PUBLISHED : 27 Dec 2024 at 07:03
The Thai government is actively enhancing its tourism sector as a pivotal economic driver, evidenced by the recent introduction of a permanent visa-free agreement with China. This breakthrough allows Chinese visitors to enjoy visa-free travel to Thailand, further strengthening tourism ties and economic growth.
In a significant step, the Chinese government suspended visa requirements for Thai citizens starting March 1, following Thailand’s earlier decision to extend the same privilege to Chinese travelers in 2023. This collaboration is a key focus of the Pheu Thai Party, initiated during the administration of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
A trial phase of this mutual visa exemption for Chinese tourists ran from September 2023 through February 2024. Notably, China was the top source of inbound tourism to Thailand, with approximately 10 million visitors recorded in 2019.
Industry experts from tourism and aviation sectors indicate that this mutual visa-free arrangement has facilitated a more balanced flow of travelers, allowing airlines to adjust their routes and ensure better connectivity for travelers in both nations.
Historically, flights to China were predominantly occupied by tourists returning to their home country after visiting Thailand. However, following the implementation of the visa exemption, Thai AirAsia reported a remarkable threefold increase in Thai travelers heading to China in March, compared to January when visa restrictions were still in place.
Furthermore, the trend shows a noticeable spike in interest among Thai tourists traveling to China, nearly rivaling the long-standing popularity of Japan as a travel destination, thanks to China’s vast array of attractions.
The Thai Travel Agents Association has highlighted this surge, emphasizing that China is now a top trending destination for Thai travelers. Meanwhile, Klook has recorded increased online searches for attractions in China, including popular sites like Shanghai Disneyland.
In addition, the government is pursuing further agreements with other countries, such as Kazakhstan. The ultimate goal is to implement the “Six Countries, One Destination” policy, which would enable visitors to explore Thailand and Southeast Asia through a seamless visa program, similar to the Schengen visa in Europe.
