Thailand has announced the indefinite extension of its visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens. This scheme was to end on November 11, 2024. Under this policy, Indian visitors can stay visa-free in Thailand for 30 days.
Tourism industry boosted by simplifying entry process
Visa-free entry simplifies the entry process for travelers, thereby increasing travelers to that country. With the increase in travelers the demand for tourism related services like dining, tours and local transportation increases. This generates jobs and strengthens the economy.
Visa free entry for Indian travelers started last year
To boost its economy, Thailand had announced visa free entry for India on 10 November 2023. Thai government spokesman Chai Watcharonke said the scheme was expected to bring in an additional 1.4 million tourists. This will generate additional revenue of 1.5 billion dollars i.e. about Rs 12 thousand crores.
An Indian family vacationing in Phuket Island, Thailand.
Earlier there was visa on arrival facility for Indians.
Earlier, Indian tourists had to apply for a 15-day visa on arrival at the immigration checkpoint. Before India, in September 20123, it had also announced visa free entry for Chinese citizens. In 2019, most people came from China to visit Thailand. Of Thailand's record 39 million arrivals, 11 million were from China.
Thailand's tourism sector contributes about 20% to its total GDP.
Tourism contributes 20% to Thailand's GDP
Thailand's tourism sector contributes about 20% of its total GDP, but is struggling to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, Sri Lanka's tourism sector has also been affected by Covid. In such a situation, to boost tourism, Sri Lanka has also announced visa free entry for seven countries including India and China till 31 March 2024.
Number of Indians traveling abroad reached 2.1 crore
Indian government data shows that the number of Indians traveling abroad increased from 14 million in 2011 to 27 million in 2019. Then due to Corona epidemic the tourism sector came to a standstill for two years. This number will again increase to 2.1 crore in 2022.
Graphics Source: VaskarAssets
