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Thailand, gearing up for its high tourism season, has made a strategic move to boost tourist arrivals by temporarily waiving visa requirements for visitors from India and Taiwan. This visa exemption will be in effect from next month until May 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Duration of Stay: Visitors from India and Taiwan can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Previous Visa Exemption for Chinese Tourists: In September, Thailand also removed visa requirements for Chinese tourists, who were a major source of visitors in 2019, accounting for 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals.
- Tourism Statistics: Between January and October 29, Thailand welcomed 22 million visitors, generating a revenue of 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion).
- Effective Period: The visa-free entry for Indian and Taiwanese tourists is effective from November 10th to May 10th.
- Aim: The initiative aims to boost tourism and attract more visitors to the country.
- Largest Group of Visitors: As of the latest data, tourists from Malaysia topped the list of visitors to Thailand this year, followed by Chinese tourists.
Comparison with Sri Lanka:
- Free Visas to Multiple Countries: Sri Lanka, following a similar trajectory, approved the issuance of free visas to tourists from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand as a pilot project, effective immediately until March 31, 2024.
- India as a Primary Source: India has historically been a significant source of inbound tourism for Sri Lanka.
Conclusion:
Thailand’s decision to extend visa-free entry to Indian and Taiwanese tourists showcases the country's proactive approach to revitalizing its tourism sector, which has faced challenges due to the global pandemic. By opening its doors to a wider audience and creating an inviting travel environment, Thailand is set to welcome an influx of visitors, contributing to the economic recovery and the vibrant atmosphere that the country is famous for. This move places Thailand in a competitive position in the global tourism market, as countries worldwide adopt similar strategies to attract visitors and boost their respective tourism industries.
