Current:Home > ScamsThailand’s government, seeking return of tourists from China, approves visa-free entry for 5 months-InfoLens
Thailand’s government, seeking return of tourists from China, approves visa-free entry for 5 months
View Date:2024-12-23 16:34:56
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s new government Wednesday approved a measure granting temporary visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, signaling that the recovery of the country’s tourism industry is a top economic priority.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the visa exemption, which will also apply to visitors from the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan, will be effective from Sept. 25 until Feb. 29 next year. He said the relevant authorities had been consulted to ensure they are ready to handle the expected surge in travelers.
China more than a decade ago became a major source of tourists to Thailand, with almost 11 million visitors in 2019, accounting for 27.6% of all arrivals the year before the coronavirus pandemic devastated the tourist market.
The government proposed the measure due to concerns that the number of Chinese tourists this year might not reach the initial target of 5 million due to strict visa requirements. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that around 1.4 million Chinese tourists came in the first six months of this year.
Thailand’s economy slumped during the pandemic as its huge tourism industry virtually collapsed. The country received about 40 million international visitors in 2019 who the government estimated generated 1.9 trillion baht ($53.2 billion) in revenue, an amount that plummeted by more than 99% by 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, said Thailand received 15 million international visitors in the first seven months of this year. He said the government aims to draw 28 million international visitors and generate 1.4 trillion baht ($39.2 billion) in tourism revenue in 2023.
Chai praised the visa exemption scheme, saying the tourism industry is “the only economic machine remaining that can be driven with hope to generate new income quickly for Thailand.”
Besides the visa exemption, other measures the Cabinet approved included a reduction in electricity fees and diesel prices, as well as a three-year debt relief program for farmers, to address the higher cost of living and other economic woes.
veryGood! (92483)
Related
- One person is dead after a shooting at Tuskegee University
- Supreme Court gun case could reverse protections for domestic violence survivors. One woman has a message for the justices.
- Several GOP presidential candidates vow to punish colleges, students protesting against Israel or for Hamas
- Krispy Kreme wants to gift you a dozen donuts on World Kindness Day. No strings attached.
- Lee Zeldin, Trump’s EPA Pick, Brings a Moderate Face to a Radical Game Plan
- Brazil police say they foiled a terrorist plot and arrested two suspects
- German government advisers see only modest economic growth next year
- Michigan RB Blake Corum: 'I don't have any businesses with Connor (Stalions)'
- Where you retire could affect your tax bill. Here's how.
- UN nuclear chief says nuclear energy must be part of the equation to tackle climate change
Ranking
- 'Squid Game' creator lost '8 or 9' teeth making Season 1, explains Season 2 twist
- Lacey Chabert's Gretchen Wieners is 'giving 2004' in new Walmart 'Mean Girls' ad
- Are Americans burned out on dating apps?
- ‘Greed and corruption': Federal jury convicts veteran DEA agents in bribery conspiracy
- Sports are a must-have for many girls who grow up to be leaders
- Russia, Iran, China likely to engage in new election interference efforts, Microsoft analysis finds
- Alabama sets January execution date using nitrogen gas
- Kyler Murray is back. His return could foreshadow a messy future for the Cardinals.
Recommendation
-
Deion Sanders addresses trash thrown at team during Colorado's big win at Texas Tech
-
Brian Cox thought '007: Road to a Million' was his Bond movie. It's actually a game show
-
Kansas officials begin process of restoring court information access after ‘security incident’
-
Colorado funeral home owner, wife arrested on charges linked to mishandling of at least 189 bodies
-
'Serial swatter': 18-year-old pleads guilty to making nearly 400 bomb threats, mass shooting calls
-
NFL Week 10 odds: Moneylines, point spreads, over/under
-
Walmart to start daily sensory-friendly hours in its stores this week: Here's why
-
The third Republican debate's biggest highlights: 5 GOP candidates face off in Miami