Visa waiver for China, India under fire

Visitors at the immigration checkpoint of Don Mueang airport, Bangkok. (File photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Visitors at the immigration checkpoint of Don Mueang airport, Bangkok. (File photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Foreign Ministry has asked the government to review the economic ministers' proposal to offer a visa waiver to Chinese and Indian tourists.

The ministry has voiced opposition to the measure proposed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, citing national security considerations.

One of the important measures to boost tourism is a visa waiver for Chinese and Indian visitors that will allow them to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days, though it is estimated this measure will cost the government about 12-13 billion baht in lost annual visa fee revenue.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry, which is controlled by the Bhumjaithai Party, has argued the proposed visa waiver, which will take effect from Nov 1 this year to Oct 31 next year, will help encourage Chinese and Indian tourists to come back to Thailand.

By the end of this year, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals is expected to reach 11 million, while about 2 million Indian tourists are predicted to have visited Thailand.

The number of Indian tourists is expected to increase to 3 million next year, according to the tourism and sport ministry.

However, Foreign Affairs Minister Don Praramudwinai has sent a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to oppose the visa waiver proposal.

In the letter, the Foreign Ministry argues that the visa stamp is a measure to screen foreigners entering Thailand to prevent any potential risks to national and economic security.

It warned that the waiving of visas needs careful consideration as it will have widespread repercussions.

In particular, national security must be taken into account before a visa waiver will be offered to Chinese and Indian tourists.

Vocabulary

  • measure: a firm action taken to solve a problem or stop a dangerous unpleasant situation - มาตราการ
  • opposition: strong disagreement with a plan or policy - ความขัดแย้ง
  • potential: possible - ความเป็นไปได้
  • repercussion: a bad effect that something has, usually lasting for a long time -
  • screen: to find out information about people to see if they are suitable for something, at risk of something, etc. - คัดเลือก, แยกออก, เลือกออก
  • security: protection; safety from attack, harm, or damage - ความมั่นคง, ระบบรักษาความปลอดภั, ความปลอดภัย
  • waiver: a situation in which somebody gives up a legal right or claim; an official document stating this - การสละสิทธิ์

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