Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant move, Indian tourists will now be able to enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for a period of six months, starting November 10. The decision, announced the Thai Cabinet, aims to promote tourism and attract more visitors from India.
Previously, Thailand allowed travelers from 59 countries to enter without an entry visa. However, to address certain challenges, including a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, the Cabinet decided to extend similar visa exemptions to tourists from China and Kazakhstan for a limited period. This initiative aimed to boost tourism during the last quarter of the year.
According to data from Thai PBS World, around 1.26 million Indians visited Thailand in the first nine months of this year, and this number is projected to increase to approximately 1.55 million the end of the year. Indian tourists typically spend an average of 41,000 baht per person during their 7-8 day stay, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism revenue.
In addition to Indian tourists, Taiwanese visitors have also made a significant impact on Thailand’s tourism sector. It is estimated that the end of this year, around 700,000 Taiwanese tourists will have visited Thailand, compared to approximately 780,000 arrivals in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Taiwanese tourist spends an estimated 42,000 baht during their average 8-day stay, generating approximately 33.5 billion baht in revenue.
Furthermore, Russia has consistently shown its interest in Thailand as a prime tourist destination, with nearly one million Russian tourists arriving in the country during 2023.
This recent development in visa-free entry for Indian tourists comes after Sri Lanka also announced visa-free entry for visitors from India, China, and Russia, among other countries. The pilot project, which began immediately, will continue until March 31, 2024, according to Sri Lanka’s foreign affairs minister.
With these significant changes in visa policies, tourists from India and other countries can look forward to exploring the wonders of Thailand and experiencing its rich culture and hospitality.