Thailand and China Sign Visa Exemption Agreement to Boost Bilateral Relations

Thailand and China reached an important milestone in their bilateral relationship with the signing of an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs. On January 28, 2024, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, co-signed the agreement during Wang Yi's official visit to Thailand from January 26 to 29, 2024. The agreement is set to take effect on March 1, 2024.

Under the agreement, holders of valid Thai ordinary passports and valid Chinese passports for public affairs and ordinary passports can enter, exit, or transit each other's countries without a visa for up to 30 days, with a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period. However, certain activities like residence, employment, study, media work, or other approved activities will still require prior authorization.

This agreement aims to enhance people-to-people exchanges, promote tourism and business interactions, and strengthen the overall friendship and cooperation between Thailand and China. It is also one of the early initiatives in preparation for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 2025. Wang Yi's visit included co-chairing the First Meeting of the Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministers of Thailand and China.