Thailand To Become Visa-Free For Tourists From Kazakhstan

In a strategic move to boost tourism to pre-pandemic levels, Thailand plans to enter into a permanent bilateral visa exemption agreement with Kazakhstan soon. According to the agreement, tourists from Kazakhstan can stay in Thailand visa-free for 30 days at one time and a maximum of 90 days within any given 180-day period. Travelers from Thailand will enjoy the same visa-free privileges.

More about Thailand’s visa exemption for Kazakh tourists

Thailand’s government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, announced that the country’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s cabinet has approved the visa exemption. He added that it will be signed during Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu’s Bangkok visit on April 23, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Chai further added that the agreement will come into effect 30 days after finalizing official procedures.

Thailand has seen a significant rise in tourists from Kazakhstan since the temporary visa exemption program began in September 2023, contributing to their goal of reaching pre-pandemic tourist numbers (around 35-40 million) by year-end. This popular Southeast Asian destination has already recorded a jump of over 40 percent with 11 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024 so far.

Chinese travelers top the list of tourist arrivals with over two million visitors, closely followed by tourists from Malaysia, Russia, South Korea and India, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand has reported.

With tourism generating roughly 12 percent of Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the visa waiver is expected to further boost revenue in the sector, targeting THB 1.8 trillion (approx. USD 49 billion) by the end of 2024.

(Feature image credit: Sara Dubler/Unsplash)

Related: Thailand, China Declare Permanent Visa-Free Travel Pact; Details Inside