Thailand and China have reached a milestone agreement, signing a visa waiver pact on Sunday to ease travel restrictions and boost tourism between the two nations affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddhanukara and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi formalized the mutual visa exemption during a ceremony in Bangkok. Effective March 1, this move aims to elevate people-to-people exchanges and stimulate tourism recovery.
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Wang highlighted the significance of this “visa-free era,” expecting a substantial increase in Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. China, a vital source for Thailand’s tourism industry, faced a decline from 11 million in 2019 to 3.5 million last year due to the pandemic.
Beyond tourism, Beijing and Bangkok committed to accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand railway, reinforcing bilateral cooperation against transnational crimes. The agreement marks a crucial step in revitalizing economic ties and collaborative initiatives.
The number of Chinese tourists to Thailand is anticipated to surge, breathing new life into Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. The joint efforts extend to various sectors, promising a positive trajectory for both nations.
