Sansern Kaewkamnerd explained that since the free visa programme was launched on 1 December 2016, figures showed tourist arrivals had gone up by 12 per cent. Prior to the launch of the offer, the number of international arrivals had plummeted.
The fall in visitors was due to the Thai government announcing an elongated period of mourning following the death of the country’s king. The government also set a minimum daily spending level for Chinese tourists on package holidays.
Until the end of August, the THB1,000 fee for a single-entry tourist visa obtained from Thai embassies and consulates worldwide is being waived. These visas are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.
Citizens from around 60 countries are entitled to visa exempt entry to Thailand and get 30-day permits to stay upon arrival. Passport holders from 21 other countries including China and India, are eligible for visas-on-arrival which usually cost THB2,000.
Also until the end of August, the fee for a visa-on-arrival is being reduced by 50 per cent to THB1,000. 12GO ASIA provides advance reservations service for travel within Thailand and to neighbouring nations.
Thailand extends free tourist visa campaign for six more months
News in Asia
The government of Thailand has just endorsed a proposal to extend a promotion on free tourist visas for an additional six months. The current offer of free tourist visas was due to expire at the end of this month, but a government spokesperson says this has now been extended until the end of August.