Thailand Announces Visa Exemption for Indian and Taiwanese Visitors to Boost Tourism

Thailand is set to enhance its tourism sector by introducing a visa-free entry policy for travelers from India and Taiwan. This initiative, commencing this Friday, is part of the country's efforts to stimulate economic growth through tourism.

The Thai government has established a command center to manage the expected increase in tourists and to ensure a smooth travel experience. This center will oversee the operations at Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, particularly as the peak tourist season arrives.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is overseeing the coordination of various state agencies to facilitate the new policy. This policy will allow Indian and Taiwanese tourists to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) is working in conjunction with immigration and other agencies to streamline the entry process and avoid potential congestion at the airports.

In preparation for the anticipated influx of tourists, the government has also directed transportation authorities, including those overseeing rail, interprovincial bus, and marine services, to improve efficiency and safety measures.

The visa exemption is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and will be in effect until May 10. It follows similar exemptions previously granted to tourists from China and Kazakhstan.

The government expects around 1.55 million Indian tourists and 700,000 Taiwanese tourists to visit Thailand this year. Indian tourists are predicted to spend an average of 41,000 baht per trip, with an average stay of 7-8 days. Taiwanese tourists are expected to spend about 42,900 baht each, with a daily expenditure of 5,200 baht.

Recent statistics from the Tourism and Sports Ministry indicate that between October 30 and November 5, Thailand welcomed 557,554 foreign visitors, with the largest groups coming from Malaysia, China, and Russia.

Since the beginning of the year, Thailand has received over 22.61 million foreign tourists, generating approximately 954.23 billion baht in tourism revenue.

With the new visa-free policy, Thailand aims to provide a hospitable and memorable experience for visitors from India and Taiwan, thereby rejuvenating its tourism industry and bolstering the economy.