The Thai government has announced a tourist visa exemption scheme for Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists, allowing them to visit for a period not exceeding 30 days, from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024, on a temporary basis.

The Cabinet approved this measure on 13 September 2023, following a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The measure aims to improve the convenience of Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists traveling to the Kingdom during the tourist season, starting from late September 2023. It allows them to enter Thailand without a visa (visa exemption, hence no fee).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the tourist visa exemption scheme is also intended to promote Thailand's tourism industry, which is a key driver in stimulating the economy, in accordance with the Government's policy. 

Apart from boosting tourism, it will help promote people-to-people connectivity, as well as enhancing bilateral relations with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The decision on the scheme has been made through discussions between the Government and relevant organizations (Tourism Authority of Thailand, law enforcement agencies, and Airports of Thailand).

Statistics show that, from January to August 2023, around two million Chinese and 100,000 Kazakhstani tourists visited Thailand. The Government expects to welcome 28 million international tourist arrivals this year, with tourism revenue reaching 2.38 trillion baht.