Government sets up command centre for visa-free Indian and Taiwanese tourists

A command centre has been established by the government in preparation for the influx of tourists from India and Taiwan. The visa-free entry policy, starting tomorrow, is expected to draw a significant number of visitors.

The high season is around the corner, and to avoid overcrowding at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, several agencies have been asked to contribute to the smooth facilitation of the incoming tourist wave. The visa-free initiative is part of the government’s strategy to stimulate tourism and the economy.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has called upon state agencies to ensure foreign tourists’ safety and ease of travel. He stated that the Airports of Thailand (AOT) has been tasked with coordinating with various agencies, including immigration, to streamline the process and prevent overcrowding.

“The command centre’s primary task is to ensure smooth travel for visitors by coordinating the efforts of all airport service providers, particularly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.”

The transport minister also directed other agencies, including rail, interprovincial bus and marine authorities, to amp up their safety precautions and deliver efficient services in anticipation of the increased visitor numbers brought by the visa-free entry policy.

The visa-free policy for tourists from India and Taiwan is set to run from tomorrow until May 10. A similar policy has been granted to China and Kazakhstan, which will last until February 29, reported Bangkok Post.

The government expects about 1.55 million Indian and 700,000 Taiwanese tourists this year. The average Indian tourist spends 41,000 baht per trip and stays in the country for seven to eight days. Taiwanese visitors are projected to spend 42,900 baht each, averaging 5,200 baht per day.

According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Thailand welcomed 557,554 foreign visitors from October 30 to November 5. The majority of these were from Malaysia (73,297), followed by China (67,443) and Russia (39,136).

Since the start of the year, foreign tourist numbers have exceeded 22.61 million, contributing approximately 954.23 billion baht to tourism revenue.