Thailand to waive visas for Taiwan and India to boost tourism

Published Tue, Oct 31, 2023 · 02:16 PM

Thailand is targeting about 28 million arrivals this year. PHOTO: AFP

THAILAND will waive visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday (Oct 31), in a bid to draw in more tourists as high season approaches.

In September, Thailand scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists, the country’s top pre-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019.

From January to Oct 29, there were 22 million visitors to Thailand, generating 927.5 billion baht (S$35 billion), according to the latest government data.

“Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days,” spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said.

India has been Thailand’s fourth largest source market for tourism so far this year with about 1.2 million arrivals after Malaysia, China and South Korea.

Inbound tourism from India showed signs of growth as more airlines and hospitality chains targeted that market.

Thai central bank favours gold to shield its US$210 billion reserves

The central bank’s growth forecast of 4.4 per cent for 2024 will be revised if there is any change in the government’s stimulus plan.

Thai policy rate is right for now; Mid-East war is a concern: central bank chief

The ministry forecast foreign tourists at 27.7 million this year, compared with an earlier estimate of 29.5 million.

Thai finance ministry cuts 2023 growth outlook to 2.7% as exports decline

THE BUSINESS TIMES INSIGHTS

Powering Asean's Future 2026

Find out how enterprises are navigating power constraints and sustainability targets

ACCESS THE INSIGHTS

Thailand is targeting about 28 million arrivals this year, with the new government hoping the travel sector can offset continued weak exports that have constrained economic growth. REUTERS

Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

Thailand Tourism Taiwan India

Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services

Feedback

TRENDING NOW

DBS, OCBC and UOB struck a more cautious tone on their outlook, even as they remain optimistic about the longer term.

From AI financing to Indonesia outlook: 4 takeaways from Singapore banks’ Q3 results

Vingroup is planning a US$500 million production hub in the province of Batangas, around 94 km south of Manila.

VinFast, Mitsubishi weigh Philippine EV production as state incentives near

DBS’ Q3 net profit is down 5% at S$2.81 billion, largely due to weak markets trading income from unfavourable market conditions.

Analysts cut DBS target price on lower 2027 earnings, but see buying opportunity after share price slide

Yen appreciation can accelerate the unwinding of leveraged positions, illustrating how currency and financial stability risks can interact.

Could Japan trigger the next global financial crisis?