From September 25, 2023 to February 29, 2024, Thailand will waive visas for tourists from China and Kazakhstan.
The new policy only lasts a few months to assess its impact on the economy, but it has shown that Thailand has a clear strategy to develop the tourism industry.
Tourists visit and take photos in Bangkok, Thailand - Photo: AFP
Looking forward to Chinese visitors
Tourism is one of Thailand's main economic growth drivers, accounting for about 12% of GDP. The country welcomed about 40 million international visitors in 2019, generating revenue of $53.2 billion.
Since the beginning of the year, Thailand has welcomed more than 18.5 million international visitors. By the end of the year, the number of international visitors is expected to reach 28 million. According to the country's Ministry of Tourism, revenue from international visitors as of September 18 is estimated at 795 billion baht (22 billion USD).
China was the largest source of tourists to Thailand before the pandemic. In 2019, Chinese tourists accounted for nearly one-third (nearly 11 million) of the 39.8 million international arrivals to Thailand.
The Bangkok Post quoted government spokesman Chai Wacharonke as saying that the visa exemption policy approved by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is expected to increase the number of Chinese and Kazakh tourists, and help Thailand achieve its target of 5 million Chinese tourists this year.
The Airports Authority of Thailand (AOT) expects more than 120,000 Chinese tourists to arrive at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports during the first week of the visa-free policy from September 25 to October 1.
AOT said there will be about 674 flights from China to Suvarnabhumi Airport during the said period, an average of 96 flights per day.
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and several other airports in Thailand will be upgraded and expanded - Photo: AFP
Cross-cutting measures
To increase its capacity to serve the growing number of tourists, Thailand must invest in upgrading its infrastructure and improving the quality of services.
Therefore, AOT announced that it will invest 100 billion baht, about 2.8 billion USD, to expand 6 international airports in the next 5 years, especially two airports in Bangkok, Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi.
In addition, to prepare for the increase in visitors after September 25, the Immigration Bureau (IB) of Thailand plans to increase the number of staff at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
About 150 police officers are stationed at 119 immigration counters during rush hour at the airport. It takes less than 20 minutes for each traveler to queue for a visa.
The Thai government will also take other measures such as making promotional videos with the participation of actors, singers and high-ranking officials... to promote the land of golden temples as a wonderful destination.
TAT will promote to international visitors that the country's tourism industry is making strides to align with the global trend towards sustainability.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin himself has planned to visit several countries to persuade their citizens to come to Thailand.
According to Bloomberg News, Mr. Srettha is planning to travel to India this year to meet his counterpart, Narendra Modi. The two leaders will discuss increasing the number of flights between the two countries.
Thailand may consider other measures to increase visitors from the South Asian country, such as exempting duties on imported jewelry for Indian weddings held in Thailand.
