Under this initiative, Indian travelers can explore Thailand without the hassle of obtaining a visa until November 11, 2024, as per a report from Bloomberg. Thailand, a sought-after destination for Indian tourists, has decided to extend its visa exemption program for Indian and Taiwanese visitors for an additional six months.
This extension aims to revitalize Thailand’s tourism sector, a crucial contributor to its economy, by attracting more international visitors. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the extension after a cabinet meeting, stating that travelers from India and Taiwan can enjoy visa-free stays of up to 30 days. This move builds upon the success of the initial waiver introduced last November. Previously, tourists from these countries were granted only a 15-day stay under a visa-on-arrival arrangement.
In a related development, the Sri Lankan government declared that Indian tourists will continue to receive complimentary tourist visas. This announcement follows controversy surrounding increased fees for on-arrival visas, which were managed by a foreign company.
Furthermore, visa exemptions were also confirmed for nationals from China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office issued a statement affirming the retention of the existing $50 fee for a 30-day visa for foreign visitors, alongside the continuation of free visa services for citizens of seven countries, including India. This decision comes in response to criticisms leveled against a new on-arrival visa system managed by a foreign entity at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
