27-1-2024 (BANGKOK) China and Thailand are set to sign an agreement on mutual visa exemption, which will officially take effect on March 1, 2024. Chinese experts have hailed the policy as a catalyst for promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
During his visit to Thailand from Friday to Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will sign the agreement with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated that the implementation of the visa-free policy will revitalize the domestic tourism market and welcome the return of Chinese tourists, as reported by local media.
Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed that more than 150,000 tourists from mainland China are expected to visit Thailand during the upcoming Chinese New Year, representing a 335 percent increase compared to 2023. This surge in visitors will provide a significant boost to Thailand’s tourism industry, local media reported on Monday.
A report by Qunar, a major travel platform, highlighted that Thailand is the most popular overseas destination for Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival holidays.
Chinese experts have lauded the mutual visa exemption as a mutually beneficial arrangement that will foster people-to-people exchanges and enhance bilateral relations between China and Thailand.
Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, emphasized that the visa exemption will spur tourism in both countries. As Thailand is a prominent tourist destination in Southeast Asia and worldwide, the exchange of personnel between China and Thailand is expected to reach a record high in the past three years.
Gu further noted that the visa exemption will facilitate increased people-to-people exchanges, including a rise in students studying abroad from both nations. Additionally, it is anticipated to strengthen political and economic cooperation, particularly in mutual investment and trade between China and Thailand.
Apart from Thailand, China has also entered into visa exemption agreements with other countries in Southeast Asia. China and Singapore recently agreed on mutual visa exemption, which will take effect on February 9, 2024. Malaysia has granted 30-day visa-free travel for Chinese citizens since December 1, 2023, following China’s unilateral visa-free policy for Malaysia on the same day.
Analysts have underscored that the visa-free policy between China and Southeast Asian countries will facilitate increased open exchanges in the region and have positive spillover effects on other nations. This demonstrates China’s commitment to high-level opening-up and further promotes regional cooperation.
