The minister said e-visas might streamline the whole process of obtaining entry permits for Thailand and provide convenience for visitors. She continued by saying the trials for an e-visa system could be held before the end of 2017 and it would be officially inaugurated in 2018.
Ms Wattanavrangkul continued by saying that although Ministry of Foreign Affairs was assessing the value of e-visas the ultimate say so would be with the national Immigration Bureau. Another factor to be considered is whether Thai embassies and consulates worldwide would be happy with a reduction in the income they derive from issuing visas.
People in Thailand wishing to extend their stays can do so by applying for visas at embassies or consulates in neighbouring countries. Options include Vientiane in Laos, Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Yangon in Myanmar. 12GO ASIA offers ticket reservations services to all these locations from Bangkok.
Thailand considers setting up online e-visa applications system
News in Asia
Thailand’s tourism minister says the government could launch e-visas before the end of the year. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul told press representatives the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in the process of weighing up whether giving foreign tourists the option of applying for visas online would benefit Thailand.