Thailand’s 30-day visa-free entry for Indians could bring record 2.7 million visitors | World News
The Embassy of India in Bangkok has issued a fresh advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Thailand. (Photo: Wikimedia commons/ File)
Thailand’s decision to allow Indians 30 days of visa-free entry is expected to push visitor numbers from India to a record 2.7 million next year, helped more flights connecting Thailand to smaller Indian cities, according to the Bangkok Post, citing tourism authorities.
Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director for the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific region at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the outlook for the Indian market remains positive following cabinet approval of the visa-free entry policy. The waiver takes effect once it is published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, though authorities have not said when that will happen.
How is the Indian market performing right now?
Thailand recorded 17.3 million foreign arrivals so far this year as of July 18, down more than 3 per cent from a year earlier. India remains the country’s third-largest source market, with 1.3 million Indian arrivals so far this year, and total arrivals from India are on track to reach 2.55 million year-end.
Indian carriers have added flights from smaller Indian cities to Thailand, while airlines that had paused services due to the Middle East conflict and fuel costs are preparing to bring capacity back, Patsee said.
What’s driving demand from India?
India’s economy is expected to keep growing strongly, supporting outbound travel even as domestic tourism within India also expands, Patsee said. TAT projects India’s outbound travel market will reach 50 million trips 2030, up from 32.7 million in 2025.Story continues below this ad
Thailand remains India’s third most popular overseas destination, particularly for leisure travel, with many Indian travellers seeing Thailand as more affordable than premium domestic holidays, Bangkok Post reported.
Could the weak rupee slow things down?
Khajornrit Khwanmongkol, director of TAT’s New Delhi office, said a weak rupee against the US dollar could dampen travel plans among some middle-income earners, potentially leading them to delay trips, though the wider market is expected to stay resilient. He said Indian travellers to Thailand tend to be high spenders, averaging 6,200 baht a day and more than 36,000 baht per trip. He added that Thailand’s earlier shift to a visa-on-arrival requirement had caused confusion and hurt travel demand more than other factors.
Nattachit Oonsiam, director of TAT’s Mumbai office, said many travellers, particularly business and incentive travel groups, had shifted to Vietnam amid uncertainty over Thailand’s visa rules in recent months, since such groups typically plan trips at least a month ahead. Indian travellers can currently visit Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island without a tour visa, though visas are still required elsewhere in the country.
How is Thailand trying to capture more of this market?
TAT said there are roughly 66,000 weekly airline seats available on Thailand-India routes, with India’s expanding aviation sector, including new airports and aircraft, expected to support further growth in international travel. Diwali and Chrmas together account for about 45 per cent of India’s annual outbound travel, and TAT recommends promoting Thailand six to eight weeks ahead of each holiday to maximise bookings.Story continues below this ad
More than 500 million Indians are active on social media, with YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp the leading platforms for tourism marketing aimed at Indian travellers, the agency said. About 44 per cent of Indian travellers are influenced social media, while 60 per cent rely on recommendations from friends and family. Around 41 per cent prefer family holidays, and 35 per cent choose accommodation based on the experience it offers, according to TAT. Demand is also growing among solo travellers and small groups of up to three people, who typically book less than a month in advance.
Emerging travel trends include business and meetings travel, luxury experiences such as yacht trips and fine dining, wellness holidays, and experiential travel built around local communities, food and Muay Thai.To better serve Indian tours, TAT recommends Hindi-language signage, Indian vegetarian and halal food options, digital payment facilities and flexible booking policies.
