The Royal Gazette, the official publication of the Thai government, published a decree on a temporary visa-free regime for tourists from China and Kazakhstan. According to the new rules, a 30-day visa-free period is officially approved for citizens of these two countries, starting from September 25, 2023 and ending on February 29, 2024. It is important to note that this notice only applies to Chinese and Kazakhstani passports, and visa-free benefits do not apply to Russian citizens. Russian tourists can visit Thailand for up to 30 days or use a tourist visa for 60 days with the possibility of extending it for another 30 days, but they must apply in advance.
On Monday, September 18, the Ministry of Home Affairs published a notice in the Royal Gazette expanding the list of countries whose tourists are eligible for visa-free entry into Thailand. The title of the notice directly clarifies that persons undertaking “temporary” trips for “tourist purposes” are granted 30 days of visa-free access. In case of suspicion of inconsistency with the stated purpose of the visit, the Immigration Bureau reserves the right to refuse entry.
This order adds two new countries to the main list of states to which Thailand, on its own initiative, provides the opportunity for visa-free stay for the purpose of tourism. The argument is the need to support economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic. Two countries added to the list include:
- People’s Republic of China
- The Republic of Kazakhstan
This document was signed by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Settha Thaweesin, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Anuthin Charnvirakun. Although matters related to visas and embassies are the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, control of entry into the country and the issuance of residence permits (stamps) is carried out by the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, which is part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
