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Chinese citizens will be given visa-free entry on a permanent basis from March 1, Shretha said after the weekly meeting of her cabinet. Chinese visitors have been allowed visa-free entry since September last year, but the privilege was due to expire on February 29.
Thailand’s visa-waiver policy is aimed at boosting the country’s tourism industry, which was badly damaged by the coronavirus pandemic. The country welcomed nearly 40 million tourists in 2019, according to figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the government estimated they spent 1.9 trillion baht ($53.2 billion) – an amount that is expected to decline by more than 99% by 2021.
China is a major source of tourists to Thailand, with about 11 million visitors in 2019, accounting for 27.6% of all arrivals that year before the pandemic devastated the tourist market. Last year, Thailand received 28 million foreign tourists, including 3.4 million from China. Chinese tourists are second only to Malaysia, numbering about 4.4 million.
Sritha said Tuesday’s decision to grant permanent visa-free privileges to Chinese citizens was made after talks between Bangkok and Beijing. He said China agreed to grant visa-free entry to Thai visitors in exchange for allowing Chinese citizens permanent visa exemptions. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China welcomed the Thai move, saying it was in the fundamental interests of both countries.
“Competent authorities on both sides are currently in close communication on the specific matter, and we look forward to the implementation of relevant arrangements as soon as possible,” he said. According to Bangkok Post Online, Thai Foreign Minister Paranpri Bahidha-Nukara said he would visit China in early February to sign an agreement on mutual visa-free entry.
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