary support. Meanwhile, we expect that Thailand could provide safer and better service for Chinese tourists.” ✈
