Thailand Announces Visa Exemption for Chinese Nationals, Aims to Boost Tourism

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revealed plans to grant Chinese and Kazakh nationals a 30-day visa exemption starting September 25, aiming to bolster the country’s economy. This exemption, slated to end in February, marks a strategic move to attract more tourists.

Anticipation surrounds this move within the hospitality sector, especially among hotels, such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, a lavish and modern Phuket resort. Ranjeet Viswanathan, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, highlighted China’s significant impact on their business pre-pandemic, constituting 18-20% of their clientele. However, current bookings only reflect around 5% from China, largely due to the absence of tour groups.

This visa exemption initiative seeks to reignite tourism and revive the once-significant influx of Chinese visitors, generating optimism within Thailand’s hospitality industry.