BANGKOK, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- As Poppy Chen disembarked from Thai AirAsia X’s Flight XJ761 from Shanghai, China, into the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal, she received a VIP reception from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who warmly greeted her and other fellow passengers.
Chen was among the first 300 tourists to arrive in Thailand after the country granted a temporary visa exemption for a 30-day stay, starting Monday until Feb 29 next year, in an effort to boost its tourism industry.
Srettha and other VIPs presented souvenirs to the passengers, with many of them seizing the opportunity for selfies with the new prime minister. Thai traditional dancers treated the tourists to a lively performance in the arrivals area.
“I decided to visit Bangkok after Thailand waived visas for Chinese tourists. It is very easy and convenient for Chinese travellers to visit Thailand now. I booked my flight and flew in,” Chen told Bernama.
For Han Ru, 30, her journey to Thailand was fuelled by a desire to experience the vibrant city, savour its delicious food, and immerse herself in its rich culture.
“This is my second time to Thailand. I will stay here for eight days. With the temporary visa exemption, the process was smooth, and it is very convenient for Chinese tourists to visit Thailand. I will visit Thailand again,” she said.
Present at the welcoming ceremony were Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang.
Meanwhile, Srettha expressed confidence that the exemption will greatly stimulate the economy.
“The safety of tourists will be prioritised,” he assured reporters at the airport on Monday.
Thapanee said TAT had set an ambitious target of 500,000 Chinese tourists visiting Thailand every month following the introduction of the exemption.
“We are seeing a significant increase starting today. Airports of Thailand (AOT) stated that 650,000 Chinese travellers are expected to arrive in Thailand within a month, not including those on chartered flights.
“We are confident of achieving the five million Chinese travellers target this year.”
China has historically been a source of tourists for Thailand, comprising 11 million visitors or 27.69 per cent of all arrivals in 2019, the year preceding the COVID-19 pandemic.
TAT forecasts indicate that the number of Chinese arrivals could reach 4.01 million to 4.4 million, generating a tourism income of 257.5 billion baht this year, thanks to the visa-free programme.
During the five-month temporary visa exemption, Thailand is expected to welcome 2,888,500 Chinese tourists, who will generate 140.3 billion baht in revenue.
From January to September this year, Thailand has welcomed more than 19 million foreign tourists, generating 795 billion baht in tourism receipts.
During the same period, Thailand recorded 2,341,080 Chinese visitors, solidifying China as the second largest source of tourism after Malaysia.
The visa exemption is also extended to visitors from Kazakhstan, effective until Feb 29. Anticipated figures project 150,000 Kazakhstani tourists throughout 2023, with 129,485 expected in the first five months, marking a 49.7 per cent increase over the same preceding period and generating an income of 7.93 billion baht.
-- BERNAMA
KHL VSS MJM
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