Tourists take photos at Wat Arun, one of Bangkok's most famous Buddhist temples, on June 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

In the restaurants and cafes of Chiang Mai, the fourth-largest city in Thailand and a popular tourist destination, you hear Mandarin often. And while this has been the case for many years, proving that Thailand has long been a popular destination for Chinese tourists and immigrants, it is about to become even more popular.

In September, Thailand removed visa requirements for Chinese and Kazakhstani citizens visiting Thailand. Thai visas ordinarily cost about 2,000 Thai Baht, or over $60. Prospective travelers also have to apply in advance, which limits their ability to plan a casual trip on short notice. Now, Chinese can buy a ticket to Bangkok or Chiang Mai at a moment's notice and stay for 30 days (with the possibility of extension).

Lifting the visa requirement is meant to encourage tourism to the Land of Smiles. Thailand hopes to attract over 4 million Chinese tourists this calendar year. The policy is temporary for now and is due to end on Feb. 29, 2024, but it might be extended.

Chinese citizens join a list of countries that includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, the U.S., South Korea, and about five other entities whose citizens can visit Thailand visa-free for 30 days or longer. 

Thailand isn't the only country welcoming Chinese tourists. South Korea has waived the visa processing fee of $14 for all visa applications. Visas are still required to visit the Korean mainland (but not for Jeju Island). China has also resumed group tours to South Korea after a six-year ban.

Representatives of the Thai government welcomed arriving passengers on the first flight from Shanghai since the new policy was implemented. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was at the airport and posed for selfies with passengers. A traditional dance and drum troupe performed for the tourists. 

Tourism is integral to Thailand's economy, but it still has not recovered since the pandemic. In 2019, Thailand earned about $62 billion from tourism-related industries. That's about 3% of Thailand's total GDP, which makes Thailand the 30th-most tourism-dependent country in the world. But tourism has not rebounded quickly enough to return to 2019 levels.

In 2019, 11 million Chinese people visited. That was more than one-fourth of all travelers. In the first six months of 2023, 1.4 million Chinese visited. The visa-free policy is expected to increase the number in the remainder of the year. If it works as planned, it will bring more money not just to tour providers but also to restaurants, handicraft makers, and retailers. 

So if you visit Thailand, go out of your way to explore and try new things. Thai food is among the tastiest in the world. The curries of Northern Thailand have deep flavor thanks to fresh ingredients. You can't eat authentic Thai food in any other country. 

Let me give you some other brief advice about the country I currently call home. Thailand's different regions all offer something different and interesting. Chiang Mai, where I live, is in the northwestern mountainous region where there are beautiful temples with astounding views, rice fields, and coffee fields. It is more relaxing than crowded Bangkok, and there are other rustic small towns and cities that can be accessed, like Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Rai. 

Bangkok, the capital, while busy, is worth visiting for its historic sights, grand temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun, with its 80-meter-tall prang (Buddhist spire), and high-dining and drinking establishments. 

Phuket and its surrounding islands offer pristine beaches and awe-inspiring rock and island scenery. However, Phuket has also become extremely crowded in recent years. If you crave the sound of waves crashing against your feet undisturbed by music or other tourists, you might have to venture farther than Phi Phi Island. Phi Phi is fun if you enjoy staying up late and watching fire performances on the beach at night.

Finally, the Northeastern Isan region, known for its delicious, spicy food, has not been overrun with tourists… yet.

Mitchell Blatt is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.jhzsvip.com/opinion/MitchellBlatt.htm

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