Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (4th Left, front) welcomes Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept 25, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Thailand will permanently waive visa requirements for Chinese citizens from March 1, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting in Bangkok on Jan 2.

“After negotiations with related Chinese authorities, the Thai government has now opted to adopt a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese citizens from March,” Srettha said.

According to Thai news portal The Nation, Srettha was speaking after the cabinet acknowledged China’s gesture and agreed to reciprocate in kind 

“This will not only boost Thailand's tourism industry but also signify further improvement in the friendly relations between the two countries.”

READ MORE: Thailand eyes 8 million Chinese tourists in 2024

Under the newly agreed mutual exemption policy, Chinese and Thai citizens will no longer be required to submit documents for visa application before traveling to the other country.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Jan 2 that authorities from both sides are in close communication regarding the matter and China looks forward to the arrangement’s successful implementation. 

“The further strengthening of people-to-people exchanges and the mutual visa exemption policy will conform to the fundamental interests of both peoples,” Wang told reporters at a regular news briefing.

The updated policy is an upgrade from Thailand’s previous visa exemption for visitors from China and Kazakhstan in September. That visa waiver was set to expire on Feb 29.

From March 1, Chinese citizens will not need a visa for Thailand, while Thai citizens will not need a visa for China.

According to Thai news portal The Nation, Srettha was speaking after the cabinet acknowledged China’s gesture and agreed to reciprocate in kind. 

At the press conference, Srettha also noted that China’s move has helped boost relations and offers opportunities for tourists from both countries.

Malaysians constituted the largest tourist group, with around 4.4 million visitors to the kingdom. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists comprised the biggest group of arrivals with 10 million annual visitors  

“The Thai government is looking for multiple ways to stimulate the economy, such as promoting tourism, solving the problem with illegal fishing, and offering visa exemption,” he said.

Thailand is setting its goal of a 3.5 trillion baht ($101 billion) boost to the economy via the tourism sector in 2024, aimed at establishing the nation as a year-round tourist hotspot.

Last year, approximately 3.42 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand, according to the government. 

Malaysians constituted the largest tourist group, with around 4.4 million visitors to the kingdom. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists comprised the biggest group of arrivals with 10 million annual visitors.

READ MORE: PM: Thailand welcomes further cooperation with China

During a recent tourism promotion activity targeting the Chinese market by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai minister of tourism and sports, said that Chinese tourism has been key for Thailand and has had a significant impact on the Thai economy. 

“The Thai government is committed to providing high-quality tourism experiences for Chinese tourists. Our strategies include the development of new attractions in tandem with the promotion of Thai soft powers and meaningful travel experiences,” she said.

“Equally important is the safety measures to ensure that Chinese tourists can enjoy peace of mind throughout their travels in Thailand,” Sudawan added.

Mo Jingxi in Beijing contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn