This agreement allows tourists to stay up to 30 days and is timed to encourage travel during Thailand’s Songkran festival, following China’s Lunar New Year peak travel season.

The deal was established during a visit from China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who predicted a surge of Chinese visitors to Thailand. Amid global tensions, Wang advocated for cooperation over competitive politics, while Thailand pursues a neutral stance especially between China and the U.S.

Thailand relies on Chinese tourists to meet its goal of 30 million visitors in 2024, with China previously representing about 10 million out of 40 million annual tourists pre-pandemic.

Furthermore, annual consultations between the two nations' foreign ministers have been agreed upon. In addition, Thailand and China signed trade agreements on poultry and specialty agricultural products, promising to bolster investment in Thailand and collaborate in sectors like electric vehicles, the digital economy, and green technology.