Popular Post webfact Posted February 27 Popular Post Share Posted February 27 Tourism authorities in Thailand are pushing for a long-term reciprocal visa-free scheme with India, projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. Somsong Sachaphimukh, the vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, highlighted the positive impact of the current temporary visa exemption for India, which has accelerated the Indian market’s growth. As of February 18, the Indian market accounted for the fifth-highest arrivals in Thailand, with a total of 258,269 tourists. According to Somsong, the extension of the visa exemption scheme for two years beyond its current expiration date of May 10, 2024, should maintain this momentum. The potential rise of India’s economy, projected to surpass Germany by 2027, presents a golden opportunity for Thailand to draw in more high-quality tourists, reported Bangkok Post. In the future, a mutual visa-free programme between the two countries should be deliberated, Somsong suggested. This arrangement could potentially boost tourism and trade, providing airlines with incentives to offer more flights. She highlighted the significant potential in the Indian market, largely due to its substantial young working population aged between 25 and 40, who account for approximately 40% of the total population. “Indian tourists typically travel abroad with family and spend a fortune on tourism, either hotel services or shopping,” Somsong noted. She added that an Indian tourist’s expenditure could range between 60,000 and 100,000 baht for roughly a week-long trip to Thailand. Additionally, the Indian market holds potential for business meetings, incentive trips, and wedding ceremonies, each potentially costing between 50 and 100 million baht. Despite flight resumption restrictions between Thailand and India to only six major Indian cities, the number of flights is on the rise. Somsong suggested the government consider attracting flights from India’s second-tier cities, such as Amritsar and Pune, which demonstrate strong demand and high purchasing power. She also advised the government to support charter flights to U-tapao Airport in Chonburi and Chiang Mai Airport, in addition to Phuket, and to enhance duty-free shopping at these airports. Challenges and Opportunities Another challenge that must be addressed, according to Somsong, is the lack of Indian restaurants in major cities. Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, confirmed India’s position in the top five largest arrivals in Phuket. As of January, 25,524 Indian tourists had entered Phuket via its international airport, only surpassed by Russia and China, with the number of Indian visitors exceeding the 2019 figure by 15%. Suksit noted that the influx of Indian tourists has benefited hotels of all sizes, enabling many hoteliers to increase room rates during the high season. He predicted an occupancy rate of 90% in February, largely attributed to the Indian market and long-haul guests. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Nutthawat Wicheanbut Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe 2 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Chivas Posted February 27 Popular Post Share Posted February 27 How about the Thai Government consider long term visa free travel for Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and USA etc who put Thailand on the tourist map in the first place 2 1 2 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chivas Posted February 27 Share Posted February 27 Who are these people who put confused emoji on posts like mine above !! What in the name of all thats holy is confusing lol ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Celsius Posted February 27 Popular Post Share Posted February 27 17 minutes ago, Chivas said: Who are these people who put confused emoji on posts like mine above !! What in the name of all thats holy is confusing lol ! Sorry it was me. I changed it to sad emoji 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hotchilli Posted February 27 Popular Post Share Posted February 27 6 hours ago, webfact said: The potential rise of India’s economy, projected to surpass Germany by 2027, presents a golden opportunity for Thailand to draw in more high-quality Here we go again with the high quality blurb. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSam Posted February 27 Share Posted February 27 Oh God no! If you open Thailand to the Indians who are presently visiting, you would have to rethink your traffic patterns, because they mostly prefer to walk on the roads (in Pattaya anyway) and cross whenever they feel like, oblivious to oncoming traffic, and of-course, we all know about the 5 straws for 1 coke stories in the bars, etc. Myself, Indian origin, but totally disgusted at the snail's pace at which they are adapting to international society norms! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicoBKK Posted February 27 Share Posted February 27 7 hours ago, Chivas said: How about the Thai Government consider long term visa free travel for Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and USA etc who put Thailand on the tourist map in the first place "reciprocal visa-free scheme" this is why 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulikens Posted February 27 Share Posted February 27 Indians spend a lot. That's a new one on me. As far as i know the majority of them are tight gits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captpkapoor Posted March 21 Share Posted March 21 On 2/27/2024 at 5:59 PM, paulikens said: Indians spend a lot. That's a new one on me. As far as i know the majority of them are tight gits. Poor knowledge, caused by not meeting the decent blokes. Very high spenders at high end stores for shopping, and classy hotels. You have to stop living in the past stereotypes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko45k Posted March 24 Share Posted March 24 On 2/27/2024 at 7:21 AM, webfact said: She added that an Indian tourist’s expenditure could range between 60,000 and 100,000 baht for roughly a week-long trip to Thailand Then why is a long term visa free sought? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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