The Kingdom of Thailand (official name), is located in Southeast Asia, bordering Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia. It is known for its great food culture, tropical climate and beautiful beaches. Thailand was known as Siam till 1939. It is interesting to note that it is the only Southeast Asian country which has never been colonised by any foreign power. Theoretically, Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy, however, it has witnessed military coups time and again, and since 2016, it is under a military junta which disallows any kind of political opposition. The population of Thailand is largely dominated by the indigenous people.
The Thai culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Historically, it was king Ashoka, an Indian ruler, who sent missionaries in the third century BC, to many countries, including Thailand to preach and spread Buddhism. Therefore cultural interaction between India and Thailand is very old. Bilateral relations between India and Thailand are rooted in history, extensive people to people interactions and a large Indian diaspora living in Thailand. The Thai language is influenced by Pali and Sanskrit. Elements of Hindu influence are reflected through the architecture, sculpture, art and literature of Thailand. Over the years, India’s relation with Thailand has evolved into a comprehensive partnership. The ‘Act East’ policy of India and the ‘Look West’ policy of Thailand complemented each other and helped these two countries to strengthen ties. Thailand and India are important regional partners that bridge South and Southeast Asia. Both these countries work and cooperate closely in the ASEAN, BIMSTEC, IORA, etc.
Nationals of Thailand, often come to visit India, either as tourists or as pilgrims. The beautiful landscapes, historical monuments and the rich cultural heritage, attract the Thai people to visit India as tourists, while places of Buddhist interest in India, attract the Thai pilgrims. In order to make travelling to India easier for the nationals of Thailand, the Indian Government started providing e visas to the Thai travellers. Under the provision for e visa, a Thai tourist, instead of visiting the Indian Consulate or the visa centre, would have to apply online for a visa. Visa is obtainable on arrival at sixteen, designated international airports. The application for e visa has to be submitted within 4-120 days of the applicant’s date of arrival. The ETA holders are facilitated through this visa to enter into India and to stay anywhere in India. Under this policy of the Government, e tourist visas, e business visas and e medical visas are provided to the Thai nationals. This indeed is a good diplomatic step on the part of the Indian Government, as it would not only strengthen ties between the two countries, but would also help in expanding the tourism sector of India.
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