Thailand visa waiver unlikely soon despite pleas

The much-anticipated tourist visa waiver between China and Thailand is unlikely to materialize anytime soon despite pleas from tourism operators in both countries, according to a Thai minister.

The Southeast Asian nation will need more time to improve security measures and improve infrastructure to manage any surge in Chinese tourists that a waiver would bring, Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said during the 2013 China International Travel Mart, which ended on Sunday in Kunming.

"The government is concerned that some problems and inconvenience will probably arise for travelers if the visa waiver takes effect without preparation," the minister said.