BANGKOK, Oct 16 (TNA) – The Thai Cabinet has given its approval for an extension of the visa-free stay for Russian tourists to 90 days in an effort to boost tourism in Thailand.

 

Following a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Minister of Finance disclosed their plans to extend the duration of the visa-free period.

 

This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to stimulate the tourism sector, replacing the previous 30-day visa-free period with a more extended 90-day stay.

 

Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-10-16

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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Let the outrage begin. ????

Smells of desperation

This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to stimulate the tourism sector, replacing the previous 30-day visa-free period with a more extended 90-day stay. Recognizing the frigid winter weather in Russia and the desire of Russian travelers to escape it, the government aims to encourage them to stay in Thailand for a longer period.

 

More like escaping being drafted to be killed in Ukraine.   It's 4..king cold in UK in the winter too Mr PM.

Well that's one way to crap all over the rest of the world who visit the country

i thought tourism was off the hook though ? 

Why not make it 90 days to all the countries that have a 30 day free visa allowance 

It isn't a bad idea, if you want lots of young Russian men running away from call up papers. 

Say what you will, but Russians spend a hell of a lot of money in Thai owned establishments.  Wander into any place with Russian writing on the menu and the prices will make your eyes water. 

 

I was in Phuket for a month earlier this year and some of the Russian women had me stopping my motorbike to get a longer look at them.  Tall, with beautiful bodies and clear skin, very few had tattoos. 

Just goes to show you how Thailand political system is in step with the Chinese. China supports Russia, now Thailand supports Russia in their own way. Just another day with Thailands TCP..

Of course the Western expats and tourists will be the losers here in the long run. Most Westerners with a head on their shoulders and the funds have left Thailand or now know the problems they face.

Thailand is heading down the same road as China with out a doubt. 

I am curious to see what Thailand is like in ten years.  If China can make the changes to deal with the geopolitical problems it faces then Thailand may be in good shape. If not then what happens to Thailand is pretty dismal IMO.

Edited October 16, 20232 yr by Gknrd

Why only Russians? Do the Scandi’s or other Western tourists not deserve the same opportunity to stay longer visa-free? Seems pretty narrow minded but its likely due to the reciprocal ability for Thais who can travel to Russia visa-free for 90-days.

Thailand agrees to extend visa-free stay for Russian tourists to 90 days

 

 

The Thai cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free stay in Thailand for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days to boost tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today (Monday).

 

He explained that the winter in Russia usually begins in December and lasts until March, during which the weather is very cold and Russian people want to travel abroad to escape the extreme cold and a one-month stay abroad, such as in Thailand, may not be enough. Hence, the cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free period of stay.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-16

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

1 hour ago, khunjake said:

Why only Russians? Do the Scandi’s or other Western tourists not deserve the same opportunity to stay longer visa-free? Seems pretty narrow minded but its likely due to the reciprocal ability for Thais who can travel to Russia visa-free for 90-days.

Thailand doesn't want Western or European tourists or expats!  Thailand is one of the only SE Asian autocracy's that politically support China.  Vietnam hates China. And is cashing in on China's decoupling. China is using Thailand as a way to bypass sanctions on China. It won't be long before Thailand will have western sanctions placed on it. That will further escalate tensions and drive them closer to China for financial support. 

If Chinese, Thailand is where you want to be. If a western living or visiting there you are basically screwed.

Edited October 16, 20232 yr by Gknrd

And those who come from other cold countries in Europe have to fight with the electronic tourist visa application to beg for 60 days (proof of residence, accommodation in Thailand, flight booking, financials bla bla).

Worse for 90 day Non-O with health insurance.

The non PC savvy often can't get it right without help.

 

Completely outrageous a.. kissing.

 

How many legit Russian tourists with their devalued currency have the money for a 90 day family holiday? Everybody knows what they are fleeing from and their "innovative ideas" to finance the stay.

Edited October 16, 20232 yr by KhunBENQ

Will they have to file a tax return?

For gods sake Bring back Prayut and Prawit we miss your judgement ???? 

On the other hand, who wouldn't want to escape from that:

 

1 hour ago, KhunBENQ said:

And those who come from other cold countries in Europe have to fight with the electronic tourist visa application to beg for 60 days (proof of residence, accommodation in Thailand, flight booking, financials bla bla).

Worse for 90 day Non-O with health insurance.

The non PC savvy often can't get it right without help.

 

Completely outrageous a.. kissing.

 

How many legit Russian tourists with their devalued currency have the money for a 90 day family holiday? Everybody knows what they are fleeing from and their "innovative ideas" to finance the stay.

Good luck to them.

I'm glad they got it.

No need to get upset about other people's visa situation.

ROFLMAO 

 

 

Step in the right direction but IMO much more is needed. They should extend the visa exempt to 90 days to all visa exempt countries, and increase again the VOA stay to 30 or even 45 days. The situation in the world is not favorable for the tourism businesses, multiple wars, inflation, protectionism.

 

Even poorer tourists need accommodation, transportation and 3 meals per day.

 

Right now in Samui is very quiet, probably the quietest October in recent years excluding Covid times.

Good deal.

Enter 90 days. Extend for 30: 1900 THB
Visa run, return new 90 day. Extend for 30: ~5000 +1900
Visa run #2, return new 90 day. Extend for 30: ~5000 +1900

15,700 THB for 1 year

4 hours ago, Gknrd said:

Just goes to show you how Thailand political system is in step with the Chinese. China supports Russia, now Thailand supports Russia in their own way. Just another day with Thailands TCP..

Of course the Western expats and tourists will be the losers here in the long run. Most Westerners with a head on their shoulders and the funds have left Thailand or now know the problems they face.

Thailand is heading down the same road as China with out a doubt. 

I am curious to see what Thailand is like in ten years.  If China can make the changes to deal with the geopolitical problems it faces then Thailand may be in good shape. If not then what happens to Thailand is pretty dismal IMO.

Bitter? Just have enough money and enjoy your life.

25 minutes ago, Peabody said:

Good deal.

Enter 90 days. Extend for 30: 1900 THB
Visa run, return new 90 day. Extend for 30: ~5000 +1900
Visa run #2, return new 90 day. Extend for 30: ~5000 +1900

15,700 THB for 1 year

Yep, and no tax residence either as they are tourists.

They already stay here anyway. You would be surprised how many "students" there are in Phuket or just plain overstay. They constantly list number one nationality in Phuket immigrations overstay charts.

1 hour ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

Yep, and no tax residence either as they are tourists.

Not correct, there is no distinction. 180 days present in a calendar year and you're tax resident for that year, tourist or otherwise. 

I miss that general they had for the previous 7 years. 

 

 

Edited October 16, 20232 yr by DonniePeverley

9 hours ago, Brickleberry said:

It isn't a bad idea, if you want lots of young Russian men running away from call up papers. 

Soon to be US draft Dodgers also. Going through Congress they want to draft women now. Although even the term "women" is a divisive issue in bonkers USA. Agree with the previous comments that why don't they make it 90 days for all countries. Malaysia do.

Not sure tourist is the best description of who these people are. 

And roll on the posts saying the Russians spend 10 x more than western tourists….I’m sure I heard that line about a different tourist demographic before ..????

Down in Rawai there is enough of them already, over 70,000 landed here in Phuket in September