China and Thailand have embarked on a new era of bilateral cooperation by signing a mutual visa exemption agreement on January 28, 2024, in Bangkok. Starting from March 1, 2024, citizens of both countries will be able to travel visa-free for stays of up to 30 days.
This landmark agreement is poised to significantly enhance people-to-people exchanges and stimulate the tourism industry in both nations. The visa exemption is expected to spur a surge in cross-border travel, providing a substantial boost to economic development.
Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, expressed optimism at the signing ceremony, stating, “This visa-free era will bring people-to-people exchanges to a new height. There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand.”
Industry analysts predict that 8 million Chinese tourists will visit Thailand in 2024. The news has already ignited interest among Chinese travelers, with travel platforms reporting a significant increase in searches and bookings related to Thailand. For instance, searches for Thailand on Ctrip surged over sevenfold, and airline and hotel reservations increased more than six times compared to the previous day.
Meanwhile, Thai citizens are eager to explore China. The mutual visa exemption will make business ventures, cultural exchanges, and tourism more accessible for Thai people. With simplified travel procedures and reduced costs, there is an anticipated rise in Thai visitors experiencing China’s rich history, cuisine, and entertainment.
Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand’s economy, and the revival of tourism is crucial for its economic growth. In 2023, Asia was the primary source of foreign tourists to Thailand, with Malaysia leading at approximately 4.5 million visitors, followed by China with 3.5 million.
The Thai government aims to welcome 35 million foreign tourists in 2024, aiming to increase tourism revenue from 3 trillion baht ($84.3 billion) to 3.5 trillion baht. To achieve this, Thailand is enhancing its tourism infrastructure and focusing on safety and attractiveness as a destination.
The mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Thailand marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, promising to deepen cultural ties and promote economic prosperity in the region.
Reference(s):
Visa exemptions will strengthen exchanges between China and ASEAN
cgtn.com
