Thailand: TAT to Propose Visa Fee Exemption, Ease Visa Rules For International Arrivals

According to a report in the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) has reached an agreement with the country’s tourism operators to propose a visa fee exemption for international arrivals.

Furthermore, it also decided to propose an eligibility extension for visitors from countries that do not require a visa to enter Thailand from 30 to 45 days during the second half of this year.

A combined meeting between the TAT and more than 100 representatives from ten tourism associations resulted in five ideas, which are due to be presented to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) subcommittee next week.

In the joint meeting, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of the Phuket Tourist Association said;

“All tourists should have been treated on an equal basis. If possible, we should also provide a fee waiver for multiple entry to allow them to visit neighbouring countries during the same trip.”

“This could be a good opportunity for us to lead the reopening of CLMV countries”

(CLMV countries are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.)

Thailand Visa Exemption

Currently, Thailand gives visa exemptions to citizens of 56 countries, who do not need to apply for a visa or pay the 1,000-baht Visa fee, but their stay is restricted to 30 days.

However, most nations, especially prospective markets like India, require visitors to apply for a visa and pay an application fee for a stay of no more than 60 days.

The visa-on-arrival (VOA) option, available for tourists from 18 countries and is popular with travellers who do not want to deal with the hassle of visiting a Thai embassy, costs 1,500 baht. This option, however, only enables a tourist to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 15 days.

Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said;

The 30-day limit may be insufficient in today’s context, since travellers prefer more extended vacations, as seen by the rise in average spending per visitor from 47,000 baht to 77,000 baht.

According to him, the visa fee amount may be insignificant among high-spending visitors. Still, if they can save on this expense, they will have more money to spend when travelling across the nation, which would directly support the local economy.

Because the government already extended the authority to remain in the country from 30 to 45 days when quarantine was necessary, Mr Yuthasak believes it should not be an issue if tourism operators seek another extension.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association said;

“We totally agree with the proposal to waive the visa fee for those who must apply for a visa, in addition to extending the length of stay for both visa-free countries and the Visa on Arrival.”

“The longer they stay, the more they can spend locally.”

(Source: Bangkok Post)