Bangkok, Thailand – In a bid to rejuvenate its tourism industry and counter economic challenges, Thailand has declared visa-free entry for Indian travelers, effective from next month until May 2024. This announcement comes as Thailand aims to recover its position as a top destination for tourists.
The decision follows a similar move in September when Thailand scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists, its primary tourism market with 11 million visitors out of the record-breaking 39 million arrivals in 2019.
With the peak tourism season approaching, the Thai government’s decision is expected to boost the number of Indian tourists visiting the country. “Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days,” stated spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, highlighting the ease of travel for Indian tourists.
India currently ranks as Thailand’s fourth-largest source of tourism, with approximately 1.2 million arrivals this year, following Malaysia, China, and South Korea. The tourism sector has shown promising signs of growth, primarily due to increased efforts from airlines and hospitality chains to attract Indian visitors.
From January to October 29, Thailand welcomed 22 million visitors, generating an impressive 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion) in revenue, according to the latest government data.
The Thai government has set an ambitious target of welcoming around 28 million tourists this year. This move is part of their strategy to offset the impact of weak exports on the nation’s economic growth.
Thailand continues to be a top choice for travelers, offering a rich cultural experience, beautiful landscapes, and renowned hospitality. With the new visa waiver in place, Indian tourists are expected to flock to Thailand in greater numbers, contributing to the revival of the country’s tourism industry and economic prosperity.