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Visa-free scheme for Russians extended

BANGKOK: The Cabinet approved a 60-day visa exemption for Russian visitors yesterday (Apr 23) , to take effect from May 1 to July 31.

tourismimmigrationRussianChinese
By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 24 April 2024 09:11 AM


Tourists visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace in Bangkok in January. Photo: Somchai Poomlard

Tourists visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace in Bangkok in January. Photo: Somchai Poomlard

The exemption is intended to increase tourism-related revenue and stimulate the economy, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said of the proposal made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Earlier the government had approved a maximum visa-free stay of 90 days to attract Russian tourists during the high season. That programme was to expire at the end of this month, reports the Bangkok Post.

In addition, the Cabinet also approved a 30-day visa exemption for Bangladeshi visitors with official passports, Mr Chai said.

From Jan 1 to Apr 7, the country received 9.98 million foreign visitors who spent B484 billion, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The top source markets were China with 1.88mn visitors, Malaysia (1.24mn), Russia (660,953), South Korea (588,759) and India (510,879).

In March Thailand introduced a permanent visa-free scheme for Chinese visitors. This month the government approved the permanent waiver of visas for visitors from Kazakhstan.