Thailand Targets 2.4 Million Indian Tourists with Visa-Free Policy

[webfact]

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised its target for Indian tourist arrivals from 2.3 to 2.4 million this year, spurred by the recently introduced visa-free policy for Indian nationals. This visa waiver programme, which permits 60-day visa-free stays, applies to citizens of 93 countries and will remain effective until November 2024.

 

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Indian arrivals are anticipated to exceed 1 million by the end of this month, almost reaching half of the initial target of 2.08 million for the year. The revised target aims to contribute to the government’s goal of attracting 36.7 million tourists and generating 3.5 trillion baht in revenue in 2023, benefitting from consistent tourism numbers even during off-peak periods.

 

Indian tourist arrivals this year are expected to hit a record high, surpassing the 1.9 million visitors in 2019, according to Thapanee.

 

There is speculation among tourism operators that the Indian government might offer a reciprocal visa exemption for Thai tourists, though Thapanee clarified this remains unconfirmed.

 

“In principle, two-way visa-free travel would significantly boost travel demand in both nations.”

 

 

Currently, Thai citizens can apply for a one-month e-visa to visit India.

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin indicated earlier this year that the government would persist in negotiations with India for a permanent reciprocal visa-free arrangement, following successful talks with China.

 

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing in Asia and the South Pacific at TAT, announced plans for a promotional roadshow through four second-tier Indian cities: Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad, targeting potential tourists.

 

“The TAT’s New Delhi office will focus on attracting small families and groups of friends to enjoy Thailand’s recreational activities.”

 

Indian tourists’ average spending per trip has increased to 40,000 baht (US$1,080) this year, from 38,000 baht (US$1,030) in 2022. Flight connections between Thailand and India have recovered to 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has committed to raising the number of seats by 7,000 per week between Thailand and India starting in November.

 

The Airlines Association of Thailand reported that seat quotas on Thailand-India routes are mainly held by Thai Airways International, with other carriers struggling to capture market share.

 

Suksit Suvunditkul, President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, noted that Indian tourists remain among the top three markets for Phuket, visiting for various reasons including meetings, incentive groups, weddings, and family leisure tourism.

 

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

-- 2024-06-27

 

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[ozz1]

I can hear the ladyboys counting the gold chains come on down

[ourmanflint]

This is the solution to over tourism is it, how does that work?

[brianthainess]

Well good news for them, they can get away from all the pollution in Those Cities.

Oh wait a minute, now Thais can go to New Delhi  for a breath of fresh air.

[MalcolmB]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

revised its target for Indian tourist arrivals from 2.3 to 2.4 million this year,

This news will trigger the racists.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revised its target for Indian tourist arrivals from 2.3 to 2.4 million this year, spurred by the recently introduced visa-free policy for Indian nationals. This visa waiver programme, which permits 60-day visa-free stays, applies to citizens of 93 countries and will remain effective until November 2024.

Said by some to have not filtered through to the borders yet, still stamping 30 days on entry?

Maybe the 1,900 fee for extension is still needed?

[hotchilli]

32 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

This news will trigger the racists.

I know the working girls will not be happy.

[jcmj]

Well so much for the quality high spending tourist. Grab a beer and 4 straws

[Burma Bill]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Indian tourist arrivals this year are expected to hit a record high

 

Bye Bye Ladyboy cabarets - Welcome Bollywood!

 

 

 

[orchis]

like the other 60 days exempt not applied yet.

[Danderman123]

Virtually every time I see Indians wanting to ride the Pattaya baht bus (they generally travel in groups), they first talk to the driver before getting in.

 

What is that about?

[TimBKK]

14 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

Virtually every time I see Indians wanting to ride the Pattaya baht bus (they generally travel in groups), they first talk to the driver before getting in.

 

What is that about?

“10 baht for all?  We only go short way”

[DonniePeverley]

India has no reciprocal deal for Thai's, despite their economy GDP per person being 1/3 less than Thailand. 

 

This open door policy is going to create havoc for Thailand. No other country is this open for India. There spend is relatively low per person too. Malaysia and Dubai have recently back tracked on their visa relaxation for Indians.