Thailand extends visa-free entry to Indian tourists for six months

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• Oct 31, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Thailand has officially announced the temporary removal of visa requirements for travelers from...

Digital Desk: In an ambitious bid to revitalize its tourism industry, Thailand has officially announced the temporary removal of visa requirements for travelers from India and Taiwan. The decision, which is set to go into effect on November 10th, 2023, will continue until May 10th, 2024. This move comes in the wake of a similar initiative in September, which removed visa requirements for Chinese tourists, signaling Thailand's commitment to rebounding from the pandemic's impact on its tourism sector.

Thailand, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and pristine beaches, is now gearing up to welcome a more diverse group of visitors. As part of this latest effort, travelers from India and Taiwan will be granted a visa-free stay of 30 days, providing them ample time to explore the country's myriad attractions.

In a press conference, Thai government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke emphasized the government's hope that this measure will attract a significant number of visitors and boost the tourism sector. The Thai government's decision is underpinned by recent success in the industry, with the country having already welcomed 22 million tourists between January and October this year, generating revenue totaling 927.5 billion baht (approximately $25.67 billion).

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated that this move is expected to have a profound impact on Thailand's tourism sector, which has seen a shift in its visitor demographics this year. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tourists from Malaysia have accounted for the largest share of visitors, with over 3 million arrivals, followed closely by Chinese tourists at 2.65 million arrivals as of October 15.

With the new visa policy in place, Thailand is poised to further diversify its tourist base and expand its appeal to travelers from India and Taiwan. The move comes in the wake of a similar decision by Sri Lanka, which recently approved visa-free entry for visitors from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand as a pilot project until March 31, 2024.

As Thailand and Sri Lanka make these significant changes to their visa policies, the region is likely to see an influx of tourists, and both countries are hoping to reclaim their spots as preferred destinations for international travelers. With these bold initiatives, Thailand and Sri Lanka are setting the stage for a tourism revival in the post-pandemic world, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for their tourism industries.