Visa Exemption for Chinese and Kazakhstan Tourists to Boost Thai Tourism Revenue

Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant move to stimulate its tourism industry and achieve its ambitious revenue target of 2.38 trillion baht in 2023, Thailand has announced a temporary exemption of tourist visas for Chinese and Kazakhstani passport holders and those with passport replacement documents. This measure is set to be in effect from September 25, 2023, to February 29, 2024. 

The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Mr. Srettha Thavisin on September 13, 2023. The Cabinet approved these urgent tourism stimulation measures to boost Thailand's economy by promoting travel to the country, particularly by Chinese tourists, who traditionally constitute the largest tourist group, and Kazakh nationals, representing a new market with significant growth potential during the tourist season. This initiative marks the government's first urgent policy of this kind and involves visa exemptions for holders of Chinese and Kazakh nationality passports or passport replacement documents, allowing them to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. The measure is expected to significantly accelerate Thailand's tourism industry towards its 2023 goals and continue to have a positive impact into early 2024. 

Ms. Sudawan Wang Suphakit Koson, Minister of Tourism and Sports, highlighted the importance of the Chinese market, which remains a key target for Thailand. While there has been a recovery of approximately 30 percent compared to 2019, the Chinese market holds tremendous potential in terms of income and the number of tourists. The visa exemption is expected to reinvigorate growth in the Chinese tourist market. During the five-month period of visa exemption, Thailand anticipates welcoming approximately 1,912,000 to 2,888,500 Chinese tourists, representing a recovery proportion of 41 to 62 percent compared to 2019. This is projected to generate an income of 92,583 to 140,313 million baht. Additionally, it is estimated that around 129,485 tourists from Kazakhstan will visit Thailand during this period, marking a 49.7 percent increase compared to the previous year and generating an income of approximately 7,930 million baht. This visa exemption initiative is one of the government's "Quick Win" measures designed to meet short-term goals and invigorate the grassroots economy. 

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, reported that between January 1, 2023 and September 10, 2023, 2,284,281 Chinese tourists had visited Thailand, making China the second-largest tourist market after Malaysia. Without visa exemption measures, it was projected that 3,470,430 Chinese tourists would visit Thailand in 2023, equivalent to a recovery rate of 31 percent, resulting in an income of 174,358 million baht. Visa exemption is expected to stimulate the market further, potentially attracting 4.04 to 4.4 million Chinese tourists and aiming for a revenue target of 257,500 million baht in 2023. Simplified travel procedures will make it easier for Chinese tourists to choose Thailand as their destination, with the visa exemption also coinciding with the Golden Week period when Chinese tourists prefer to travel. Airlines are gearing up for increased charter flights, additional flight frequencies, and new flight routes, further boosting tourism during this period. The visa exemption measure extends to the New Year and Chinese New Year holidays, providing a continued stimulus to the tourism market in early 2024. 

The Kazakhstan market, characterized by strong growth and potential, saw 108,636 Kazakhstani tourists visit Thailand from January 1 to September 10, 2023, marking a record high. Visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists is expected to attract more visitors to Thailand, particularly to destinations like Phuket. 

The visa exemption for Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists represents a pivotal step in reviving the economy through tourism and is set to drive Thailand's tourism industry towards achieving its ambitious 2023 goals in terms of foreign tourist numbers and total income. It underscores the government's recognition of the tourism sector as a crucial driver of the Thai economy, solidifying Thailand's position as a sought-after destination for tourists from around the world.