In exciting news for globetrotters, Thailand is set to offer visa-free entry to Indian tourists, marking the second country, after Sri Lanka, to do so. Starting from November 10, 2023, until May 10, 2024, visitors from India and Taiwan can enjoy the delights of Thailand without the hassle of obtaining a visa. This strategic decision aims to entice more travelers as the tourism season approaches, as revealed by a Thai government official in a conversation with Reuters.
Under the new policy, Indian and Taiwanese tourists can bask in the beauty of Thailand for up to 30 days, enhancing their vacation experience. Chai Wacharonke, a Thai government spokesperson, has also disclosed that this endeavor is anticipated to attract an additional 1.4 million tourists, which could generate an extra 55 billion baht, roughly equivalent to $1.5 billion, in revenue for the country.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, when asked about this momentous move, explained, “We will provide visa-free entry to India and Taiwan because a lot of their people like to travel to Thailand.” This announcement signifies a departure from the previous 15-day visa-on-arrival requirement at immigration checkpoints, which necessitated applicants to present bank statements and proof of accommodation.
This is a significant step towards making Thailand a more accessible and appealing destination for tourists from India and Taiwan. Furthermore, it aims to bolster the country’s tourism sector, which was severely impacted by the global pandemic.
Earlier in September this year, Thailand took a similar initiative by waiving tourist visa requirements for Chinese nationals, aiming to reclaim its position as a top tourism destination. Before the pandemic, China was the largest contributor to Thailand’s tourism industry, with 11 million out of a record 39 million arrivals in 2019.
Sri Lanka, another neighboring nation, had recently announced visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries, including India and China, as part of a pilot project to revitalize its tourism industry until March 31, 2024. This signifies a positive shift in the region, signaling a commitment to boost tourism and economic growth.
As per government data, from January to October 29, there were 22 million visitors to Thailand, contributing revenue worth 927.5 billion baht or $25.67 billion. Of this, nearly one million Russian tourists have visited Thailand since the beginning of 2023. This year, Thailand is aspiring to welcome around 28 million tourist arrivals, with the hope that the travel sector can offset the impact of weak exports that have adversely affected the country’s economic growth.
Thailand’s tourism sector is a vital contributor to its overall GDP, accounting for almost 20 percent. However, it has faced significant challenges in recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic. This new move is expected to not only boost tourism but also breathe fresh life into the country’s economy.
According to tourism ministry data, approximately 1.2 million Indians visited Thailand from January to September 2023, making India the fourth-largest source of tourists after Malaysia, China, and South Korea. With visa-free access and a renewed sense of openness, Thailand is poised to regain its status as a coveted travel destination for Indian tourists, forging closer ties between the two nations through shared experiences and cultural exchanges.