Thailand and China Forge Closer Ties with Mutual Visa Waiver

In a groundbreaking move, Thailand and China are set to permanently waive visa requirements for each other’s citizens starting March. This initiative, originally initiated by Thailand in September for Chinese nationals, aims to enhance tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties.

The waiver, responding to a decline in Thailand’s allure for Chinese tourists, witnessed a remarkable response, with over 22,000 Chinese visitors entering the country within the first two days. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the extension of this visa-free arrangement, emphasizing its significance in upgrading bilateral relations.

Chinese tourists constitute the second-largest group of foreign visitors to Thailand, following Malaysians. While the Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipated up to 3.5 million Chinese visitors for 2023, short of its 4 million target, the visa waiver is expected to significantly improve these figures.

Various factors, including a shortage of low-cost flights post-COVID and economic slowdown in China, contributed to a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand. Safety concerns following rumors of tourist kidnappings and incidents like the shooting at a Bangkok shopping mall further impacted tourism.

The Thai tourism authority has set an ambitious target of 8.2 million Chinese tourists for 2024. Simultaneously, China has been implementing similar measures, recently announcing a visa-free trial for visitors from several countries, further fostering global travel opportunities.