Thread: Thailand may grant visa exemption for Chinese tourists in October

The Thai government is likely to introduce visa exemption for Chinese tourists in an effort to boost arrivals over yearend, as arrivals during the first seven months of this year have fallen short of target.


The Ministry of Tourism and Sports estimates that between 5 and 7 million Chinese tourists would have visited Thailand from January to July, but only two million arrived, largely due to the economic slowdown in China, forcing many Chinese to be more careful in their spending.


According to Thai travel agencies, news, including fake news in Chinese media, about their compatriots being preyed upon by Chinese gangs in Thailand, have raised concern among tourists about their safety. Also, many Chinese have chosen to travel within their country, which is far cheaper.


Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in his recent discussion with operators of Thai tourism businesses, has agreed consider their proposal that Chinese tourists should be exempted from the requirement to have a visa.


The matter will, however, have to be discussed with security agencies because, among the Chinese arrivals, there may be criminal elements who will take advantage of the visa exemption.


Visa exemption is expected to come into force in October, but for a temporary period only.

Thailand may grant visa exemption for Chinese tourists in October | Thai PBS World : The latest Thai news in English, News Headlines, World News and News Broadcasts in both Thai and English. We bring Thailand to the world

As if there weren’t enough of the scuzzy, yellow bellied, slanty-eyed, rice gobbling commie gits already.

^ So, all things considered, are you for or against an increase in Chinese tourist numbers?

Originally Posted by Seekingasylum

As if there weren’t enough of the scuzzy, yellow bellied, slanty-eyed, rice gobbling commie gits already.

Stiffy earntn’t enough of the fuzzy, fellow bellied, come to-bed-eyed, nice cockgobbling Pommie gits already for it. FTFY have a lovely day there's only 1.6 billion coming sure there are enough whores so no ohno FOMO

Originally Posted by Mendip

^ So, all things considered, are you for or against an increase in Chinese tourist numbers?

Dogger's revenge?

Free Visa Policy to Attract an Additional Estimated 700,000 Chinese Tourists to Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates that the government’s initiative to grant free visas to Chinese visitors will contribute to an additional 700,000 arrivals during the peak tourist season.


The initiative, which is set to be implemented on October 1st, is designed to rejuvenate Chinese tourism in Thailand, addressing the lower-than-expected number of Chinese tourists following the reopening of China’s borders.

According to TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Thailand typically welcomes between 350,000 and 400,000 visitors from China monthly, totaling 2.1 million in the first eight months of this year.

Thapanee said that Thailand held the top spot among overseas destinations, representing about 3% of mainland China’s outbound tourists. The statistic, however, excludes travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. On average, Chinese tourists spent approximately 40,000 baht per trip, per person.


During the initial half of 2023, a total of 40.3 million Chinese tourists traveled overseas, with a significant 93% choosing short-haul getaways. The upcoming implementation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s free visa proposal is anticipated to attract more tourists in the fourth quarter, aka the peak tourist season.


Meanwhile, Adit Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), urged the government to launch the policy in September after the first official Cabinet meeting because tour companies are likely going to require around one month to prepare after the policies official announcement.

In the meantime, the government should also engage in negotiations with airlines to increase flights between Thailand and China to boost Chinese tourist arrivals by 10% in the last two months of 2023, Adit suggested.


It is expected that the number of Chinese tourists will surpass the annual target of 5 million people with the help of the free visa policy, as Thailand already received 2.18 million Chinese tourists. The policy will likely attract around 2.1 million additional tourists overall, coupled with the usual surge of visitors during the high season, Adit estimated.

Free Visa Policy to Attract an Additional Estimated 700,000 Chinese Tourists to Thailand - The Pattaya News

Indeed, that’s what we need, a new crop of Chink gangsters to replenish those apprehended after the 100 or so immigration officers were transferred to other duties earlier in the year.