One of the main reasons which prompted this move is the fact that many Chinese tourists experience problems filling in the TM6 arrival/departure card in English. When WeChat application scheme is introduced, the TM6 form will be generated automatically. Also, it will be possible to pay the respective visa fees via the user's e-wallet.
Now to enter Thailand, the Chinese tourists need to obtain visa on arrival that costs THB1000. Yet up to the end of April 2019 the VOA fee has been lifted in order to stimulate more Chinese tourists to visit Thailand.This exemption is expected to cost the state 2.1 billion baht in lost revenues though the authorities hope that the increase in tourist spendings will cover this loss.
If the idea of applying for visa via WeChat gets approved at the official meeting next week, the whole scheme can be implemented in the course of four months.
In 2018, the arrivals of the Chinese tourists to Thailand hit the historic milestone reaching 10 million visitors.
Visa to Thailand Via WeChat? Maybe Soon
News in Asia
This week the Immigration Bureau of Thailand has announced that the authorities are considering to let the Chinese tourists to apply for their visa to Thailand via WeChat, the Chinese most popular multi-purpose messaging, social media and mobile payment application.