Thailand has extended its visa-free entry facility for Indians “until further notice”.

“Visa extensions for Indian travellers have been extended until further notice,” the Toursm Authority of Thailand announced on Wednesday.

The visa-free entry, implemented on November 10, 2023, was extended till November 11, 2024. Now, it has been extended till further notice.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand had earlier announced an extension of the visa exemption window from 30 days to 60 days. Visitors are allowed to stay for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements for a period not exceeding 60 days, which can be extended at the immigration office for another period not exceeding 30 days.

Tour operators said that earlier, to apply for a visa, it would cost around ₹3,000 per person along with documents like bank statements, foreign exchange and proof of hotel bookings.

An official of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said there has been an increase in tourists from India. “This year, between January and October 15, 16,172,291 Indians visited Thailand,” said the official. “This is more than the number in the same period last year,” she said.

Airlines are also adding flights in the Calcutta-Thailand sector because of the growing traffic.

IndiGo has announced a second flight from Calcutta to Bangkok later in November. Initially, the flight will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Thai Air Asia recently started a direct flight to Phuket from Calcutta.

Calcutta-based businessman Vashdev Bahrunani said the visa-free facility made him choose to go to Thailand a second time.

This Puja, Bahrunani went to Phuket with his wife, son and daughter-in-law. He is planning another trip to Thailand this Christmas.

“This time, we are planning to visit other parts of Thailand. We have travelled across the globe but visa-free facility and the closer-to-home advantage have made Thailand our repeat destination,” said Bahrunani, exporter and partner of Jamuna Banquets.

“Now, many weddings and big group travels are taking place in Thailand from Calcutta because of the visa-free facility. Many tourists can now also make last-minute plans for short holidays,” said Anil Punjabi, national committee member of the Travel Agents Federation of India, representing the eastern region.