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Thai officials warmly welcomed hundreds of Chinese tourists at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on the first day of a new visa-free entry program.
Image Credit: Bloomberg
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The program aims to rejuvenate Thailand's tourism industry, which was severely affected by the pandemic.
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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeted tourists and distributed gifts during the welcoming ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Approximately 300 travelers from Shanghai were among the first beneficiaries of the visa-free entry policy.
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Thai traditional dancers and drummers entertained the arriving tourists inside the airport's arrivals area.
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The Thai government hopes the policy will stimulate the economy by encouraging Chinese tourists to explore smaller cities in addition to Bangkok.
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Some tourists expressed surprise at the warm welcome but noted minor hiccups, such as immigration officers not immediately being aware of the visa exemption policy.
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The visa-free entry policy also applies to visitors from Kazakhstan and is effective until February 29.
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Thailand has seen a surge of around 30% in accommodation and flight bookings since announcing the visa-free program.
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The country, heavily reliant on tourism, seeks to recover from a significant economic downturn during the pandemic, with a target of attracting 28 million tourists and generating $39.2 billion in revenue in 2023.
Image Credit: AP