Thailand goes high-tech: New E-Visa set to transform travel

[anotherfarangishere]

Am I the first one to read this?
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-launches-global-thai-e-visa-for-2025

Or did I miss some post?

[Upnotover]

Yes, you missed it.

Thailand Unveils E-Visa System, Streamlining Travel for 2025

[DrJack54]

54 minutes ago, anotherfarangishere said:

Or did I miss some post?

No. Read that article previously.

I noticed one interesting think.

Actually 2.

I won't read again and cut and paste.

Firstly stated eVisa application available from "anywhere in the world".

What about application while in Thailand.

 

Also Kasikorn looking to provide online payment.

Without that eVisa applied for in  Laos useless.

 

[bigt3116]

9 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Firstly stated eVisa application available from "anywhere in the world".

What about application while in Thailand.

 

The article does say "covering 94 Thai embassies and consulates globally. ", so it is safe to say that you won't be applying from inside Thailand as there is no Thai embassy or consulate there.

 

As for Laos, a simple search brings this up;

 

Making online payments from a foreign bank in Laos can be challenging due to a combination of factors, including regulatory, technological, and financial infrastructure limitations. Here's an overview of the main reasons:

1. Regulatory Restrictions
Currency Control Laws: Laos has strict currency control regulations to protect its economy. These laws can make it difficult to process cross-border transactions smoothly.
Foreign Exchange Limits: Banks in Laos often have restrictions on how much money can be exchanged or transferred abroad.
Compliance and Documentation: Payments from foreign banks may require additional documentation to comply with Lao government and banking regulations.
2. Limited International Payment Gateways
Many online platforms in Laos don't have full integration with widely-used global payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Apple Pay. This limits the options for making international payments.
Local e-commerce sites and services often rely on cash-on-delivery or domestic bank transfers.
3. Banking System Challenges
Slow or Outdated Systems: The banking infrastructure in Laos is less advanced compared to many other countries, leading to delays in processing international transactions.
Lack of SWIFT Integration: Not all banks in Laos are fully integrated into the SWIFT network for seamless international transactions.
High Fees: Cross-border payments often involve high fees, making them less appealing for routine online transactions.
4. Currency and Exchange Rate Issues
Lao Kip (LAK) Volatility: The local currency is not widely traded internationally, and fluctuating exchange rates can complicate online transactions.
Limited Support for LAK: Many foreign banks and payment platforms do not support Lao Kip, requiring currency conversion that can add complexity and cost.
5. Fraud Prevention Measures
Foreign banks often flag transactions originating from less familiar regions like Laos as high-risk, leading to frequent declines or extra verification requirements.
Payment systems may block transactions to prevent fraud, especially if the foreign bank does not recognize the recipient's country or payment processor.

[Upnotover]

44 minutes ago, bigt3116 said:

Making online payments from a foreign bank in Laos can be challenging

Paying online for a Laos e-visa is not problematic.

Paying online for a rail ticket on the LCR Ticket app is not problematic.

 

So there must be another reason for the strange in person payment requirement for a Thai e-visa.

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Upnotover said:

So there must be another reason for the strange in person payment requirement for a Thai e-visa.

Have no idea what the problem with online payments being possible.

This cut paste from Thaiger caught my eye.

 

"Regarding the transition to online fee payments in countries where travellers currently need to show payment proof at embassies or consulates, a representative from Kasikornbank stated that the online payment system is under development and could be ready within six months"