India drops to visa on arrival in Thailand, tourism unfazed

Thailand has ended its visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists, switching to a visa-on-arrival scheme. The move is unlikely to deter Indian tourists, as competitive pricing remains the primary draw for the market. According to Amit Gilani, owner of TravelButler in Mumbai, the visa-on-arrival fee of 2,000 baht is not prohibitive, and travellers also have the option of an e-visa at 1,000 baht. Gilani noted that the policy shift could help filter out Indian nationals who had exploited tourist visas by overstaying or working illegally in Thailand. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is also planning to propose to the National Visa Policy Committee that Indian visitors receive a 15-day visa exemption, given that India ranks among Thailand’s top five source markets. Phuket and Bangkok remain the top destinations for Indian visitors, supported by a wide network of direct flights from cities across India. Travel agents are increasingly promoting lesser-known destinations, including Koh Chang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai district, following familiarisation trips arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director of TAT’s Asean, South Asia and South Pacific region, said the agency is targeting 2.55 million Indian tourists this year, on the condition the visa exemption remains in place. Last year, more than 2.48 million Indian tourists visited Thailand, and as of June 7, the country had received 1.1 million Indian arrivals, placing India third among inbound markets. Patsee said if the Visa on Arrival is implemented in Thailand, TAT may revise its target downward at a later stage. Based on discussions with Indian travel agents, the scheme is expected to affect mass tour groups more than luxury and independent travellers.

What happened

Thailand has ended its visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists, switching to a visa-on-arrival scheme. The move is unlikely to deter Indian tourists, as competitive pricing remains the primary draw for the market. According to Amit Gilani, owner of TravelButler in Mumbai, the visa-on-arrival fee of 2,000 baht is not prohibitive, and travellers also have the option of an e-visa at 1,000 baht. Gilani noted that the policy shift could help filter out Indian nationals who had exploited tourist visas by overstaying or working illegally in Thailand. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is also planning to propose to the National Visa Policy Committee that Indian visitors receive a 15-day visa exemption, given that India ranks among Thailand’s top five source markets. Phuket and Bangkok remain the top destinations for Indian visitors, supported by a wide network of direct flights from cities across India. Travel agents are increasingly promoting lesser-known destinations, including Koh Chang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai district, following familiarisation trips arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director of TAT’s Asean, South Asia and South Pacific region, said the agency is targeting 2.55 million Indian tourists this year, on the condition the visa exemption remains in place. Last year, more than 2.48 million Indian tourists visited Thailand, and as of June 7, the country had received 1.1 million Indian arrivals, placing India third among inbound markets. Patsee said if the Visa on Arrival is implemented in Thailand, TAT may revise its target downward at a later stage. Based on discussions with Indian travel agents, the scheme is expected to affect mass tour groups more than luxury and independent travellers.

Background and context

The development matters for buyers comparing Phuket districts, rental demand, and exit liquidity against Thailand’s broader 2026 market backdrop.

Why it matters for Phuket buyers

For Phuket property buyers, headlines like this shape foreign demand, short-stay rental flow, and how quickly investors move from research to a viewing or offer.

Source: The Thaiger

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