Thailand and Kazakhstan are set to strengthen their tourism ties with a new permanent bilateral visa exemption agreement. This move aims to bring tourism back to pre-pandemic levels and boost the economies of both countries.
Under the agreement, tourists from Kazakhstan can enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for up to 30 days at a time and a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Similarly, Thai tourists will also benefit from visa-free privileges when visiting Kazakhstan.
The announcement was made by Thailand’s government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, who revealed that the agreement will be signed during Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu’s visit to Bangkok on April 23. The visa exemption will come into effect 30 days after the official procedures are finalized.
Thailand has already seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan since the temporary visa exemption program was introduced in September 2023. This has contributed to Thailand’s goal of reaching pre-pandemic tourist numbers by the end of the year, with over 11 million foreign tourist arrivals recorded in 2024 so far.
With tourism playing a crucial role in Thailand’s economy, generating around 12 percent of the country’s GDP, the visa waiver is expected to further boost revenue in the sector. The government aims to target THB 1.8 trillion (approximately USD 49 billion) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024.
This new agreement is set to strengthen the tourism industry in both Thailand and Kazakhstan, providing more opportunities for travelers to explore the beauty and culture of these two countries.