31-10-2023 (BANGKOK) In a move to boost tourism as the high season approaches, Thailand has announced that it will waive visa requirements for visitors from India and Taiwan from next month until May 2024, according to a government official on Tuesday.
This decision comes after Thailand previously lifted visa requirements for Chinese tourists in September, aiming to rekindle tourism, especially from China, which was its top pre-pandemic tourism market, accounting for 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019.
As per the latest government data, from January to October 29, Thailand welcomed 22 million visitors, contributing to a significant revenue of 927.5 billion baht (US$25.67 billion).
Thailand’s government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, stated, “Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days.”
India has emerged as Thailand’s fourth-largest source of tourism this year, with approximately 1.2 million arrivals, following Malaysia, China, and South Korea. The influx of Indian tourists has been on the rise, thanks to various airlines and hospitality chains targeting this market.
With a target of around 28 million arrivals this year, Thailand’s government is relying on the tourism sector to offset the impact of sluggish exports that have been constraining the country’s economic growth.
