# Chinese tourists boost Thai tourism with new visa exemption agreement

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/133978-chinese-tourists-boost-thai-tourism-with-new-visa-exemption-agreement
- Published: 2024-04-02T14:26:58+07:00
- Author: Zhang Fang

**Thai-China visa exemption agreement boosts tourism prospects, with increased searches
and bookings, strengthening trade and bilateral ties.**

---

## Positive Impact of Thailand-China Visa Exemption

This Monday marks one month since the visa exemption agreement between Thailand 
and China took effect. According to Vichai Mongkolchaichawan, the vice president
of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the outlook is positive. He mentioned that
the number of searches for Thailand tourism on Baidu surged by 48% in January and
February, with most searches coming from Guangdong, Zhejiang, Hunan, Shanghai, and
Beijing.

ADVERTISEMENT

## Challenges in Accommodating Increased Tourists

At a forum hosted by the Thai-Chinese Journalists’ Association, Kamphol Mahanukul,
the TCJA president, emphasized the need for airlines and hotels to be prepared to
accommodate the influx of tourists attracted by the visa exemption scheme. Thai 
tourism is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the goal
set by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to attract 8 million Chinese visitors
this year.

The agreement with Thailand allows for 30 days of travel for holders of Thai ordinary
passports, Chinese passports for public affairs, and ordinary Chinese passports.
It also allows for multiple entries, but the cumulative stays must not exceed 90
days in any 180-day period.

### Related**Posts**

###  󠀁[Phuket named top wellness destination by Canadian travellers](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/press-release/331672-phuket-named-top-wellness-destination-by-canadian-travellers)󠁿

###  󠀁[TAT highlights Thailand’s film production talents and tourism charm at TIFF 2026](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/329371-tat-highlights-thailands-film-production-talents-and-tourism-charm-at-tiff-2026)󠁿

###  󠀁[Weather and travel updates for Bangkok and its nearby regions](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/331213-weather-and-travel-updates-for-bangkok-and-its-nearby-regions)󠁿

###  󠀁[TAT highlights “Healing is the New Luxury” at the Tourism Expo Japan 2026](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/health/331124-tat-highlights-healing-is-the-new-luxury-at-the-tourism-expo-japan-2026)󠁿

## Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Visa Exemption

China’s Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, highlighted the strong trade ties 
between the two countries, with bilateral trade valued at USD126.3 billion last 
year. He sees the visa exemption scheme as a way to strengthen these ties, potentially
increasing trade further. The scheme has also received positive feedback from outbound
tour operators and customers, who are benefiting from time and cost savings due 
to the simplified visa process.

**Source** : [Positive outlook for Thai tourism after mutual visa exemption with China came into force](https://www.thaipbsworld.com/positive-outlook-for-thai-tourism-a-month-after-mutual-visa-exemption-with-china-came-into-force/?rand=59587)