Thailand extends visa-free entry for Indian tourists indefinitely

By Hoang Vu   November 4, 2024 | 04:46 pm PT
Thailand extends visa-free entry for Indian tourists indefinitely
Indian tourists take pictures during a family holiday trip to Thailand at Patong beach in the island of Phuket, July 14, 2023. Photo by Reuters
Thailand has indefinitely extended its visa-free entry policy for Indian travelers to encourage more arrivals from the world’s most populous nation.

Indian tourists can now stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, with the option to extend their stay by an additional 30 days at local immigration offices, India Today reported.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed the decision, with officials at the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi acknowledging the indefinite extension of the policy, according to Business Standard.

The visa-free entry program for Indian tourists was first introduced in November 2023, making Thailand one of the first Southeast Asian countries to offer visa exemptions to Indian visitors.

India is among Thailand’s top five sources of tourists, alongside China, Malaysia, Russia, and South Korea.

As of Oct. 20, Thailand had welcomed 1.64 million Indian tourists, positioning them as the third-largest inbound market after Malaysia and China.

Thailand expects a full recovery in Indian tourist arrivals this year, with projections exceeding 2 million visitors and generating nearly 90 billion baht (US$2.66) in revenue, Bangkok Post reported.

 
 
go to top