Thailand visa shift seen as unlikely to deter Indian travel to Phuket

Thailand’s decision to end the 60-day visa exemption for Indian visitors is unlikely to significantly reduce Indian travel demand for Phuket and other Thai destinations, according to travel industry officials cited by the Bangkok Post.

The Cabinet has decided to end the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries, including India. Indian travellers will instead be granted a visa-on-arrival service similar to the system used before 2024.

Amit Gilani, owner of Mumbai-based TravelButler, said visa-on-arrival remains sufficient for Indian tourists and that strong year-round demand to visit Thailand continues. He said the visa-on-arrival costs B2,000, which he described as not too expensive for Indian travellers, while an e-visa is available for B1,000.

Gilani said the change could help screen out people seeking to exploit tourist visas by overstaying or working illegally in Thailand. He said the move should not further damage India’s image.

He also said a proposed 15-day visa exemption for Indian visitors would be long enough for most Indian tourists, who typically do not stay more than two weeks, including those booking wellness packages. TravelButler is promoting 12-15 day wellness trips in Thailand focused on mental and physical retreats at hotels and resorts, and Gilani said those products are becoming more popular among Indian travellers.

Phuket and Bangkok remain the top Thai destinations for Indian tourists, Gilani said, helped by several direct flights from many Indian cities. He added that Indian travellers are also showing interest in other destinations including Koh Chang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai, as travel agents promote more places following familiarisation trips arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director for the Asean, South Asia and South Pacific region at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the agency is targeting 2.55 million Indian tourists this year if the visa exemption scheme remains in place. More than 2.48 million Indian tourists visited Thailand last year. As of June 7, Thailand had recorded 1.1 million Indian arrivals, making India the country’s third-largest inbound market.

Patsee said the target could be lowered later if the visa-on-arrival system is implemented. Based on discussions with Indian travel agents, she said the policy change is expected to affect mass tour groups more than luxury and independent travellers.