Thailand, China to waive visas for each other's citizens

After a cabinet meeting, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the long-term visa exemption program between the two countries will take effect on March 1, according to the Bangkok Post .

Prime Minister Srettha also said that tourists from both Thailand and China will no longer have to apply for visas before visiting the other country.

This would be a step up from Thailand’s previous visa-free program for Chinese tourists, which was originally scheduled to last until February 29. Meanwhile, relevant officials are also discussing a reciprocal permanent visa-free initiative, according to Mr. Srettha.

A Chinese tourist takes a selfie with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during a welcoming ceremony for the first batch of Chinese tourists under the 5-month visa exemption program at Bangkok International Airport (Thailand) on September 25, 2023.

Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said on January 2 that he will visit China this month or early February to sign the permanent visa exemption agreement.

Last year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that Chinese tourists were the second largest group of visitors to Thailand, with about 3.42 million arrivals, second only to Malaysians, with about 4.4 million arrivals.

Chinese were the largest group of tourists to Thailand before the Covid-19 pandemic, with 10 million arrivals, according to the Bangkok Post .

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