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Guwahati: Thailand has extended its visa exemption program for India by another 6 months as it attempts to further boost its economy through tourism, its biggest driver.
The exemption, which allows tourists to stay in Thailand for 30 days at a time, has been extended to November 11. This decision follows a previous waiver that granted visa-free stays until May 10.
Thailand, a popular destination for those from Northeast India due to its proximity to the region, is known for its serene beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delectable streetfood. On December 1, 2023, a thrice-a-week direct flight between Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati and Bangkok was introduced for the ease of travellers from both sides.
Thailand has been easing visa rules for travelers from various countries, including China and Russia, to bolster its tourism sector. In addition to India, the visa waiver has also been extended to tourists from Taiwan.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand surpassed 27 million in 2023, the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports said. It was the highest number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand after the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in 2020. In the first quarter of 2024, Thailand saw a significant increase in international arrivals as it welcomed over nine million tourists, according to visaguide.world.
Malaysia was the top source market for foreign tourists to Thailand in 2023, with 4.4 million arrivals, followed by China with 2.7 million arrivals, Singapore with 1.9 million, and India with 1.6 million.
The Thai government intends to increase the number of tourists to 80 million by 2027, as tourism contributes heavily to the Thai economy. Tourism receipts from foreign visitors in Thailand gradually increased, amounting to over 26 billion Thai baht in June 2022. Tourism has also brought opportunities for employment and major business expansions for Thai companies in the tourism sector.
