Tourism Operators Call for Shorter Visa Stay for Chinese Tourists

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Prachachat

 

Thailand's tourism operators are lobbying for a reduction in the visa-free stay duration for Chinese tourists from 30 days to 15 days. This move aims to combat unlawful work and fraud issues, following incidents involving foreign criminals exploiting the current visa policy.

 

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), referenced a recent case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, misled by scammers and transported to Myanmar through Thailand's border, which has heightened apprehensions among local operators about foreign scammers abusing the visa-free programme.

 

Operators believe a 15-day limit aligns better with the average stay of Chinese tourists, who typically visit for 7 to 10 days per trip. This adjustment is not expected to disrupt Chinese tourism significantly, given the prevailing travel patterns.

 

While some in the private sector have called for ending the visa-free programme altogether, TAT disagrees, asserting that maintaining visa-free entry is more beneficial, particularly in fostering tourism growth and enhancing flight connectivity from second-tier Chinese cities.

 

The proposal for a shorter stay has yet to be officially submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, as a representative from the Foreign Ministry sits on the TAT board, discussions are anticipated in the forthcoming meeting.

"Continuing visa-free stays for Chinese tourists offers more advantages, especially in increasing tourist numbers and flights," Ms Thapanee stated.

 

The Tourism Ministry is striving to attract 8.8-9 million Chinese visitors this year, as part of a broader goal of 39-40 million international arrivals. Nonetheless, safety concerns have already led to significant booking cancellations, with 4,572 room nights axed by Chinese tourists alone in January, and Bangkok accounting for 2,001 of these.

 

According to Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, Vice-President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the apprehensions affect not just Chinese visitors but also other Asian tourists, who tend to be more safety-conscious compared to Western travellers.

 

The TCT has recommended developing a "Chinese-friendly" standard for operators in collaboration with the Thailand-China Tourism Association, which has already vetted 200 tourism businesses for safety standards compliance.

 

"Resolving scam and human trafficking issues is imperative for preventing similar incidents in the future," Mr Ratchaporn stressed. He also advocated for reviving international concerts to boost confidence among visitors, noting the recent cancellation of Hong Kong singer Eason Chan's concert and its effect on fan clubs and their travel plans, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-21

 

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand's tourism operators are lobbying for a reduction in the visa-free stay duration for Chinese tourists from 30 days to 15 days. This move aims to combat unlawful work and fraud issues, following incidents involving foreign criminals exploiting the current visa policy.

 

Xi would like this as he want them to spend money in China instead of Thailand.

[WHansen]

I thought they were on the visa exempt list and could turn up and get 60 days like the rest of us

[steven100]

doesn't really matter, they will still come regardless of the visa free days.  They own most of Thailand anyway so they don't care if the visa free is 7 days or 70 days.  

[Hakuna Matata]

Yes, stricter visa rules are required for nationals of some countries including China, Korea, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and some other countries.

 

 

[Hakuna Matata]

2 hours ago, steven100 said:

doesn't really matter, they will still come regardless of the visa free days.  They own most of Thailand anyway so they don't care if the visa free is 7 days or 70 days.  

 

Stop visa-free for nationals of China, Korea, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and some other countries.

 

A proper visa should be obtained BEFORE travel in the country of citizenship only, including police background checks.