The visa-free policy for Chinese tourists will last for five months, starting from September 25 to February 2024. The Thai government expects the country to receive about 2.9 million Chinese tourists during this period, earning billions of dollars in revenue.
"Thailand is very pleased to welcome all of you from China. Our country has many beautiful beaches and diverse Thai cuisine. I hope everyone will have a safe and memorable trip," Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wrote on social network X (Twitter) on September 30.
Thai government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said that in the first two days of implementing the visa exemption program, Thailand welcomed 22,000 Chinese visitors.
The country expects to reap $3.8 billion in benefits from the program.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport to welcome a delegation of Chinese guests, September 25 - Photo: REUTERS
The visa waiver program is part of the Thai government's efforts to boost tourism revenue to pre-COVID-19 levels, with a target of US$84.1 billion in 2024.
So far, Thailand has welcomed 19.5 million international visitors out of a target of 28 million by the end of the year.
According to the Thai Ministry of Tourism, as of September 25, tourists from Malaysia are the top group of visitors to Thailand, with 3.2 million arrivals. Followed by tourists from China with 2.4 million arrivals.
Mr. Wacharonke cited data from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand showing that 650,000 tourists from China had booked tours to the country in October 2023. Thailand is expected to welcome 4-4.4 million Chinese tourists in 2023.
According to Mr. Wacharonke, the visa exemption program also comes at a time when Chinese people are on Golden Week holidays for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.
