In Bangkok, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that Thailand will implement a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese nationals from March 1, 2024.

Srettha held a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office , previously, a temporary visa free entry policy has been implemented for Chinese nationals for several months. The Thai government has been actively negotiating with relevant Chinese departments and finally decided to implement a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese citizens from March 1, 2024. He said that this measure will not only play a positive role in promoting Thailand's tourism industry, but also reflect the further improvement of friendly relations between Thailand and China.

On January 2, In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China welcomed the Thai move, saying it was in the fundamental interest of the two countries.

The competent authorities of both sides are currently in close communication on the specific matter, and we look forward to the relevant arrangements coming into effect as soon as possible," he said.