Doesn’t the TAT want tourists here in Thailand? The extension would be effective from the date of approval and run through to December 31, 2022. Of course, the idea is that the longer they stay the more money they will spend. But surely if they really want to encourage tourism, why not increase tourist visas to longer periods and why limit it to December when the supposed high season still has 4 months to run. ASEAN NOW



 

OPINION

We reported this week that The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose extending the length of stay for tourist visas and visa on arrival (VOA) to a maximum of 45 days.

According to TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn, a proposal will be presented to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at a meeting due to be held on August 19.

The proposal will call for the period of stay for tourist visas to be extended from the current 30 days to a maximum of 45 days, while the period of stay for visa on arrival extended from 15 days to a maximum of 45 days.

The extension would be effective from the date of approval and run through to December 31, 2022.

Of course, the idea is that the longer they stay the more money they will spend.

But surely if they really want to encourage tourism, why not increase tourist visas to longer periods and why limit it to December when the supposed high season still has 4 months to run.

 

Tourist visas or visas on arrival .....it is still confusing at the moment, so hopefully they will make it all clear soon.

 

Vietnam is proposing expanded visas

 

Over in Vietnam, their tourism minister was reported on Monday to have proposed expanding visa exemption for tourists from the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India to boost sector recovery.
 
He also suggested the government consider simplifying immigration procedures to attract foreign tourists as Vietnam reopened after over two years of border closure, he said in a report submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Tuesday.
 
Tax Cuts too
 
The minister is also proposed extending tax cuts to tourism businesses until the end of 2023 to help them recover after the pandemic crisis.
 
Though Vietnam reopened tourism and lifted most Covid restrictions, Hung said travel firms and those working in the tourism industry are grappling with difficulties and have not really benefited directly from current policies.
 
The country welcomed 954,000 foreign arrivals in the first seven months this year, up nine times year-on-year.

 

Singapore

 

According to online information, the period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the Singapore Changi Airport. It is normally between 14 to 30 days.

 

There is strictly no extension of visa validity or change of visa type. 

 

However, you can submit a fresh application upon the expiry or upon utilisation of your current visa. But please note that each visa application is assessed on its own merits.

 

 

SE Asia is competitive

 

Bottom line is Thailand is competing with Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia and other countries in the region, so they need to make it easy for tourists to come here.

 

Make the entry simple for passport holders and they should be able to decide whether they want a 30, 60 or even a 90-tourist visa on arrival.

 

Even with flexible return tickets there should not be an issue.

 

The idea of tax cuts for the tourist industry could potentially be a life safer for many small Thai businesses, especially those attractions that still have daily running costs whether one tourist or 50 arrive to say go on an elephant trek or safari. 

 

Bottom line is the TAT and government should have offered these longer visas long ago, but better late than never.

 

People need to plan holidays in advance so the sooner the Government confirms any new regulations the better, then travel agents around the world can start confirming their clients' bookings.