Thailand and China are set to implement a reciprocal visa-free scheme, permanently waiving visa requirements for each other’s citizens starting 1 March 2024, as announced by the Prime Minister, Mr. Srettha Thavisin. The move, an upgrade to Thailand’s previous visa-free program for Chinese visitors, aims to boost tourism between the two countries. Last year, Chinese tourists were the second-largest group visiting Thailand, with 3.51 million arrivals. Discussions regarding the reciprocal visa-free initiative had begun when the initial visa-free program for Chinese visitors was launched. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that the country aims to generate 3.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year, with plans to promote Thailand as a year-round tourism destination. The Foreign Minister, Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, is scheduled to visit China in mid-January to sign a memorandum of agreement on permanent visa-free cooperation, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.