UPDATE: The measure will be implemented from July 1, 2013, and applies only to short-terms stays of up to 15 days.

Turns out the rumors, most recently stoked by prominent TV host Woody Milindhachinda, were true. Last week, the Embassy of Japan announced that the Japanese Cabinet has finally approved to waive visas for Thai citizens traveling to Japan for short-term stays (up to 90 days), aiming to boost ties between the two countries and attract more tourists from Thailand. Keep an eye out for an official announcement from the Embassy of Japan about the exact details of the implementation. More details at its visa department, 02-207-8500.