Thai Govt exempts fee for tourist visa applications

Thailand 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.”