Thailand Prepares for Visa-Free Entry from India and Taiwan

In an effort to boost tourism and stimulate the economy, the Thai government is gearing up to welcome visitors from India and Taiwan with a visa-free entry policy, set to commence this Friday.

To ensure a seamless and safe travel experience for tourists, a dedicated command centre has been established, overseeing preparations to prevent overcrowding at Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport as the high tourist season approaches.

Government’s Visa-Free Entry Policy

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has taken charge of coordinating various state agencies to implement the government’s policy, allowing Indian and Taiwanese tourists to enter and stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days.

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has been directed to work closely with immigration authorities and other relevant agencies to streamline the entry process and prevent congestion.

Mr Suriya emphasized the significance of the command centre, stating, “The command centre has been set up to coordinate efforts of all airport service providers in ensuring smooth travel for visitors, especially at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.”

Efficient Services and Safety Precautions

In addition to the airports, the government has instructed various transportation authorities, including rail, interprovincial bus, and marine services, to enhance efficiency and implement heightened safety measures in anticipation of a surge in visitors.

The visa-free policy for tourists from India and Taiwan will be in effect from Friday until May 10 as part of the government’s plan to boost tourism and the economy. Previously, visa exemptions were granted to tourists from China and Kazakhstan, a policy set to run until Feb 29.

Anticipated Tourism Figures

The government forecasts that approximately 1.55 million Indian tourists will visit Thailand this year, with around 700,000 Taiwanese tourists expected to explore the country. Indian tourists are estimated to spend an average of 41,000 baht per trip, staying for 7-8 days, while Taiwanese visitors are projected to spend 42,900 baht each, with an average daily expenditure of 5,200 baht.

Recent Tourism Trends

According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, between Oct 30 and Nov 5, a total of 557,554 foreign visitors entered Thailand. Malaysian tourists comprised the largest group at 73,297, followed by Chinese tourists at 67,443, and Russians at 39,136.

Since January 1, Thailand has seen over 22.61 million foreign tourists, contributing approximately 954.23 billion baht in tourism revenue.

As Thailand opens its doors to more international tourists, the government is focused on ensuring a warm welcome and a memorable stay for visitors from India and Taiwan, with the hopes of rejuvenating the tourism sector and boosting the country’s economy.

(Source and Inputs from Bangkok Post)