2-1-2024 (BANGKOK) In a significant move to foster bilateral ties, Thailand and China have agreed to implement a reciprocal visa-free scheme for their citizens, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Tuesday. The permanent visa-free arrangement is scheduled to take effect from March 1, marking a notable step towards facilitating travel between the two nations.
Following a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin highlighted that citizens from both Thailand and China will no longer need to submit visa applications in advance for visits to each other’s countries. This initiative builds on Thailand’s previous visa-free program for Chinese visitors, originally set to extend until February 29. During discussions at that time, officials explored the prospect of establishing a permanent and reciprocal visa-free arrangement.
The prime minister explained that these discussions influenced China’s decision not to include Thailand in its temporary visa-free scheme for five countries over a month ago. Stressing the temporary nature of that scheme, Mr. Srettha emphasized the ongoing commitment to developing a long-term and reciprocal arrangement.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chinese tourists ranked as the second-largest group of visitors to Thailand last year, with approximately 3.42 million arrivals. Malaysians topped the list with around 4.4 million visitors. Before the pandemic in 2019, Chinese visitors constituted the largest group, reaching 10 million.
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara revealed plans to visit China later this month or in early February to formally sign the permanent visa-free agreement.
