Thailand has announced an indefinite extension of its visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens. The scheme was due to expire on November 11, 2024. Under this policy, Indian visitors can stay visa-free in Thailand for up to 30 days.
Simplification of entry process boosts tourism industry
Visa-free entry simplifies the entry process for travelers, which increases travelers to that country. The increase in travelers increases the demand for tourism-related services such as dining, tours and local transportation. This generates energy and strengthens the economy.
Visa free entry for Indians travelling to Thailand started last year
To boost its economy, Thailand announced visa-free entry for India on 10 November 2023. Thai government spokesperson Chai Watcharoenke had said that 14 lakh additional tourists are expected to come due to this scheme. This will generate an additional revenue of 1.5 billion dollars i.e. about 12 thousand crores rupees.
Earlier there was visa on arrival facility for Indians in Thailand
Earlier, Indian tourists had to apply for 15 days visa on arrival at the immigration checkpoint. Before India, in September 2012, it had also announced visa free entry for Chinese citizens. In 2019, the highest number of people came to visit Thailand from China. Out of Thailand’s record 3.9 crore arrivals, 1.1 crore arrivals were from China.
Tourism contributes 20% to Thailand’s GDP
Thailand’s tourism sector contributes about 20% to its total GDP, but has been struggling to recover since the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has also been affected by Covid. In such a situation, Sri Lanka has also announced visa-free entry for seven countries including India and China till March 31, 2024 to boost tourism.
The number of Indians traveling abroad reached 2.1 crore
Data from the Government of India shows that the number of Indians traveling abroad increased from 1.4 crore in 2011 to 2.7 crore in 2019. Then the tourism sector remained stagnant for two years due to the Corona epidemic. In 2022, this number again increased to 2.1 crore.
