Bhutanese will soon be able to travel to Thailand without a visa as tourists and for short business trips. They can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days from the day of arrival. This was shared by the foreign affairs and external trade minister during the recent Meet the Press.
According to the minister, the government of Thailand issued a notification on the 29th of May, which said that Bhutan is one of the 93 countries to receive visa exemption.
A newspaper in Thailand, The Nation, wrote that Thailand’s Cabinet agreed to waive visa for the 93 countries as measures to boost tourism.
“They are yet to implement it and I am sure they need to look into legal provisions too. That is what is mentioned here. Once completed, the government of Thailand will announce it and Bhutan will be beneficiary of free visa or visa exemption for tourism and short-term businesses,” said DN Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Currently, Bhutanese holding official and diplomatic passports do not require a visa to travel to Thailand, while ordinary passport holders still need it.
Ordinary passport holders usually obtain a visa on arrival, which is valid for 15 days.
Additionally, the minister added that Thailand will introduce an e-visa system for those arriving in Thailand.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam