25-9-2023 (BANGKOK) In a bid to revitalize its struggling tourism industry, Thailand has rolled out the red carpet for Chinese tourists, waiving visas for visitors from the country and personally welcoming the first batch of arrivals with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday (Sep 25).
The warm welcome included traditional dancers and puppeteers, who performed for the visitors, many of whom stopped to take selfies with the Prime Minister.
Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand’s economy, and the country is looking to attract more visitors to boost its underperforming economy. The visa waiver program, which runs from Sep 25 until February next year, aims to lure 2.88 million Chinese visitors during the 5-month period, surpassing the 2.34 million Chinese who have visited this year.
According to tourist Gu Siyi, 25, the visa waiver has made it easier for Chinese tourists to enter Thailand, attracting new visitors and encouraging repeat visits.
“More Chinese tourists come to Thailand for holiday, because it is indeed very convenient,” he said.
Before the pandemic, China was Thailand’s largest source of tourists, with 11 million arrivals in 2019, spending 1.91 trillion baht (US$53.11 billion). Thai fruits, especially durian, and the country’s beaches and food are top attractions for Chinese tourists.
Ye Weihe, 53, who also owns property in the tourist beach town of Pattaya, said, “The fruits here are great, especially the durian.”
So far this year, Thailand has welcomed 19 million visitors, and with the visa waiver program in place, the country is optimistic about reviving its tourism industry.
“We are confident this policy will stimulate the economy,” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters at Suvarnabhumi airport, emphasizing that tourist safety will be prioritized.
