Thailand and Kazakhstan have reached a visa-free travel agreement to boost tourism in the countries.
VisaGuide.World reports that the agreement will allow nationals of the countries listed above to travel visa-free to each other's countries for up to 30 days and up to 90 days within 180 days per visit. It is said that it will become.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Thai Prime Minister Suretta Thabisin's cabinet gave the green light for visa waivers on April 18.
Meanwhile, Thai government spokesperson Chai Vacharoenke said the agreement will be signed on April 23, 2024, when Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nultre visits Bangkok.
The new policy will take effect 30 days after the two countries complete their domestic procedures to confirm that a deal is ready.
Vacharoenke further pointed out that Thailand has seen a surge in visits by Kazakh tourists following the implementation of the Temporary Visa Waiver Program, which started in September and was extended until August.
Thailand welcomed 9.4 million tourists in the first quarter of 2024
Thailand has recently seen a surge in foreign arrivals due to its visa-free policy and relaxed travel restrictions, attracting tourists from all over the world.
In the first three months of 2024, Thailand recorded approximately 9.4 million foreign tourists. The top foreign tourists visiting Thailand were China, Malaysia, and Russia.
Overall, the top 10 countries that contributed the highest number of arrivals to Thailand during this period are:
- China (1.7 million people)
- Malaysia (1.2 million)
- Russia (622,813)
- South Korea (558,873)
- India (472,952)
- Germany (315,033)
- Laos (308,097)
- United Kingdom (290,486)
- United States (280,248)
- Japan (271,427)
The Thai government reportedly expects to welcome between 35 million and 40 million foreign tourists this year, which is close to the record number of 40 million tourists in 2019. Additionally, the Thai government aims to generate 1.8 trillion baht ($49 billion) in revenue from foreign tourists. Meanwhile, Thailand aims to welcome 80 million tourists by 2027.
Thailand proposes six-country visa to boost tourism
Thailand has introduced several initiatives in recent months to boost tourism growth. Such measures include relaxing and relaxing visa requirements for several countries around the world.
Additionally, Thailand's prime minister has proposed Schengen-style visas with five other neighboring countries to increase tourist numbers. Bloomberg previously reported that the Thai prime minister discussed a joint visa program with the leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
