New Thai PM Unveils Bold Plan: Thailand to Welcome Chinese 30 Million Visitors

• 5 September 2023
• International News
• 3452 Views

Immediately after taking office, Thailand’s new prime minister unveiled a strategic plan aimed at attracting 30 million international tourists by the end of the year. The launch of the Thai economic recovery plan came on 25 August after he stressed the important role of tourism in the country’s short-term economic recovery, according to channelnewsasia on 1 September 2023.

Under Thavisin’s visionary blueprint, tourists from China and India will benefit from a visa waiver program. This strategic move has ignited fervent discussions within and outside the country. Supporters extol the reforms’ potential to reinvigorate Thailand’s ailing economy, while critics voice concerns over the specter of over-tourism and its environmental repercussions.

Driving Force Behind Visa Waiver: Tourism operators and industry analysts view the proposed visa waiver as a potent catalyst for sectoral rejuvenation. Historically, tourism businesses have lamented the protracted visa application process, seen as a significant impediment to Thailand’s tourism potential. In the first half of 2023, Chinese tourists, for example, had to endure an average wait of nearly 15 days for a tourist visa, often involving individual applications and allowing for a 60-day stay.

The new visa waiver program streamlines the process significantly, permitting both Chinese and Indian tourists to obtain an in-person visa for 2,000 baht (US $57) and enjoy a 15-day stay, albeit with some additional conditions.

Chamnan Srisawat, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, lauded this as a cost-effective solution to a major economic hindrance.

“By facilitating the visa process, we do not have to spend big investments, but we have solved a major pain for our economy,” Chamnan told CNA.

Balancing Sustainability Concerns: Amid concerns surrounding environmental sustainability and other potential challenges associated with surging tourism, Prime Minister Thavisin remains sanguine about the policy’s merits. During his recent visit to the idyllic southern island destinations of Phuket and Phang Nga, he discussed comprehensive plans for tourism development, support, and security measures.

The new Thai government has set its sights on attracting 30 million Chinese tourists during the week-long Chinese national holiday, commencing on 1 October. However, potential delays could arise due to budgetary constraints inherited from the previous administration.

Economist Ratasak Piriyanont of Kasikorn Securities anticipates significant economic potential if the ambitious Chinese tourist target is met. Nevertheless, this figure still falls short of the previous generation’s tourism peak of 40 million in 2019, which was prior to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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• Analysis