Illustrative image (Source: Bloomberg) Following a cabinet meeting, the PM said that thepermanent visa free scheme would come into effect on March 1, noting that travellersfrom the two countries will no longer be required to submit visa applicationsin advance for visits to each other's countries.
The development was a progress from Thailand'sprevious visa-free programme for Chinese visitors, which was initiallyscheduled to extend until February 29. At that time, relevant officials werealso discussing the permanent and reciprocal visa-free initiative, the PM said.
About 3.42 million Chinese people visited Thailandlast year, while Malaysians constituted the largest group, with around 4.4million visitors. Chinese comprised the biggest group of visitors inprepandemic 2019, with 10 million.
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said hewould visit China either this month or early February to sign the permanentvisa-free agreement./.
VNA
