IT has only been two weeks since the permanent visa waiver policy between Thailand and China officially took effect but signs of mutual economic benefits are highly imminent.
In an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), a senior official representing the Tourism Authority of Thailand said the measure is clear proof of the great trust that China and Thailand have for each other.
“China and Thailand have had a very long history of ties at various levels throughout history. For two countries to be like these, to have no-visa travel, it means there must be insurmountable trust between both countries,” Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya Deputy Governor, TAT said.
Effective on March 1, the mutual visa exemption welcomed nearly 4,000 Thais and more than 18,000 Chinese citizens on its first day.
Thailand welcomed about 28 million tourists in 2023.
The country set an ambitious goal of at least 40 million visitors by the end of 2024 and a target revenue of 3.5 trillion baht.
Thailand expects 8 million tourists from China for this year.
