Thailand and China will implement a reciprocal visa-free policy starting 1 March, following Thailand’s recent waiver for Chinese tourists until February.
The move aims to strengthen bilateral relations, with 28 million tourists visiting Thailand in 2023, predominantly from Malaysia (4.5 million) and China (3.5 million).
The visa-free agreement marks progress from Thailand’s prior programme and reflects efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara plans to formalise the agreement during an upcoming visit to China, solidifying the commitment to bolstering bilateral ties through facilitated travel.
China had previously announced a 15-day visa-free travel offer for citizens of Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, valid from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024.