Thai Cabinet extended visa-free travel for Indian and Taiwanese visitors by six months after the former period expires on May 10. The scheme is aimed at boosting Thai tourism and the economy.
The Thai government initially introduced the visa-free policy for Indian and Taiwanese tourists in October last year. The measure was active from November 10 last year until this coming Friday, May 10. Foreign tourists were allowed to enter and stay in Thailand for 30 days without paying a fee.
As the measure will expire in the next two days, Prime Minister Office deputy spokesperson Kenika Aunjit announced its extension yesterday, May 7, during a press conference after the Cabinet met for its weekly meeting.
Kenika explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed the extension to the Cabinet and the Ministry of Interior, and they all agreed. Consequently, visa-free travel will be available from May 11 to November 11 this year.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Thailand is projected to lose approximately 2.1 billion baht in income from visa fees. However, the government foresees this measure bolstering tourism revenue and enhancing international relationships.
Last year, the government estimated that an Indian tourist spent about 41,000 baht per person for a trip in Thailand while a Taiwanese tourist spent about 43,000 baht per person. In that year, the country expected 700,000 tourists to enter which would be able to generate at least 28 billion baht.
This year, the government has not yet revealed the expected numbers of Indian and Taiwanese tourists or the expected income generated from the visa-free measure.
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin introduced a visa-free travel scheme for Russian visitors two weeks ago. The measure came into effect on May 1, and will end on July 31, and each Russian national is allowed to stay in Thailand for 60 days per time.
Similar measures are in place for government officials from Bangladesh and tourists from China and Kazakhstan.
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