29-1-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand and China have signed a reciprocal visa-waiver agreement set to take effect on March 1. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi formally sealed the agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok.
The “Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary Passports and Passports for Public Affairs” will allow for visa-free travel between the two countries for up to 30 days. Holders of valid Thai passports and Chinese passports for public affairs and ordinary passports will be exempt from visa requirements for entering, exiting, or transiting the other country. However, cumulative stays cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period, unless prior official approval is obtained for purposes such as residence, employment, study, media activities, or other official activities.
During his official visit to Thailand from Friday to Monday, Mr. Wang expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, stating that it would usher in a new era of visa-free travel between the two nations. He predicted a substantial increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on people-to-people exchanges.
Foreign Minister Parnpree echoed Wang’s sentiments, highlighting the agreement as a symbol of the enduring friendship, trust, and confidence between the two countries. He expressed confidence that the convenience of travel between Thailand and China, whether for tourism or business purposes, would stimulate the tourism industry in both nations.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand anticipates that the reciprocal visa-free scheme will attract approximately 8 million Chinese visitors this year, generating an estimated 320 billion baht in revenue from their spending. Chinese tourists were the largest group of visitors to Thailand prior to the pandemic and are considered crucial to the recovery and sustained growth of the country’s tourism industry.
With mainland China accounting for about 27% of the 40 million foreign visitors in 2019 and only 3.5 million out of the 28 million tourists in the past year, Thailand aims to welcome 35 million foreign arrivals in 2024. The agreement with China is expected to play a significant role in achieving this target and positioning Thailand as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists once again.
