Thailand hopes to introduce visa-fee exemptions for tourists from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan next week, acting Thai foreign minister Sihasak Puangketkeow said.

Thailand's Interior Ministry is expected to consider the issue on Monday, and the order would be issued and enforced immediately.

Sihasak said the tourists still would need to apply for an entry visa.

In an effort to boost tourism, Sihasak said, he and tourism agencies had sought and received approval from the National Council for Peace and Order to waive visa fees for tourists from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan for three months.

Currently, more than 6 million Chinese tourists visit Thailand annually, Sihasak said. The decision to waive the visa fee for tourists from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan is also part of the planned 40th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

Asia News Network