Thailand Amends Proposed Visa Rules Changes

The galling comment has been 'indian numbers fell' after the announcement a few months ago. Firstly, this is an idiotic statement as Indians continued to arrive on visa free for 60 days, so the fall in Indian tourist numbers cannot be contributed to that - more likely it's just the normal low season.

However, the whole point of these new visa rules were to tackles unruly tourists, scammers, those who were causing criminal intent, Benidorm Brit type drunks, etc Then as a product of these measures, along with stricter policing, more deportations for unruly visitors, more quality tourists would come and stay in the country. The Chinese especially have put of by the lack of safety.

However, if you see a short fall in tourism numbers whilst you inact the policy, and immediately panic - then what is the point.

Remember the first goal of any government is to protect it's citizens. I have seen countless Thai's been scammed (mostly from Chinese scammers), topped up with unruly tourists that are making life hard and not pleasent for Thais - this is their first port of call.

But seeing them quickly row back to allow Indians visa free, shows they will panic at the first sight of a little drop in numbers.

No amendments to the DTV, bank letter and criminal record check is absolutely negligent from this government. We all know what’s going on.

11 hours ago, khunjeff said:

And a 30 day stay can't be used that way? Really?

yeah... would've thought it's easier to overstay a 30 days visa than a 60 days one..

13 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Indians entering without a visa makes a mockery of the whole 'pivoting to quality tourism'.

Indians may well say the same thing about people from your own home country.

Why do you racist-types even bother leaving your countries as you believe you're God's gift to humanity.

They are trying to boost the declining tourist numbers by giving Indians visa free entry.

2 hours ago, connda said:

Indians may well say the same thing about people from your own home country.

Why do you racist-types even bother leaving your countries as you believe you're God's gift to humanity.

Most of the world has visa entry for Indians. Even Vietnam make Indians get a visa. Thailand is one of the few countries that gives them visa free. There are many Indian families - middle class - who do come to Thailand, spend money and enjoy. They would have had no issues with visas at the airport.

But there is a massive element who have very little funds. Who come on zero dollar trips laid on by their companies, who behave appallingly, group up and solicitate openly for discounts with women, countless hotels complaining many are circumventing the rules by sleeping alot of them in one room, many don't spent money in malls or anywhere. It would have been prudent for them to show funds, and proof of accomodation - some basic checks.

Their behaviour turns away alot of other tourists.

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by DonniePeverley

14 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Nothing had or has changed for Indian visitors since the previous annoucement - as that's all it was an announcement. Indians were still visiting visa free - so this makes no sense.

Nothing had or has changed for ANYONE. The 60 to 30 cut is unpromulgated for EVERYONE.

When the changes were first floated last May, India were going to be OFF the visa-exempt bus. The latest announcement, still unpromulgated, simply puts the Indians back on the 30-day visa exempt bus, once it comes along.