Cabinet approves visa-free entry for Japanese business

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Dec 2023 at 15:45

Cabinet approves visa-free entry for Japanese business
Passengers arriving on a flight from Japan make their way through the Satellite 1 (SAT-1) terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

The cabinet on Tuesday approved the extension of 30-day visa-free entry for Japanese tourists to include Japanese making business visits, to facilitate investment, effective from Jan 1 next year.

Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang said the exemption was proposed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Visa-free entry for Japanese passport holders currently applies only to tourists and is valid for 30 days. From Jan 1 it will It also be for business visits. The business exemption will continue until Dec 31, 2026, Mr Kharom said.

The measure would ensure convenience for Japanese business representatives, who were consistently Thailand’s top investors and third largest trade partners. They played a vital role in the country’s economy, he said.

Senior spokesman Chai Watcharong said many Japanese entered the country for business and investment talks and to sign contracts. The visa exemption would facilitate their entry.