The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved the new policy on Tuesday (June 11) but has not yet announced when it will take effect, saying only that the measure could be introduced ahead of the summer season.
“The effective date of the implementation and the length of stay without visa will be announced soon,” the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok said on Tuesday.
The embassy advised Thai travellers to look out for news of the new rules come into force, warning that there will be no refunds for those visas issued before the waiver takes effect.
The embassy posted another statement on its website, saying that the government is working on the final touches for the implementation of the scheme, which could be launched this summer.
“We hope that the exchanges between Japan and Thailand will be further promoted by this visa relaxation,” the Japanese government said in a statement.
Thai travel agents and travellers welcomed the visa exemption.
The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) said it was confident that outbound tourism from Thailand to Japan will boom this year.
Chumnong Tantharot, TTA vice president and managing director of Sawasdee Holiday Co, suggested the exemption would increase sales of package tours to Japan at least 20 per cent to 30 per cent this year.
Japan is a popular destination for Thai tourists, ranking only behind Europe in popularity, he said, although more Thais visit China and South Korea because they are cheaper.
After the exemption takes effect, the average price of a package tour to Japan will likely decrease by B2,000, he said.
The average cost of a package tour to Japan is currently B40,000 to B50,000 a head for five days and four nights.
About 300,000 tourists from Thailand were among 8 million foreigners who visited Japan last year.
For updates, see the Japanese Embassy website.