Visa-on-arrival Fee Increase From 1,000 Baht To 2,800 Baht

[george]

Visa-on-arrival fee increase from 1,000 Baht to 2,800 Baht

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND'S Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) will be submitting a

proposal to the government today to increase the visa-on-arrival fee at

Suvarnbhumi Airport from 1,000 baht (US$28.80) to 2,800 baht.

Tourism and sports minister, Mr Weerasak Kowsurat, believes the higher visa

fee will help solve traffic congestion at the airport.

He said the current fee at the airport was lower than that imposed at

overseas embassies and consulates, which prompted visitors to still opt to

obtain the on-arrival visa at the airport despite long queues.

However, Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Mr Apichart Sankary,

said the new procedure, if materialised, would hamper the number of tourist

arrivals, most of whom were in favour of the convenient visa-on-arrival

facility to enter Thailand.

According to the Immigration Bureau, Police Department, Thailand welcomed

6.55 million visitor arrivals in the first five months of this year, a 10.7

per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

-- Agencies 2008-07-30

[sriracha john]

The government is really going to make in-roads on their attracting 45 million high-rolling tourists with this new VOA fee increase

PPP airs economic platform

<snipped>

In regard to the roadmap to boost revenues, it pins hopes on increasing tourist arrivals to finance mega projects instead of raising taxes.

Based on the capacity of Suvarnabhumi Airport, tourist arrivals should rise from 11 million per year to 45 million with a projected annual revenue of 1.5 Trillion Baht to fill government coffers.

If elected to lead the next government, the PPP will implement many projects to attract foreign visitors within one year. *the OP is a terrific example of one*

- The Nation / Nov. 16, 2007

[sjaak327]

Oh boy, the VOA in Thailand was basically the same price as the Tourist visa, back in Europe you pay a bit more, but of course that will get you 30 days instead of 15.

They easily beat all the neighboring countries now, as even the most expensive VOA in Laos is 42 USD for Canadians. Cambodia will set you back only 20 USD.

The Chinese people won't be too thrillled about this one I guess.

[PaulHamon]

I'm seriously thinking for Malaysia, Australians get 90 days on arrive and alot less fuc_king around...

Pitty the food sucks compared to Thailand and the nightlife is pretty dead.

[baboon]

That is one steep hike. Bloody hel_l!

[sjaak327]

I'm seriously thinking for Malaysia, Australians get 90 days on arrive and alot less fuc_king around...

Pitty the food sucks compared to Thailand and the nightlife is pretty dead.

Why are you considering Malaysia, you as an Australian are not affected, we are talking about visa on arrival, not visa exempt, you don't qualify for VOA, you still get 30 days free of charge.

The nightlife in Malaysia (KL at least) is nothing short of exiciting and the food is not that bad either.