Thai Govt exempts fee for tourist visa applications
Posted in Attractions,Business,General,Government,Guide,Hotels,News,Tips,Tourist February 27, 2009Thailand tourism has been hit drastically by the recent political turmoil and the global recession and the Thai Government is leaving no stones unturned in its efforts to revive
Thai travel and tourism industry. As a step towards this, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period, effective March 5, 2009 to June 4, 2009.
On 3ebruary 3, 2009, the Thai Cabinet approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers through Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Thailand gets thousands of such transit passengers daily who sometimes have to wait long for upto 8 hours to catch a connecting flight and the scheme will allow such passengers to temporarily leave the airport premises on a short visit or to shop at places near the airport without a visa.
Thailand presently gives Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days. Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.
Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor, said: “The support we are getting from the highest levels of the Royal Thai government is a clear indication that Thai travel and tourism is back to business with excellent deals and marketing support for our friends in the travel trade. Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports, and smiles, and is fabulous value for money. We welcome all visitors from around the world.”
Comments 0Demonstrations disturb Thailand once again
Posted in Attractions,General,Government,Guide,News February 27, 2009To control the 3 day protest from thousands of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside Thailand’s seat of government in Bangkok, riot police had to be called in. The protesters surrounded Government House and called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve his 2-month-old government and hold snap elections, saying they would stage a three-day sit-in to press their demands. They also shouted and threw plastic bottles at riot police and soldiers who were guarding the area, but the gathering remained largely peaceful.
The latest rally comes a few days before Thailand is to host the annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. However, the protestors say that they had no plans to disrupt the summit itself.
On Tuesday, as many as 20,000 protesters surrounded the prime minister’s office, as Abhisit held his weekly Cabinet meeting in the beach resort town of Hua Hin, 90 miles (150 kilometers) southwest of Bangkok, instead of its usual venue at Government House.
On Wednesday, the Thai prime minister entered the Government House compound through a side gate without hindrance. Protesters also did not attempt to obstruct ASEAN defense ministers who arrived later to meet Abhisit ahead of the regional summit.
The latest protests have been organized by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship — commonly known as the “red shirts” because of their attire, which contrasts with the yellow shirts worn by their the People’s Alliance for Democracy, who dominated last years’ protests.
