Thailand to grant visa-free travel for tourists from China & Kazakhstan from 25 September 2023

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This scheme, which will be in place till 29 February 2024, aims to make it more convenient for both groups travelling to Thailand during the tourist season, which begins in late September.

Effective 25 September 2023 (Monday), Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists to Thailand will be granted a visa-free stay of up to 30 days as part of a tourist visa exemption scheme. 

As announced by the Thai Government's Public Relations Department (PRD), this scheme will be in place till 29 February 2024 (Thursday). The PRD said this move was approved by the Cabinet on 13 September, following a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This measure, it added, aims to make it more convenient for both groups of tourists travelling to Thailand during the tourist season, which begins in late September. 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exemption scheme is also intended to promote Thailand's tourism industry, which it affirmed is a key driver in stimulating the economy, in accordance with the Government's policy.

"Apart from boosting tourism, it will help promote people-to-people connectivity, as well as enhance bilateral relations with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Statistics show that, from January to August 2023, around 2mn Chinese and 100,000 Kazakhstani tourists visited Thailand. The Government expects to welcome 28mn international tourist arrivals this year, with tourism revenue reaching THB 2.38tn.

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