Chinese tourists get VIP welcome as Thai visa waiver scheme begins
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BANGKOK - Chinese tourists landing in Bangkok got a VIP welcome on Monday, as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeted the first batch of visitors to arrive in Thailand after it waived visas for Chinese nationals
Dancers in traditional costume and puppeteers also put on performances for the bemused visitors, who arrived on a flight from Shanghai. Many stopped to take selfies with Mr Srettha.
Tourism is a crucial driver of South-east Asia's second-largest economy, best known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife. Reviving the industry that was hit hard by the pandemic is one of the priorities of Mr Srettha, who inherited an underperforming economy.
But China’s own post-pandemic economic woes have meant that fewer tourists from what was once Thailand’s biggest market
“We are confident this policy will stimulate the economy,” the Prime Minister told reporters at Suvarnabhumi airport, adding that tourist safety will be prioritised.
The visa waiver scheme runs from Sept 25 until February 2024. The government expects 2.88 million Chinese visitors during that five-month period, slightly higher than the 2.34 million Chinese who visited so far this year.
The visa waiver helps draw in new visitors by making it simpler to enter the country, said one tourist, Mr Gu Siyi, 25, who was travelling to Thailand for the first time with friends.
“More Chinese tourists come to Thailand for holiday because it is indeed very convenient,” he said.
Before the pandemic, China was the largest source of tourists for Thailand, accounting for 11 million arrivals out of a record 39.9 million tourists in 2019, and spending 1.91 trillion baht (S$72.3 billion).
Chinese tourists say they are drawn to Thailand for its beaches and food.
“The fruits here are great, especially the durian,” said Mr Ye Weihe, 53, who said he also owns property in the beach town of Pattaya.
So far this year, Thailand has welcomed a total of 19 million visitors
