In order to make the procedure easier for travelers, the government has further eased its tourist visa standards and cut the normal time required for processing visas for Chinese visitors.
According to deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, 95,581 Chinese came in Thailand this week, accounting for the greatest proportion of international visitors, followed by Malaysians (73,810), South Koreans (37,754), Indians (27,707), and Vietnamese (25,717).
According to the newly relaxed visa requirements, Chinese visitors to Thailand must submit only six documents with their visa application: their passport, three photographs, an air ticket, a document showing their accommodation in Thailand, a document certifying their permanent residence, and financial statements.
She emphasized that this will reduce the application procedure from 14 to seven working days.
Ms Rachada stated that the Ministries of Overseas Affairs and Tourism, and Sports are also trying to sync their tourist visa application database systems in order to speed up the process for all overseas tourists.
The constant increase in tourists coming to Thailand, especially during the extended holiday from July 31 to August 6, when the nation welcomed an average of 80,000 foreign visitors every day, impressed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The total number of international tourists visiting Thailand since the beginning of this year has now surpassed 16 million, with Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia placing first through fifth.
