On January 28, 2024, the governments of China and Thailand signed a mutual visa exemption agreement in Bangkok, set to take effect on March 1, 2024. This landmark agreement allows citizens of both nations to travel without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, fostering deeper people-to-people connections and bolstering the tourism sectors of both countries.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, \"This visa-free era will bring people-to-people exchanges to a new height. There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand.\" Indeed, projections estimate that up to 8 million Chinese tourists will explore Thailand in 2024, a significant boost for Thailand’s vibrant tourism industry.
Thailand has long been a favored destination for Chinese travelers seeking memorable holiday experiences. Following the announcement of the visa exemption, there was a notable surge in Thailand-related searches on Chinese travel platforms, with inquiries for flights and accommodations increasing more than sevenfold on platforms like Ctrip. This spike indicates a strong and immediate interest in traveling to Thailand.
Conversely, Thai residents are also eager to explore China with newfound ease. Chinese cuisine, literature, soap operas, and films have a dedicated following in Thailand, and the removal of visa barriers is expected to encourage more Thai visitors to experience China’s rich culture and dynamic business environment.
Tourism is a critical pillar of Thailand’s economy. In 2023, Asia remained the largest source of foreign tourists, with Malaysia contributing approximately 4.5 million arrivals and China following closely with 3.5 million. Looking ahead, Thailand aims to attract 35 million foreign tourists in 2024, increasing tourism revenue from 3 trillion baht ($84.3 billion) to 3.5 trillion baht. To achieve these ambitious goals, the Thai government is enhancing tourism infrastructure and ensuring that Thailand remains a safe and attractive destination for travelers worldwide.
Reference(s):
Visa exemptions will strengthen exchanges between China and ASEAN
cgtn.com
