BANGKOK – Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi have signed an agreement in the Thai capital of Bangkok on mutual visa-free travel for citizens for up to 30 days, the Thai Foreign Ministry said today.
“DPM/FM Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Chinese FM Wang Yi co-signed the agreement between the Thailand government and the China government on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs,” the ministry said on X.
The signing ceremony for the agreement, which will take effect on March 1, was held at the Narathip reception hall of the Thai Foreign Ministry building in Bangkok, the ministry said in a separate statement released for local and accredited foreign media.
The agreement provides for three visa-free trips of up to 30 days per year, but the limit does not apply to permanent residence, employment, study, journalistic work and other trips for which special permits are required from the authorities of the countries participating in the agreement, the statement read.
China’s foreign minister is on a state visit to Thailand from January 25 to 29. During the visit, officials of the two countries held a meeting under the protocol on deepening cooperation signed last year. The ministers discussed issues related to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.
Wang also met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan while in Bangkok. – January 28, 2024