Bingkai Karya – In a move aimed at revitalizing travel and economic ties, Thailand and China have agreed to scrap visa requirements for each other’s citizens starting March 1st, 2024. The announcement, made official following a meeting between Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, signifies a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
Prior to the pandemic, China was the top source of tourists for Thailand, contributing heavily to the country’s economy. However, COVID-19 severely impacted travel, with Chinese visitor numbers dropping from 11 million in 2019 to just 3.5 million last year. The visa exemption is expected to play a crucial role in reviving Thailand’s tourism industry, boosting both visitor numbers and revenue.
“This visa-free era will bring people-to-people exchanges to a new height,” stated Wang Yi during a joint press conference. He expressed optimism about a significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, a prediction supported by analysts who see the move as a major incentive for travel.
Beyond tourism, the two countries also pledged to accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand railway, further strengthening their economic ties. Additionally, joint efforts to combat transnational crime were a key point of discussion, highlighting the broader scope of cooperation beyond tourism and infrastructure.
The announcement comes on the heels of talks between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi in Bangkok, underlining the complex geopolitical landscape in the region. While the visa waiver and enhanced cooperation between Thailand and China represent a positive development, it remains to be seen how these developments will interact with the broader dynamics of US-China relations and regional geopolitics.
Overall, the visa exemption marks a significant step forward for Thailand and China, promising to revitalize tourism, facilitate economic cooperation, and potentially pave the way for further collaboration in the future. However, the evolving geopolitical landscape adds a layer of complexity to this development, necessitating keen observation of how these agreements will translate into tangible outcomes for both nations.
Source: CNA
