Exemption of visa fees considered for European tourists

[Pleng]

My girlfriend works in a hotel and there have always been a lot of Chinese guests. They tend to spend a large percentage of their time within the hotel confines though.

[Dannie Boy]

We were eating in one of the restaurants at the Night Market Monday evening and on the table next to us were a group of people (about six) from Hong Kong.

[adammike]

My first trip in to Thailand was in 1978 as a backpacker and have been coming back ever since.
Today's backpacker is tomorrow's family tourist,a A frame on the beach in Samui cost me 20 bhat
a night a small Singh's 40.most of my family and its big as I am one of eight have backpacked at
one time or another, they are not so keen on us old gits .

[bsdk1960]

^^ well said,I was a backpacker in Thailand in 1983 and have been coming back since.

[richard]

Thai logic and thinking doesn't work like that unfortunately.

[buksida]

TAT to extend tourist visas, launch new campaign
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is considering adopting some measures to maximise tourism revenue, including extending visitors' visas, as this year's earning is likely to be lower than targeted.

TAT Governor Thawatchai Aranyik estimated that Thailand's income from tourism this year will miss its Bt2.2-trillion target and total around Bt1.9 trillion, divided into Bt705 billion from foreigners and Bt1.2 trillion from locals. At the same time, the number of foreign visitors could be about 25.5 million, a drop of 3.34 percent compared to the goal of 28 million.

The TAT is preparing to propose a range of tourism stimulus measures to the Tourism Ministry for consideration. One of the measures is the doubling of stay for tourist visa holders which would, for example, allow European tourists to remain in the Kingdom for as long as 60 days, as opposed to the current 30-day limit.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nationa ... 41944.html

[dtaai-maai]

The TAT is preparing to propose a range of tourism stimulus measures to the Tourism Ministry for consideration. One of the measures is the doubling of stay for tourist visa holders which would, for example, allow European tourists to remain in the Kingdom for as long as 60 days, as opposed to the current 30-day limit.

As confusing as ever. Tourist visa holders are already entitled to stay for 60 days...

[richard]

Futile. The horse has already bolted

[Dannie Boy]

I know it doesn't say it, but I assume this is referring to the 30 day visa exemption that could be extended to 60 days - hopefully clarification will follow.

[dtaai-maai]

You know that and I know that, but the writer obviously doesn't and neither will most tourists!

[STEVE G]

I know it doesn't say it, but I assume this is referring to the 30 day visa exemption that could be extended to 60 days - hopefully clarification will follow.

Yes, we already have it here:
http://huahinforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=27939

[dtaai-maai]

Ah, I see. Rather than doubling the stay of tourist visa holders, they are doubling the extension of stay of those without visas, therefore an increase from a potential 45 days to 60 days. Perfectly clear.

If any tourists can decipher that message, I'm sure they will suddenly come flocking back...

Of course, if they are going to cancel visa fees, it would make more sense to get a visa!

[Bristolian]

Ah, I see. Rather than doubling the stay of tourist visa holders, they are doubling the extension of stay of those without visas, therefore an increase from a potential 45 days to 60 days. Perfectly clear.

If any tourists can decipher that message, I'm sure they will suddenly come flocking back...

Of course, if they are going to cancel visa fees, it would make more sense to get a visa!

Can you run that past me one more time please it's clear as mud.

On a visa exempt they can now get 60 days or maybe will get 60 days but if they apply and pay for a visa, They get 60 days...mmm....never mind. It will all drive tourists to our door... Or not...maybe.

[lomuamart]

Don't forget that the tourist visa can be extended by 30 days as well therefore making it work for 90 days in total.