Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin introduced his impending go to to India, scheduled for later this yr, with an agenda to discuss boosting Indian tourism in Thailand with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders aim to resolve ongoing points with visa application procedures and obtain approval for a visa-free coverage for Indian tourists.
Srettha advised the media yesterday that he expects to debate the matter with the Indian chief by the top of this yr.
Value mentioned that Thai Airways International can be in talks with Indian authorities to amplify their landing slots at Indian airports, given the restricted number of flights presently operating from India to Thailand.
PM Srettha acknowledged the economic potential of Indian guests, noting that many are high-spending tourists. In particular, marriage ceremony tourism from India is profitable, with couples typically spending tens of millions of baht on their celebrations in Thailand.
There is, nevertheless, a regulatory concern relating to luxurious taxes on costly jewellery that Indian visitors typically bring to put on at these occasions. The Thai PM acknowledged that he plans to discuss the potential of exempting Indian tourists from this tax with the Finance Ministry.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) knowledge signifies that India was the fifth-largest source of international guests to Thailand from January 1 to April 30 this yr, with approximately 450,000 Indian tourists among the eight.6 million foreign visitors during this period.
In 2019, before the pandemic, the average Indian vacationer spent around 40,800 baht per trip in Thailand. Most Indian vacationers frequented destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya in Chon Buri, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui in Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Cha-am in Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani.
PM Srettha also talked about that the government is expediting the implementation of a visa-free scheme for Chinese vacationers, in preparation for the excessive season. He suggested that the scheme might probably herald 35 billion baht for the Thai economy.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke, citing info from Airports of Thailand, announced that Chiang Mai airport will start 24-hour operations from November 1, in a bid to accommodate an increased influx of vacationers, reported Bangkok Post.
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