‘Visa-free era’ strengthens tourism ties

Army of tourists: China regained its position as the top source market for foreign tourists to Thailand so far this year, according to the Thai Tourism and Sports Minister. — Bloomberg

Adisorn Sangkrajang arrived early at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday evening for his flight bound for Shanghai.

He has been long looking forward to his first trip to China, and when the plane touched down early Friday morning, he became one of the first to benefit from the “visa-free era” between Thailand and China that took effect on March 1.

“I’m thrilled about my first trip to China, and the visa exemption is incredibly convenient,” said the 42-year-old company employee, who is travelling with 11 other colleagues.

“This is my first visit, but I might return for a second or third time,” he said.

In late January, China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption and to be effective on March 1.

Since then, the booking of tours to China has increased significantly, said Thai tour operator Kavisara Charoenporn, who organised a chartered flight that departed on Friday to Zhangjiajie, a picturesque spot in central China.

The chartered flights from Bangkok to Zhangjiajie have increased from two to three times a week beginning in March, said Kavisara.

Even before the agreement came into effect on Friday, Chinese tourists have enjoyed a temporary visa exemption implemented by the Thai government since last September.

The signing of the agreement became another boost.

China regained its position as the top source market for foreign tourists to Thailand so far this year, with more than 1.1 million arrivals as of Feb 25, out of the nearly six million foreign visitors received by Thailand, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.

The number is expected to continue the upward trend with visa waivers taking effect and the increasing number of flights to Thailand offered by several airlines, said the minister.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has hailed the visa exemption agreement as a milestone for the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

“This is an important step in Thailand-China relations and will have a great impact on stimulating the Thai economy, not just in terms of trade or investment.

“Mutual tourism will greatly improve income from tourists, which is sent directly to merchants in Thailand,” he said on social media on the day of the signing. — Xinhua