Visa-free access to China sought

Parnpree requests deductions for tourists.

Visa-free access to China sought
met FM Wang Yi in Beijing, Parnpree

With a government panel scheduled to visit the nation by the end of this month to discuss the issue, Thailand is requesting that China grant visa exemptions to Indian tourists.

Following a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the outside of the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers ‘ Meeting in Beijing, Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara made the remarks on Thursday and NBPSP.

Mr. Parnpree stated that the two sides had discussed the potential for card exemptions for Thai citizens with regular documents, and Mr Wang added that he supported this.

By the end of this month, a working section may visit China to speak with Taiwanese authorities about the issue, according to Mr. Parnpree.

He also cautioned against thinking about using this measure, if approved, to starred and work illegally in the nation, saying it may damage Thailand’s status and the card exemption might be revoked as a result.

Foreign and Kazakh card holders can enter and stay in Thailand for up to 30 days between September 25 and February 29 under a new tourist visa exemption program.

This program aims to increase chances for people-to-people communication as well as tourism, which is a major factor in boosting the economy.

Additionally, it is anticipated to improve diplomatic ties with China and Kazakhstan.

On September 13, the government gave its blessing to the proposal.

The initiative aims to make it easier for Kazakhs and Chinese tourists to travel during the busy vacation time that begins in late September.

China announced last month that people with regular documents from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia may provide China visa-free for company, hospitality, visiting family and friends, as well as travel for no more than 15 times, from December 1, 2023 until November 30, 2024.

According to Mr. Parnpree, both sides also talked about a variety of topics and ways to strengthen diplomatic ties.

These included the massive infrastructure development project for China, the Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI), and the building of the high-speed railway between Thailand and China in order to connect to the Chinese-Lao railway.

China expressed its desire for the Thai-Chinese high-speed station project to be finished as soon as possible, Mr. Parnpree added, adding that he assured Mr Wang that the state of Thailand would make every effort to hasten the project.

According to Mr. Parnpree, Mr Wang informed him that China has just purchased more agricultural products from Thailand, especially durian.

According to Mr. Parnpree’s quote from Mr Wang, China placed an online purchase for 80,000 fruit in less than a minute.

According to Mr. Parnpree, Thailand you anticipate exporting more goods to China once the high-speed bridge project is finished, which will strengthen the economy and increase farmer income.

The secretary added that the two men even talked about improving regional cooperation in the fight against international crime.

Myanmar problem

On the outside of the 8th Mekong- Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers ‘ Meeting, Kanchana Patarachoke, a spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, reported that Mr. Parnpree yesterday likewise held bilateral deals with his Myanmar equivalent U Than Swe.

Mr. Parnpree expressed his gratitude to Myanmar for helping to repatriate Thai citizens from Laukkaing and reiterated Thailand’s kindness toward Myanmar and help for the peace process in that country.

In accordance with the application of Asean’s 5-Point Consensus for those living along the Thai-Myanmar border, both sides agreed to cooperate in order to increase charitable assistance.