Thailand has set an ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign visitors in 2025, with a special emphasis on drawing in Chinese tourists, said Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents.
Starting in January, visitors to Thailand can apply for an electronic visa through an online system available at all Thai embassies and consulates-general worldwide, ensuring a streamlined application process and convenient online payment options.
Currently, tourists from 93 countries and territories are allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, including those from key markets such as China, India, South Korea and Russia.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country targets at least 7.5 percent growth in its vital tourism industry for 2025, aiming to generate a revenue of 3.4 trillion baht (about 94.16 billion U.S. dollars).
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, explained how visa-free policies and changing travel trends are shaping the future of tourism between China and Thailand and why China remains a critical focus for Thailand's tourism recovery.
"The visa-free policies have made travel more convenient, with Thai tourist visits to China reaching record highs. Last year, 6.7 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand -- about 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels, and below the Thai government's 7 million target. This year, Thailand aims to attract 40 million tourists. To reach that number, the key focus will be China. We're now seeing younger, independent Chinese travelers coming, and I think Thailand's tourism sector must adapt to small-group tourism. We also hope China encourages more group tours and increases flight availability. Thailand has launched the Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 -- a year that also marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties. I see a promising future, and great hope for economic cooperation," the industrial insider said.
Thailand received over 35.54 million foreign tourists in 2024, a rise of 26.27 percent from a year earlier, official data released by the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports showed.
With 6.73 million arrivals, Chinese tourists made up the largest source market for the Southeast Asian country last year, followed by 4.95 million from Malaysia and 2.12 million from India.
Thailand generated approximately 1.67 trillion baht (about 48.45 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue from international tourists in 2024, representing a 34 percent increase from the previous year, the ministry said in a statement.
Thailand's tourism industry sets sights on 40 million visitors in 2025
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
