IBNS-CMEDIA: The Thai government has once again made visa-free travel available to Indian passport holders, making it easier for them to visit the Southeast Asian nation known for its picturesque beaches and luxury tourism.
The move was announced just a month after Thailand ended its earlier 60-day visa-exemption programme for Indian travellers.
The latest change is believed to have been introduced following a decline in the number of visitors from India.
Under the new arrangement, Indian passport holders will be allowed to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days, replacing the visa-on-arrival policy. Indian tourists stay in Thailand for an average of only 7.2 days per visit, The Bangkok Post reported.
The decision was reportedly taken during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
The 30-day visa-free scheme will apply to visitors from 59 countries. The change will expand visa privileges for six countries — Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, India, Malta and the Maldives — while granting equal visa privileges to all 27 member states of the European Union, the newspaper reported.
The new rules will take effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette.
Foreign nationals who enter Thailand before the new rules come into effect will be allowed to remain in the country for the duration of their original permitted stay.
Earlier, the Thai Cabinet had revoked the 60-day visa-free entry facility for Indian visitors, requiring them to obtain a visa on arrival.
The move reportedly led to a sharp decline of nearly 20 percent in the number of Indian tourists, according to Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry, as quoted by The Bangkok Post.
