Thai Tourism Free tourist visas until March 2011

[THE_DRUID]

Thai Tourism stimulus measures extended

 

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has extended tourism stimulus measures for one year until 31 March 2011 to assist tourism related entrepreneurs who were affected from the demonstration of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa announced on Thursday that the ministry has resolved to extend the assistance measures to help tourism related entrepreneurs while road show activities must be organized on a continuous basis to further stimulate tourism.

 

The stimulus measures include the exemption of visa fees for foreign tourists, travel insurance for foreign tourists of not more than 10,000 USD, low interest rate loans, and extension of loan payment periods.

 

However, Mr Chumpol voiced concerns with the target of 15.5 million international tourists for this year. He said more incentives must be made with cooperation from airlines and tourism related entrepreneurs to boost the number of tourists in exchange with public relations assistance.

 

The minister added that the number of tourists travelling into Thailand at airports in general have not decreased, but on the other hand, is more than the number in the same period last year because the figure last year was very low.

 

Mr Chumpol admitted that tour bookings in Bangkok would be affected from the mass rally of the UDD now taking place at Ratchaprasong Intersection. However, those in other areas, especially in the southern islands of Phuket and Samui would not be affected.

 

Source...thainews.prd.go.th

[LBJ]

Good to know, thanks for the info, I might be using that next Jan.

[glassdude007]

exemption of visa fees for foreign tourists...????

 

tourist visa's are 30 days free at arrivial already????

wonder what fees he is talking about???? Hmmmmm....

[CheshireTom]

exemption of visa fees for foreign tourists...????

 

tourist visa's are 30 days free at arrivial already????

wonder what fees he is talking about???? Hmmmmm....

 

Visa exemptions are 30 days. Tourist visas are for 60 (+30) days.

[THE_DRUID]

exemption of visa fees for foreign tourists...????

 

tourist visa's are 30 days free at arrivial already????

wonder what fees he is talking about???? Hmmmmm....

 

Well the last bout of 'Free' Visas included the 60 day visa which you are better off getting if you're staying longer than the 30 day arrival stamp you get when flying in to Los.I know this doesn't affect most 'Tourists' who are usually staying less than 30 days.

[stevemcm]

I have just been on the Phone to the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull because their website still requires a fee to be paid.

 

I was told that although they are aware that various websites & newspapers in Thailand are saying the fee has been waived no one has informed the Consulate and thus they have to continue making a charge until instructed otherwise.

 

stevoh.

[mak100]

60 day visa,s are free, 15£ admin fee to be paid.

[joekicker]

I have just been on the Phone to the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull because their website still requires a fee to be paid.

 

That consulate (like many around the world) is under an honorary consul -- NOT the Thai government directly. So they can do what they want, basically. A lot of honorary consuls, and I bet that rather infamous one in Hull is one, make their primary income from visa fees, so they are not thrilled when the fee is reduced or waived. A "real" consulate, they don't care specifically about the money.

 

.

[bigone]

60 day visa,s are free, 15£ admin fee to be paid.

not if you go and collect it yourself

[bigdelta]

I have just been on the Phone to the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull because their website still requires a fee to be paid.

 

I was told that although they are aware that various websites & newspapers in Thailand are saying the fee has been waived no one has informed the Consulate and thus they have to continue making a charge until instructed otherwise.

 

stevoh.

Same same for Honorary (Honourary for Brits) Consulate in Miami.So I sent them a copy of blurb re: fees.

[CheshireTom]

Same same for Honorary (Honourary for Brits) Consulate in Miami.

 

Honorary is just fine for the Brits.

[bigdelta]

Honorary is just fine for the Brits.

indeed

[mak100]

not if you go and collect it yourself

15£ admin to be paid when you collect yourself, at brum.