Tourism/visa-free for Russian visitors

Chatrudee Theparat

The cabinet approved visa-free scheme for 60-day to Russian visitors in a bid to boost tourism industry.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Suwankiri said the cabinet’s approval a 60-day visa exemption for Russian visitors will take effect from May 1 to July 31, 2024. The measure will replace 90-day visa-free programme that expires at the end of April.

Radklao Suwankiri

She said the exemption is intended to increase tourism revenue and stimulate the Thai economy this year.

Earlier the government had approved a maximum visa-free stay of 90 days to attract Russian tourists during the high season. The programme wil be expired at the end of this month.

She said Russian visitors to Thailand were 1.61 million last year as the top rank of visitors from Europe, and the top five of total foreign visitors to Thailand. Revenue from Russian visitors 84.66 billion baht.

“The government projects the measure to attract additional Russian visitors to Thailand during May to July this year. The measure is expected to generate tourism revenue and stimulate the Thai economy.”

The cabinet also approved a 30-day visa exemption for Bangladeshi visitors with official passports.

On April 15, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said during January 1 to April 14, foreign visitors to Thailand reached 1.072 million, generating 518.03 billion baht.

Of the total, Chinese topped the rank with 2.03 million, followed by 1.39 million Malaysians, 659,624 Russians, 619,186 South Koreans, and 546,935 Indians.