In a strategic maneuver aimed at revitalizing tourism to pre-pandemic levels, Thailand has announced its intention to establish a permanent bilateral visa exemption agreement with Kazakhstan. Under this agreement, tourists hailing from Kazakhstan will be granted visa-free entry into Thailand for a duration of 30 days per visit, with a cumulative maximum stay of 90 days within any given 180-day period. In reciprocity, travelers originating from Thailand will enjoy analogous visa-free privileges when visiting Kazakhstan.
The decision to solidify this arrangement was disclosed by Thailand’s government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, who revealed that the cabinet led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has endorsed the proposed visa exemption. This agreement is slated to be formalized during the visit of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to Bangkok on April 23, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Chai elaborated that the agreement will come into effect 30 days subsequent to the finalization of official procedures.
Thailand has experienced a notable surge in tourist influx from Kazakhstan since the inception of the temporary visa exemption program in September 2023, thereby contributing to the national objective of restoring pre-pandemic tourist figures, estimated at around 35-40 million by year-end. Notably, this coveted Southeast Asian destination has already witnessed a remarkable uptick of over 40 percent, recording 11 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024 thus far.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Chinese tourists lead the roster of arrivals, surpassing two million visitors, closely trailed by tourists from Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India.
Given that tourism accounts for approximately 12 percent of Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the visa waiver initiative is anticipated to further bolster revenue within the sector, with a targeted figure of THB 1.8 trillion (equivalent to RM 232,735,160,699) projected by the conclusion of 2024.