13/06/2026
13 Andaman Private Sector Organizations Call for Review of India Visa Measures to Maintain Thailand’s Tourism Competitiveness
Krabi Hotel Association, together with 12 tourism and business organizations from the Andaman region covering Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, has submitted a formal letter to the Minister of Tourism and Sports and the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), urging the government to reconsider visa measures affecting Indian travelers.
The private sector’s request follows the Cabinet’s approval of revisions to Thailand’s visa exemption policy. Industry stakeholders are concerned that the changes could negatively impact Thailand’s competitiveness in the tourism sector, particularly within the high-value Indian market, including the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) segment and the Destination Wedding market.
While the private sector supports the government’s efforts to regulate visa exemption privileges and prevent misuse for non-tourism purposes, concerns remain regarding the financial burden of the Visa on Arrival (VoA) fee of THB 2,000 per person. Industry representatives believe this additional cost could influence travelers and event organizers to choose competing destinations within the region.
India remains one of Thailand’s most promising tourism markets, with visitor arrivals increasing steadily from 2.2 million in 2024 to more than 2.5 million in 2025, and projected to exceed 3 million in 2026. At the same time, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Phuket have become leading destinations for Indian weddings, generating significant economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, spas, healthcare providers, and local businesses.
The private sector has therefore proposed several urgent measures, including maintaining visa-free entry for Indian tourists, waiving Visa on Arrival fees, establishing a dedicated Group Wedding Visa facilitation channel, and accelerating negotiations toward a reciprocal visa exemption agreement between Thailand and India. These measures are considered essential to preserving Thailand’s competitiveness in the international tourism market.
Representatives of the private sector reaffirmed their readiness to work closely with the government in finding a balanced solution that safeguards national security while supporting the sustainable growth of the tourism industry, one of the key drivers of Southern Thailand’s economy and the country as a whole.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E59sK3TRj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
