China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs last month. The policy will come into effect on March 1 and is expected to boost people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
President of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council Pinit Jarusombat said the visa-free scheme will stimulate tourism and further strengthen bilateral ties between China and Thailand.
“Thailand is one of the most popular destinations among the Chinese as the two nations have close cultural bonds. Also, Thailand is a hub for investment and education in the ASEAN region,” he said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc.
According to local media, Chinese tourists spend at least 20,000 yuan ($2,780) per person on average during trips to Thailand. This revenue has contributed to businesses at various levels.
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