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Thailand announces huge changes to tourist visas in bid to boost tourism


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Cabinet OKs tourism package to lure more foreign tourists

 

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The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a tourism promotion package aimed at attracting more foreign tourists to Thailand to meet the government’s ambitious goal  of earning two trillion baht in tourism revenue from 38 million tourists.

 

The package includes double-entry visa for six months for tourists who apply for tourist visa at Thai embassies or consular offices abroad with visa fee remaining at 1,000 baht and re-entry permit for tourists to visit neighbouring countries and then return to Thailand without the need to apply for entry visa and can stay on in Thailand within the period specified in the visa.

 

Also, tourists who visit Thailand and then visit neighbouring countries and return to Thailand will not be required to have their visas stamped at the ports of entry within a period of 30 days since they first leave the country.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cabinet-oks-tourism-package-to-lure-more-foreign-tourists/

 
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-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-11-14
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At the present time, with my non immigrant o visa I cannot even visit another country without having first sought permission from Immigration and then paying 1900 bht. 

New visa is 1,900 ...re entry is only 1,000 baht

 

so 2 month trail period to issue but

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....Firstly, a single-entry visa will be allowed to be changed into a double-entry visa with travel required within six months at the same fee of Bt1,000 per person

 

Edited by phuketrichard
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As somebody who used to enjoy the freedom to "Pop" to Thailand on a whim (once did 5 entries in 4 weeks) but has now had to get a Non-O to try to ensure I don't get refused entry, I welcome these changes BUT doubt people traveling from Singapore will find the removal of restrictions on land entries useful (I don't know anybody who wasn't living in Thailand who's ever used one)..

Now if they could do something about the immigration queues at DM (or at least restore the Fast Track for people who are happy to pay as they only have 2-3 days), that would be really useful

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2 minutes ago, jackdd said:

Of course, what did you expect? ????

 

Everybody pay attention: These changes are only for the next two months, 15.11.2018 to 15.01.2019, this is not permanent!

And if it really starts tomorrow is not even sure

 

 

The Nation article says they haven't actually determined a start date for whenever what they're actually going to do is actually going to start.

 

 

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5 minutes ago, jackdd said:

Of course, what did you expect? ????

 

Everybody pay attention: These changes are only for the next two months, 15.11.2018 to 15.01.2019, this is not permanent!

And if it really starts tomorrow is not even sure

 

No man, it starts on 16.01.2019

 

????

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1 hour ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

Summary

- Single entry visas automatically changed to double entry
- Re-entry permit, rather than new visa if visiting neighbouring country
- Unlimited visa exempt entries at land borders per calendar year

They can never make up their mind and stick to one set of rules for more than, hmm, 2 weeks? 

 

???????? While it's a boon for those who reside here on TR visas, and I'm happy for them (just wish it came in last year when I needed it most) the above claim stands.

It's a little ridiculous, even if it perhaps make more sense than the previous set of rules, I just have to wonder, as it begs the question - how long until another change to the new (proposed) regs?.

Exemplifies the government and immigration department though really. They've been at this flim-flammery for years now.

Edited by CanterbrigianBangkoker
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1 hour ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

Nattaporn Jatusripitak, adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office, said that the Cabinet agreed in principle to review and offer relaxation to three types of visas with a two-month pilot period. The starting period will be determined by the Tourism and Sports Ministry after its study of the proper period and details.

It has not been decided when it will start yet.

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20 minutes ago, lkv said:

No man, it starts on 16.01.2019

 

????

Might be, TIT ????

 

I checked different Thai sources for this, some say 15.11. to 15.01., others say that the cabinet didn't decide yet when to start, and that when they start it will run for 2 months.

Whenever (or if?) it will start, we can be quite sure that it will be for just two months.

Edited by jackdd
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1 hour ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said the Cabinet gave the green light for the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Passport Privileges” from November 15 until January 15, 2019.

That is what starts tomorrow.

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