As Thailand tries to revive its tourism sector, it has expanded its visa-free passage program to 93 nations and territories.
Under the fresh travel ban that went into effect on Monday, customers may be in the South-East Asian country for up to 60 days.
Recently, passport holders from 57 places were allowed to enter without a visa.
Tourism is a crucial component of the Thai economy, but it has n’t fully recovered from the pandemic.
According to official statistics, Thailand welcomed 17.5 million foreign visitors in the first six months of 2024, an increase of 35 % over the same time last year. But, the numbers pale in comparison to pre-pandemic rates.
Majority of the vistors were from China, Malaysia and India.
Tourism revenue during the same period came in at 858 billion baht ($ 23.6bn, £18.3bn ), less than a quarter of the government’s target.
Millions of tourists visit Thailand each year for its stunning churches, white sand beaches, picturesque hills, and lively nightlife.
The updated visa-free regulations are a component of a larger effort to promote hospitality.
Even on Monday, Thailand introduced a new five-year immigration for remote employees, that allows buyers to be for up to 180 times each year.
The state will also help visiting pupils, who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand, to sit for one month after graduation to find a job or vacation.
Authorities made an announcement in June that a waiver on hotels ‘ operating costs would be extended for two more years. Additionally, they eliminated the country’s suggested commerce fee.
However, some industry stakeholders worry that the system may not be able to meet the demands of travelers.
” If more people are coming, it means the country as a whole, not just the Ministry of Tourism- has to make our tools to welcome them”, said Kantapong Thananuangroj, chairman of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association.
” If not ,]the tourists ] may not be impressed with the experience they have in Thailand and we may not get a second chance”, he said.
The tourism committee of Thailand’s president, Chamnan Srisawat, predicted a “bottleneck in air traffic because inbound flights may not be able to keep up with the demands of the passengers.”
After rumors that travellers had been abducted and sent across the border to operate in con centers in Myanmar or Cambodia, some people have even raised safety concerns.
A fatal shooting in Bangkok’s most famous shopping mall last year has also caused concern among visitors.