On a recent Wednesday, Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, delighted many by announcing a recently approved policy that is set to lure visitors from China and Kazakhstan to Thailand. This ground-breaking initiative removes the requirement for tourists from these countries to pay for a visa for a five-month period spanning from the end of September to the end of February. The aim is clear – stimulate tourism in the region known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Following this proclamation, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Transport Minister, shared plans that Ministry officials and Cabinet members will head on an exploratory visit to Chiang Mai International Airport. Slotted for September 15 and 16, the purpose of this mission is to gauge the readiness of the airport facility to cope with an expected surge in tourists influx.
Closely related is the progress review of the construction works of the second airport in Chiang Mai. Nestled in Sankampaeng district, this aviation hub spills over into the Banthi district in the Lamphun province. The visit to this strategically-important infrastructural project is another crucial item on the cabinet’s agenda.
Late September, attention turns towards the tropical paradise, Phuket. Cabinet members will assess how well Phuket International Airport is prepared for the projected increase in travelers. Awaiting them is also the evaluation of the construction site for the province’s second airport, another significant development to go hand-in-hand with the increasing tourist interest.
Suriya underscores the importance of Chiang Mai, Phuket, Suvarnabhumi, and Don Mueang airports. These facilities hold a key role in accommodating the flood of guests from China and Kazakhstan. The Cabinet will take the opportunity of these visits to engage with high-level executives of the Immigration Bureau and Airports of Thailand Plc. The discussion will be centered around devising effective strategies to handle overcrowding at these gateway airports due to the forthcoming uptick in foreign arrivals.
Suriya has also hinted about an exciting event at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. As a fitting finale to these review visits, the airport authorities are planning to hold a soft-launch of their brand-new Satellite 1 Building. This much-anticipated event is scheduled for September 28.
These string of measures are all part of an ambitious strategy to stimulate tourism in the Land of Smiles. Whether it’s an end to the visa charges or the enhancement of aviation infrastructure, the Thai government is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to offer an unforgettable experience to its international guests.
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