CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- On the morning of March 1, Flight FD556 from Bangkok, Thailand to Chongqing arrived at Jiangbei International Airport. Chongqing Frontier Inspection Station handled visa-free entry procedures for the first 58 Thai tourists enjoying the visa-free agreement between China and Thailand, while more than 100 Chinese tourists embarked on their journey to Thailand.

Starting from 00:00 March 1, 2024, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Royal Thai Government on Mutual Exemption of Visas for Ordinary Passport Holders has been in effect, as per which individuals holding Chinese ordinary passports, ordinary official passports, and Thai ordinary passports can enter each other's country without requiring a visa. The implementation of this policy is expected to boost tourism, trade, and exchanges between China and Thailand, creating more opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between people from both sides.

Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand's visa-free access for Chinese citizens has catalyzed the exchange and communication among both domestic and international individuals. Since the start of this year, there have been over 760 flights and 230,000 passengers traveling between Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Port and these three countries, including nearly 180,000 Chinese tourists and over 3,500 foreign tourists benefiting from the visa-free policies.

According to Liu Chengchao, deputy captain of Team 1 on duty at Chongqing Frontier Inspection Station, the implementation of the new visa exemption policy between China and Thailand has led to a significant increase in the number of passengers traveling to and from Thailand. In response to this situation, the Chongqing Frontier Inspection Station has made strategic arrangements, proactively obtaining flight information in advance, deploying an ample police force on duty, and providing active guidance to both Chinese and foreign passengers, ensuring their safe and orderly passage through inspections, and creating a secure and efficient customs clearance environment at the port. (Translated by Wang Zhong, Fathom Language Limited)