Border hassle—or the absence of it—has become the decisive factor for India’s growing cohort of weekend globetrotters. A MakeMyTrip booking analysis released on 25 January 2026 shows Thailand outpacing the UAE, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore as the most-chosen international getaway for travellers from Kolkata during the 22–26 January Republic-Day break. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Six airlines now operate 36 non-stop flights a week between Kolkata and Bangkok, with introductory fares on Thai VietJet dipping below those of several domestic sectors. Since Thailand waived visas for Indians last year—and extended the 60-day exemption through 30 June 2026—short-notice trips have surged. Thai tourism authorities say 2.5 million Indians visited in 2025; roughly 30 percent originated in eastern India.
Travellers who still prefer professional assistance to avoid last-minute snags are tapping VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) for live policy updates, electronic travel authorisations, and door-to-door document handling. The service proves handy for Kolkata flyers who may need to convert their visa-exempt entry into longer stays or for those planning multi-country hops beyond Thailand.
![Visa-Free Thailand Tops Republic-Day Weekend Bookings for Kolkata Flyers]()
For corporate travellers, the lure is not just leisure. Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit Convention Centre will host 14 major trade fairs in Q1 2026, and the Thai Board of Investment now allows visa-exempt Indians to convert on-arrival entry into a 90-day business visa without leaving the country. SMEs in gems-and-jewellery, textiles and IT services are leveraging the policy to piggy-back conferences onto family holidays.
Cost dynamics also help: the rupee-baht exchange has held steady around ₹3 per baht, insulating budgets from the strong US dollar. Travel advisors nevertheless warn that visa-free does not mean paperwork-free—proof of funds and confirmed outbound tickets are still checked at Bangkok’s automated gates.
Takeaway for mobility planners: Thailand’s low-friction entry regime makes it an attractive venue for APAC sales kick-offs or quick project launches, but companies should brief employees on overstay penalties (now THB 500/day) and ensure medical insurance meets Thai requirements.
Six airlines now operate 36 non-stop flights a week between Kolkata and Bangkok, with introductory fares on Thai VietJet dipping below those of several domestic sectors. Since Thailand waived visas for Indians last year—and extended the 60-day exemption through 30 June 2026—short-notice trips have surged. Thai tourism authorities say 2.5 million Indians visited in 2025; roughly 30 percent originated in eastern India.
Travellers who still prefer professional assistance to avoid last-minute snags are tapping VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) for live policy updates, electronic travel authorisations, and door-to-door document handling. The service proves handy for Kolkata flyers who may need to convert their visa-exempt entry into longer stays or for those planning multi-country hops beyond Thailand.
For corporate travellers, the lure is not just leisure. Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit Convention Centre will host 14 major trade fairs in Q1 2026, and the Thai Board of Investment now allows visa-exempt Indians to convert on-arrival entry into a 90-day business visa without leaving the country. SMEs in gems-and-jewellery, textiles and IT services are leveraging the policy to piggy-back conferences onto family holidays.
Cost dynamics also help: the rupee-baht exchange has held steady around ₹3 per baht, insulating budgets from the strong US dollar. Travel advisors nevertheless warn that visa-free does not mean paperwork-free—proof of funds and confirmed outbound tickets are still checked at Bangkok’s automated gates.
Takeaway for mobility planners: Thailand’s low-friction entry regime makes it an attractive venue for APAC sales kick-offs or quick project launches, but companies should brief employees on overstay penalties (now THB 500/day) and ensure medical insurance meets Thai requirements.
