Tourism chiefs in Thailand are aiming to attract more Indian tourists this year with a new visa-free policy.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) boss Thapanee Kiatphaibool said that a record high 2.4 millionholidaymakers from the subcontinent are expected with the introduction of the visa waiver programme.

Under the policy, Indian nationals are granted a 60-day visa-free stay. The programme will last until November 2024 and if successful, will be rolled out to citizens of 93 other countries.

The Thai government has set a target of 36.7 million tourists to generate 3.5 trillion baht in revenue in 2023, profiting from consistent tourism numbers even during the off-season.

Suksit Suvunditkul, President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said that Indian tourists remain among the top three markets for Thai island destination Phuket. 

Meanwhile, flight connections between Thailand and India have recovered to 80 per cent of the pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels. 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has committed to raising the number of seats by 7,000 per week between Thailand and India starting in November.

The tourism drive comes following similar successful talks with China.