Thailand, a long-standing favorite holiday destination for Indian travelers, has once again extended its visa-free entry policy, solidifying its place as one of the most visited countries by Indian tourists. The visa-free scheme was first introduced on November 10, 2023, and was initially slated to end in May 2024. However, seeing the overwhelming response from Indian tourists, the Thai government has decided to extend this policy until November 11, 2024. This extension is expected to further boost the influx of Indian travelers, helping Thailand reach, and possibly exceed, the pre-pandemic tourist numbers.
Rising Popularity Among Indians
For Indian tourists, Thailand ticks all the right boxes—affordability, proximity, and vibrant experiences. In 2019, 1.9 million Indian tourists visited Thailand, contributing significantly to the tourism-dependent economy of the country. Post-COVID, these numbers dropped, but they’re steadily climbing back. By 2023, 1.62 million Indian tourists had visited Thailand, and in the first half of 2024 alone, 1.04 million Indians have already made the journey. Thailand is now one of the top destinations for Indian travelers, with India being the fourth largest source market for tourism in the country, behind Malaysia, China, and South Korea.
How Visa-Free Access Boosts Tourism
The visa-free policy has made traveling to Thailand easier than ever for Indians. Previously, Indian tourists had to rely on visa-on-arrival, which often led to long queues and tedious processes. Now, they can enjoy hassle-free entry and explore the country’s pristine beaches, cultural landmarks, and bustling markets without worrying about paperwork.
The introduction of the visa-free scheme also aligns with Thailand’s efforts to diversify its tourist base. Traditionally, the country relied heavily on Chinese tourists, with pre-pandemic figures reaching 11 million. However, China’s slow recovery post-pandemic prompted Thailand to tap into other key markets, including India.
Airlines Respond to Surge in Demand
The aviation sector has responded quickly to the growing demand from Indian tourists. According to data provided by aviation analytics company Cirium, the number of weekly flights between India and Thailand increased by 81 in November 2023 compared to the previous year. A total of 355 weekly frequencies will be operational by November 2024, offering 64,880 seats each way. Leading carriers such as Thai Airways, IndiGo, and Thai AirAsia have ramped up operations, ensuring seamless connectivity between 16 Indian airports and three major airports in Thailand.
What’s Driving the Surge in Indian Tourism?
This maintains the original meaning but presents it in a new way.Thailand offers an attractive mix of affordable food, lively nightlife, and scenic beauty. Whether it’s the white sand beaches of Phuket, the cultural riches of Chiang Mai, or the bustling street markets of Bangkok, there’s something for every traveler. Add to that the fact that Thailand is just a 4.5-hour flight from India, and it’s no surprise that it tops the list of vacation destinations for many Indians.
Future Projections
With Thailand extending the visa-free entry policy until November 2024, the country is on track to surpass its pre-pandemic tourist numbers from India. Projections suggest that Indian travel expenditures globally could reach $410 billion by 2030, with a sizable portion of that being spent in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand.
As airlines continue to expand their routes, and with the easing of entry restrictions, it’s likely that Thailand will remain a top destination for Indian tourists for years to come.
Credit: This article is based on information from Hindustan Times, Economic Times, and India Today.
Summary of the Article
- Thailand has extended its visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists until November 2024.
- The policy has spurred an increase in Indian travelers, with 1.04 million visiting in the first half of 2024 alone.
- Thailand offers attractive tourist experiences such as affordable food, nightlife, and scenic beaches, making it a top destination.
- The aviation sector is expanding flights to meet the increased demand, with 355 weekly flights scheduled between the two countries by November 2024.
