Thailand to remove Indian visa requirements

Thailand will remove visa requirements for Indians and Taiwanese visitors from next month until May 2024, a government official stated on Tuesday, in an effort to attract more tourists as the high season approaches.

Thailand eliminated visa requirements for Chinese tourists in September, the country’s main pre-pandemic tourism sector, accounting for 11 million of the record 39 million visits in 2019.

According to the latest government data, there were 22 million tourists to Thailand from January to October 29, generating 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion).

“Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days”, spokesperson Chai Wacharonke noted.

With over 1.2 million arrivals this year, India has been Thailand’s fourth largest source market for tourism after Malaysia, China, and South Korea.

Inbound tourism from India increased as more airlines and hotel chains targeted the market.

Thailand expects approximately 28 million visitors this year, with the new government hoping the tourism will balance the country’s persistent dismal exports, which have stifled economic progress.

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