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Monday May 06, 2024

Thailand to extend visa-free entry for Chinese tourists

By AFP
January 03, 2024

BANGKOK: Thailand will extend visa-free entry for Chinese visitors, Thai officials said on Tuesday, ensuring access to a key market that could boost the nation´s battered tourism economy.

Bangkok granted Chinese tourists visa exemptions last year under a temporary scheme that was due to expire February 29.

The flag of Thailand flies over Bangkok on the eve of the general election on May 13, 2023. —AFP
The flag of Thailand flies over Bangkok on the eve of the general election on May 13, 2023. —AFP

Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong said the programme would be extended, after talks with Beijing which could also see Thais permitted to travel visa-free to China.

“We have reached an informal consensus that we would allow tourists from two countries to travel to one another permanently,” he said in a press conference following the first cabinet meeting of 2024.

He added that the proposal would be formalised before the end of February, taking effect on March 1. If approved, Chinese and Thai nationals will be able to stay for up to 30 days per visit.