Phuket Hotels Unfazed by Potential 30-Day Visa Limit Change

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Phuket hoteliers remain calm amidst possible reductions in Thailand’s visa-free period from 60 to 30 days. This strategy, devised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aims to mitigate the misuse of visa privileges by foreigners engaging in illicit activities. While this change may rattle some sectors, hotel operators in Phuket maintain an optimistic outlook grounded in current travel patterns.

 

Suksit Suvunditkul, the president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), highlights that European visitors generally book two-week stays. Guests looking for extended residencies tend to prefer condominiums over hotels. Consequently, Suksit suggests the proposed visa adjustment will more significantly influence the condo rental market than the hotel industry.

 

In fact, this move aligns with calls from the Phuket Tourist Association. Its president, Thanet Tantipiriyakit, endorses the reduction to a 30-day visa-free period, emphasising there are still other avenues available for those interested in longer stays. Data from the Immigration Bureau points to a stable demand for visa extensions, numbering around 10,000 monthly applications—a figure consistent since pre-pandemic trends.

 

 

 

Despite these changes, Suksit argues the focus should remain on suitable measures to screen tourists. To this end, Thanet suggests enhancing the new digital TM6 form, which will become mandatory on May 1st, to aid in identifying and managing visitor activities more effectively. Proposals to link this form with technology like Google Maps could authenticate visitor addresses, while connection to existing TM30 data would help verify property hosting arrangements.

 

Tourism officials like Siripakorn Cheawsamoot have voiced concerns regarding the visitor pool's potential impact. Last year, approximately 200,000 tourists applied for tourist visas following the 60-day scheme’s implementation. A rollback to 30 days could affect these groups who have benefited from the longer periods since July.

 

Looking at the broader picture, the hospitality sector remains hopeful for a balanced solution that sufficiently addresses national security while catering to tourism's needs. The key lies in integrating technology with existing systems to streamline operations and ensure all parties benefit from any changes.

 

In converting documents and processes to digital formats with intelligently integrated systems, Thailand aims to balance welcoming visitors with safeguarding against any unlawful activities—a quest for preserving the integrity of Thailand's tourism while curating an environment conducive to genuine, long-term visitors. Hence, the Phuket hotel industry looks set to weather any challenges ahead with confidence, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-19

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Are the TAT that naive that they really believe that crime will stop because folk are back on 30 day visas?