Thailand considers plan to give Chinese tourists visa-free entry to help boost visitor numbers
- Pilot scheme would allow Chinese and Indian citizens to stay for up 14 days without having to apply for a visa on arrival
- Current trial measure that waives US$65 fee is credited with helping to boost visitor numbers, but the rate of arrivals has slowed this year
Thailand is considering a pilot scheme to allow Chinese tourists visa-free entry into the country to boost tourism.
Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the country’s tourism minister, told Prachachat Business newspaper last week that he was prepared to introduce visa-free travel for Indian tourists as well as Chinese visitors.
During the proposed one-year pilot project, which has been submitted to the cabinet for discussion, citizens of both countries will enjoy visa-free entry for up to 14 days.
It will possibly take effect from November 1, a day after the expiry of the current scheme that waives visa fees for Chinese visitors on arrival.
“This time I would like to propose visa-free travel, not a free visa on arrival. I believe it would stimulate the tourism industry and result in a much stronger conclusion for the high season later this year,” Pipat told the newspaper.