BANGKOK - World famous tourist hotspot, Thailand has announced to waive visa requirements for citizens from China in a bid to revive the economy.
The kingdom's newly formed cabinet announced on Wednesday that Chinese tourists will enjoy visa-free entry to the country from the end of September under a temporary scheme.
Under the existing arrangement, Chinese can apply for a visa on arrival but they need travel insurance, hotel bookings, and proof of funds for a maximum stay of 15 days.
Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin’s new government has now approved the Visa Free policy, which will allow tourists from Kazakhstan and China to enter Thailand freely from September 25 through the end of February 2024.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, around 1.4 million Chinese tourists visited the country in the first six months of this year and the government was expecting a drop in the arrivals against the expected initial target of 5 million.
Thailand´s vital tourism sector contributes almost 20 percent of to GDP but has faced challenges in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year, Thailand experienced a significant decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, with only 274,000 visitors due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand welcomed approximately 11 million Chinese tourists in 2019.
The government earlier said that overall foreign tourist arrivals were 9.47 million from January to mid-May, compared with 11.15 million visitors in the whole of 2022.
Thailand's tourism sector plays a significant role in the country's economy, and the strong growth experienced in the first quarter has exceeded expectations. The rebound in tourism activity has had a positive impact on employment generation.
The Asian country is a top tourism destination when it comes to spots for holidaygoers and globetrotters and is loved by all those wishing to explore its distinct culture, cuisines, history and nightlife.
Thailand is famous for several reasons and attracts millions due to its rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Buddhism, stunning natural beauty of Phuket and Pattaya, warm hospitality of Bangkok, mouthwatering cuisine, temples and historical sites recognized by UNESCO, festivals and wellness and spa retreats.
Pakistani rupee advanced its winning momentum against US dollar, and other currencies in the open market amid strong economic cues.
On Saturday, the US dollar was being quoted at 285.15 for buying and 287.95 for selling.
Euro moves down to 309.9 for buying and 310.5 for selling. British Pound rate stands at 359.4 for buying, and 360.05 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED also moved down to 77.45 whereas the Saudi Riyal drops to 75.82.
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
US Dollar | USD | 285.15 | 287.95 |
Euro | EUR | 309.9 | 310.5 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 359.4 | 360.05 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 77.45 | 77.6 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 75.82 | 75.97 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 187.72 | 188.22 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 759.94 | 767.94 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 209.99 | 210.49 |
China Yuan | CNY | 39.78 | 39.88 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 41.95 | 42.05 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 36.38 | 36.48 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.39 | 3.5 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.49 | 1.56 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 926.39 | 935.39 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 60.38 | 60.98 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 173.44 | 175.44 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.25 | 26.55 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 742.16 | 750.18 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 78.5 | 79.2 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 212.45 | 212.95 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 27.09 | 27.19 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 325.38 | 325.88 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 8.05 | 8.09 |
The price of gold fell by thousands of rupees as precious metal lost shine despite an upward trend in the international market.
On Saturday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs217,300 and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs186,300.
Meanwhile, single tola of 22 Karat gold costs Rs199,190, 21 karat rate costs Rs190,138 and 18k gold rate is Rs162,975.
Globally, gold prices hover at around $2072, gaining $32 on Saturday.
City | Gold | Silver |
Lahore | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Karachi | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Islamabad | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Peshawar | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Quetta | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Sialkot | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Attock | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Gujranwala | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Jehlum | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Multan | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Gujrat | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Nawabshah | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Chakwal | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Hyderabad | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Nowshehra | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Sargodha | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Faisalabad | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
Mirpur | PKR 217,300 | PKR 2,705 |
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