News Forum - Thailand PM temps European tourists with longer visa incentive

[Thaiger]

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is making bold moves to boost the nation’s economy by unveiling plans to waive visa requirements for European tourists. Thailand also plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles by lining up hundreds of cultural and sporting events, to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more. The … …

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[Lowseasonlover]

How about reducing tax on wine? 

[WilliamG]

Will they still need to show a return ticket, health insurance, pre-booked accommodation and Bht 20,000 cash on arrival?

[WilliamG]

44 minutes ago, Lowseasonlover said:

How about reducing tax on wine? 

And cheese! And Rolls Royces!

[Vigo]

Why just Europeans? Seems to me that if  the visa stay allowance was  increased to 60 days with an option for  an additional 30, for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, USA and EU, Thailand would benefit.

[Wackamole]

11 hours ago, WilliamG said:

Will they still need to show a return ticket, health insurance, pre-booked accommodation and Bht 20,000 cash on arrival?

30,000 most probably for 90 days. but in actuality have you ever been asked to show anything?

[BainaiThai]

My brother visited last month from USA.  No heath insurance required, no pre booked accomodation required, no cash on arrival required.  He had a return flight booked. 

[WilliamG]

3 hours ago, Wackamole said:

30,000 most probably for 90 days. but in actuality have you ever been asked to show anything?

I think they will only use that as a final excuse to not let you in if they do not like the look of you.

 

[cockneyboy]

2 hours ago, BainaiThai said:

My brother visited last month from USA.  No heath insurance required, no pre booked accomodation required, no cash on arrival required.  He had a return flight booked. 

what did he use on arrival a visa or visa exempt 30 day entry

[1000YearVampire]

Well, it won't hurt, and, I suppose it may tempt some to stay longer; but I suspect, for the majority of potential European tourists, it is their effed up economy which is the major problem, and that doesn't look like it's gonna improve any time soon.

[HiuMak]

Perhaps free hotel stay will help.

[Pinetree]

57 minutes ago, HiuMak said:

Perhaps free hotel stay will help.

and a free hooker ? 

[Vigo]

35 minutes ago, Pinetree said:

and a free hooker ? 

Kathoey working "girls" (sic) of Pattaya and  Patong applaud your support. 

[Wackamole]

8 hours ago, WilliamG said:

I think they will only use that as a final excuse to not let you in if they do not like the look of you.

I think they mostly use it when they're really bored and want to give you a good scare, as they actually don't need anything to deny you entry. They can do that as they please.

Anyway over dozens of entries I've been asked to show cash only once at a land border coming from Malaysia, in a small room after the booths that they were sending all the farangs through (instead of the booths) with 3 officers in there. That was quite stressful and on top of that I had just about 5k of the 20k but it didn't seem to bother them at all.

[EdwardV]

While nice, why didn’t they do this before? For a country that depends and desires tourist income, a simple 30 day visa was never smart. It didn’t stop those who intended to overstay and didn’t encourage those who wanted to stay longer. Personally I don’t see it generating the travel they are looking to get. They need more flights to drive down the prices, and to stop defending the baht to make staying longer more financially feasible. Outside of that, the biggest problem is lack of disposable income in the targeted countries, something completely out of Thailand's control.

Start handing out 6 month visas if you are serious about the issue. 

[garyknrd]

30 days is a joke. I am from the US and about the time I Start having fun I have to head to immigration for an extension and if I want to stay longer leave the country. Passssss

[yselmike]

The online 60 day visa looks like a problem if you don't have a PC.Bank account details for a tourist visa! Really!

[WilliamG]

7 hours ago, yselmike said:

The online 60 day visa looks like a problem if you don't have a PC.Bank account details for a tourist visa! Really!

Does anyone NOT have access to a PC these days?

[cockneyboy]

22 minutes ago, WilliamG said:

Does anyone NOT have access to a PC these days?

i think lots of people only use a phone/tablet for internet

[yselmike]

50 minutes ago, WilliamG said:

Does anyone NOT have access to a PC these days?

Just a phone/tablet.Retired so can't access one at work.A mates got a laptop so I could use that at a push.Still,bank account details for a tourist visa!

[Virralata]

When will this come into effect. If ever ?

[RampantRabbit]

On 11/20/2023 at 11:48 AM, Thaiger said:

lining up hundreds of cultural and sporting events

Great so we can have the "take  your  life in your  hands on the roads" cultural event (and  dont forget that free  insurance youve paid for on entry to Thailand???) , always  popular by me with many willing Thai participants spread up the roads or how  about a  "Toss  your crap off the motorbike when youve  finished with it" event  too followed by the ever popular "burning  field event" These are  realy popular all over  Thailand........TAT can surely spin it  like that.  Yes that sure is a "bold" PM, what a  guy, gamechanger

Edited November 22, 2023 by RampantRabbit

[Lowseasonlover]

Why did they not announce this months ago?