Thailand PM temps European tourists with longer visa incentive

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is making bold moves to boost the nation’s economy by unveiling plans to waive visa requirements for European tourists. Thailand also plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles by lining up hundreds of cultural and sporting events, to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more.

The Bangkok-born Thailand PM sees tourism as a quick fix to accelerate economic growth and has already implemented temporary visa waivers for travellers from Russia, China, Kazakhstan, India, and Taiwan.

In an exclusive interview, Prommin Lertsuridej, a top aide to the Thai prime minister, revealed the grand strategy.

“Tourists from select European countries could soon enjoy extended stays of up to 90 days, enticing them to delve deeper into the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Thailand.”

To sweeten the deal, Thailand is set to roll out a spectacular lineup of about 3,000 events, ranging from music concerts and marathons to cultural festivities, all aimed at enticing visitors to stay longer and spend more. The 61 year old prime minister, who assumed office in August, identifies tourism as a key driver for economic revival.

While the country has lifted most pandemic-era restrictions, average spending per traveller has yet to reach pre-Covid-19 levels.

In 2019, Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million foreign arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht in revenue. However, the post-pandemic recovery is lagging, with current figures tracking about 12% below the 2019 per-trip spending benchmark.

Undeterred, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has set an ambitious goal to restore foreign tourism revenue to pre-Covid levels, targeting at least 2 trillion baht (US$57 billion) in 2024.

To kick off the ambitious agenda, PM Srettha recently announced the “Winter Festival,” featuring iconic events like the Loi Krathong festival, Bangkok Marathon, and New Year’s Day celebrations.

Prommin, the secretary-general to the premier, explained Thailand will design more attractions and promotions to incentivize tourists to stay longer, reported Gulf News.

“This is how we’re planning for tourists to spend more. Get ready to be dazzled as Thailand transforms into a must-visit destination, enticing globetrotters with a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and endless surprises.”