Following the Thai government’s approval of a permanent visa-free arrangement with China, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is prepared to support the VISA FREE policy.

The agency has collaborated with relevant agencies to facilitate the processes for both incoming and outgoing passengers, ensuring fluidity without creating congestion at various service points, especially in immigration and baggage claim areas. It has also integrated technology for additional convenience.

In addition to this, AOT has launched a market stimulation project for aviation to attract airlines to increase the frequency of flights and international passengers.

Airlines operating regular international flights, including charter flights and non-scheduled or leased flights, will receive a discount of 175 baht per additional passenger, over and above the approved flight schedule.

This is subject to a maximum discount of 75% on the aircraft landing service fees for the additional flights. The program has been in effect retrospectively from November 1st, 2023, to March 31st, 2024.

There is also a project for airlines that open new flight routes, where AOT will consider discounts on aircraft landing fees, aircraft parking fees, and the use of air bridges.

AOT anticipates that the VISA FREE measure in 2024 will attract more than 8 million Chinese tourists to Thailand, a 75% recovery compared to 2019 when 11.1 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand.