20-2-2024 (BANGKOK) The Thai cabinet has announced the extension of the visa-free scheme for Kazakh tourists for an additional six months, from March 1 to August 31. This programme, which exempts Kazakhstani passport holders and equivalent document holders from visa requirements, aims to promote tourism and strengthen ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin highlighted the economic benefits brought by Kazakh tourists, stating that each visitor from Kazakhstan spends an average of 75,000 baht during their stay, compared to the average expenditure of 45,000 baht per visitor overall.
The visa-free scheme for Kazakh tourists was initially introduced last year, running from September 25 to February 29, as part of a concerted effort to boost tourism in Thailand. The temporary scheme was also concurrently implemented for Chinese visitors. Subsequently, the Thai and Chinese governments mutually agreed to make the visa exemption a permanent arrangement, effective from March 1.
The positive impact of the visa-free policy is evident in the significant influx of Kazakh visitors to Thailand. In the previous year, a record-breaking 172,000 Kazakh tourists chose Thailand as their destination, according to Prime Minister Srettha.
