On 28 January, China and Thailand officially agreed to a reciprocal visa-waiver agreement that will give tourism between both countries a major boost. Set to come into effect on 1 March 2024, the deal will allow Chinese nationals to enter Thailand without the need for a visa – a development that’s expected to bring in 8 million more arrivals by the end of the year.
According to the terms of the agreement, holders of ordinary Chinese and Thai passports will be able to enjoy exemption from visa requirements for entry, exit and transit into each other’s countries for a period of up to 30 days. To be valid, cumulative stays must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period, except for specific purposes such as residence, employment, study or media activities, which require prior official approval.
“This will surely bring our people-to-people exchanges to a new height,” said China’s Foreign Minister, Wangi Yi, following his meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. “There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand,” he added.
Minister Parnpree also outlined his vision for the future, and expressed his optimism at the potential benefits the new arrangements can bring to both countries. “I am certain that travel between our two peoples, whether for tourism or business, will become more convenient, and help stimulate the tourism industry in both countries,” said the minister.
The minister’s optimism is shared by other leading officials in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, who have predicted that the visa-free arrangements will attract around 8 million more visitors from China in 2024, along with approximately 320 billion baht (US$ 9 billion) in tourism revenue.
Chinese tourists have long been a key market for the Thai tourism economy. Their long-awaited return has been viewed as the final piece in the puzzle that will return Thailand’s tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels.
In 2019, Thailand welcomed 40 million international arrivals, around 27% of whom were from mainland China. This year, Thailand’s government is targeting 35 million foreign visitors. With greater ease of travel secured, the new waiver deal with China is a major step towards reaching that target.
As Mr. Parnpree noted shortly after signing the deal with China, “this agreement is a symbol of our long-lasting friendship, trust and confidence, which is evidenced at every level.”
