Thailand Considers: Thailand is considering the extension of visa exemption for Indian visitors beyond the initial 6-month trial, contingent upon feedback from tour operators and travelers. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), greeted the inaugural group of Indian travelers benefiting from the visa-free arrangement beginning November 10.
Thailand Considers-India:
Thailand has eliminated the visa requirement for Indian tourists, granting a 30-day stay, and this exemption is effective until May 10 of the following year. India holds a prominent position among Thailand’s top 10 sources of tourists.
In the initial 10 months of 2023, Thailand experienced a notable 86% surge in Indian tourist arrivals, totaling 1.3 million compared to the same period in 2022. With the newly instituted visa exemption program, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) envisions hosting 1.6 million Indian visitors in 2023, projecting an estimated revenue of 65.6 billion baht.
Indian Ambassador Nagesh Singh commended Thailand’s status as a tourism powerhouse, noting a pre-pandemic annual visitor count of 40 million. He applauded Thailand’s initiative to revive the industry, highlighting the mutual trust between the two nations.
The visa-free arrangement not only benefits tourists but also simplifies and expedites the immigration process, as exemplified by traveler Virender Singh from Delhi, who reported a swift immigration clearance within five to ten minutes.
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