Exciting Update for Indian Travelers to Thailand: Tourist Visa Exemption Program Extended

Thailand has extended its visa-free entry offer for Indian and Taiwanese tourists until November 11, 2024, in a bid to boost its economy. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made the announcement, allowing a 30-day stay without a visa for travelers from these countries. This move is part of Thailand’s efforts to support its tourism-dependent economy, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

The extension of the visa exemption program comes after a surge in tourist arrivals in 2024, with China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India leading the way. The government aims to attract 80 million tourists by 2027, with India playing a significant role in achieving this target.

Thailand has also been relaxing visa rules for travelers from other key markets such as China and Russia. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that between January and April 2024, over 12 crore foreign tourists visited Thailand, marking a 39% increase compared to the same period last year. Tourism is a vital contributor to Thailand’s economy, accounting for 20% of all employment opportunities and contributing approximately 12% to the nation’s economic output.

In 2023, India was the fifth-largest contributor of foreign visitors to Thailand, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand projecting a significant increase in Indian visitors. This year, the TAT aims to attract 1.8 million Indian visitors, with West Bengal and Kolkata expected to contribute a significant number of visitors. Overall, the extension of the visa-free entry offer is expected to attract more tourists to Thailand and provide a much-needed boost to the country’s economy.