China, Thailand to enter 'visa-free era,' says Chinese FM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that China and Thailand will officially enter a "visa-free era" from March 1 as the two sides have just signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption.

Wang made the remarks in a joint press conference after an annual consultation with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, adding that it will surely bring bilateral people-to-people exchanges to a new height.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China always sees Thailand as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries.

He added that China appreciates Thailand's firm commitment to the one-China principle and its active support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

Noting that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, Wang said that over the past half a century, the bilateral relationship has withstood the test of the changing international landscape and grown from strength to strength.

Thailand had previously granted temporary visa waiver status for visitors from China, scheduled to end on February 29, 2024.

The Southeast Asian country aims to attract 8 million tourists from China this year, representing a 75 percent recovery compared to the 11.1 million Chinese tourists in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

Wang is currently visiting Thailand from January 26 to 29. He held a new round of meetings with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Bangkok on Friday and Saturday.

China has concluded mutual visa exemption agreements, covering various passport types, with 157 countries. Additionally, agreements or arrangements on simplified visa procedures have been reached with 44 countries. Comprehensive mutual visa exemption is enjoyed with 22 countries, including Singapore, the Maldives and Kazakhstan.

Currently, over 60 countries and regions grant Chinese citizens visa-free access or visas on arrival, significantly enhancing the convenience of Chinese citizens traveling abroad.