BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is urging the government to extend the visa-free stay period for long-haul tourists from the United States and Europe to 90 days to boost the country's tourism revenue from these regions to 40% in 2024. The initiative, aimed at increasing the average duration of stay and spending per trip, comes as part of TAT's strategy to enhance the tourism sector's contribution to the economy.
Thailand currently facilitates tourist visas on arrival for nationals from over 60 countries, allowing them a 30-day stay. The proposal to extend this period follows the success of a temporary 90-day visa granted to Russian tourists last November, which significantly benefited the tourism sector.
In the past year, over 100,000 foreign tourists, predominantly from the US, the UK, Sweden, and Germany, applied for a 60-day visa. The proposed extension to 90 days is expected to generate at least a million additional room nights across the country.
The tourism body has also requested the National Tourism Policy Committee to extend other tourist-friendly measures, such as visa-free stays for Kazakh tourists and continued suspension of TM6 forms at Thai-Malaysia border crossings, alongside the 90-day visa-free stay for Russians. These measures are pending cabinet approval.
Despite global challenges like geopolitical tensions and Europe's sluggish economy, the TAT remains confident in the appeal of Thailand to European travelers, citing the country's cost of living and the propensity of these tourists to stay longer. The agency anticipates record-breaking arrivals from major markets, including up to 2 million Russian tourists and over 1 million each from the US, the UK, and Germany.
Tourists from nearly half of all countries, including China, can now enter Thailand without a visa.
The Thai foreign affairs ministry has downplayed the danger to national security created by abolition of visitor visas for nationals of China and India in particular. Spokesperson Kanchana Patarachok pointed out that there would not be an increase in the number of foreign businessmen operating illegal companies, or career criminals, as Thai immigration could still identify them from computerized records. On entry, all international arrivals are checked to see if they have committed a previous crime in Thailand or are the subject of an Interpol warrant.
Worries had been raised formally by Senate members noting recent scandals involving Chinese nationals ignoring work permit regulations or enrolling expensively at Thai language schools simply to extend their stay without any intention of learning. Concerns centered around Chinese citizens being illegally abducted by fellow nationals and tales about Chinese "police stations" operating in Bangkok and beyond. Other reports claim Russians have been found working illegally in Phuket as taxi drivers, whilst Indians in Pattaya were accused of operating restaurants for reasons other than selling food. But some of these claims have proven untrue, or occurred before visa liberalization, and there is scant initial evidence that Thai security is now more threatened than before.
As part of a no-visa policy, Russians receive 90 days on arrival and Chinese and Indian nationals 30 days but only for tourist purposes. This is an attempt by premier Srettha Thavisin to boost visitor numbers post-covid from the main overseas recruiting grounds. The policy change means that the nationals of all most half the countries in the world can enter Thailand without a visa for vacations. But there is no consistency across the board: US, UK and EU nationals receive 30 days visa-free, whereas those from South Korea and several Latin American countries are stamped in for 90 days on each visit. The deal with China, 30 days on arrival, is to be made permanent on March 1 when the pilot scheme ends. The immigration bureau stresses that only bona fide tourists can enter visa-free. Business visas, for example, must be applied for in advance from Thai embassies abroad.
But there are other inconsistencies between visa-free nationalities. Whereas British or European holidaymakers can extend a 30 days stamp for a further month at local immigration – followed by a day trip to the Cambodian border to repeat the procedure – Chinese and Indian visitors are not able to leave and then return by a land border post. Extensions at immigration often depend on showing a return air ticket to the home country in the near future and Thai banks generally are reluctant to allow visa-free foreigners to open accounts. Visitors under the recent visa-free reforms also find it virtually impossible to obtain a Thai driving licence. Ken Thorne, an international visa researcher, told Pattaya Mail, "Thai authorities are understandably using soft power visa reforms to raise cash for the treasury, but the devil is in the detail. He usually is."
Prime Minister Srettha envisions Thailand as a World aviation hub. On Wednesday, he spoke of a reciprocal visa exemption deal with the European Union. The PM, emphasising tourism, praised Suvarnabhumi Airport's success. At the same time, he highlighted past governments led by Thaksin Shinawatra and their dynamic strategies.
The Thai Prime Minister, on Wednesday, outlined another vision. Addressing an audience in Bangkok, Mr Srettha Thavisin proposed building on the government's recently agreed mutual visa waiver with China, by seeking a similar agreement with the European Union in relation to the Schengen zone to allow visa-free travel in both directions. In turn, this could be used to develop Bangkok as a global transport hub.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has set out a vision of Thailand as an World aviation hub. The PM, on Wednesday, said he was seeking to hold talks with European countries for reciprocal visa exemptions.
He was speaking at an event in Bangkok at the King Power Hotel hosted by the Matchicon media group.
Srettha emphasised foreign tourism in the same week that the IMF warned that the country could become too dependent on the industry in its latest report
In his keynote speech delivered at 'Thailand 2024 The Great Challenges', the premier highlighted the importance of tourism. At length, he declared it one of the government's core priorities.
Mr Srettha said several measures including visa exemption programmes would help boost the industry in Thailand.
He confirmed Thailand and China will sign a reciprocal visa exemption programme this week. In turn, the government will pursue talks with the European Union over a similar deal between Thailand and Schengen countries.
Accordingly, Mr Srettha said his government will upgrade the country to a global aviation hub.
In addition, that ambition would involve streamlining immigration procedures, overhauling flights and building airports in secondary cities.
PM spoke of Suvarnabhumi Airport as a success, highlighting the dynamic risk-taking strategy of governments led by ex-Prime Minister Thaksin
The PM, in particular, cited the economic and other opportunities afforded to Thais by key large-scale mega projects.
At the same time, he cited past governments of Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr Srettha for instance singled out the decision to proceed with the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Previously, that decision was one that generated significant political controversy and opposition. Even when the airport finally opened in September 2006, it coincided with a coup d'état that removed the former premier.
Undeniably, when opened, conservative politicians and 'Yellow Shirt' protesters viewed the airport as a white elephant. After that, it took off and reached the limits of its capacity.
Last year, the government announced a ฿35 billion expansion to the facility. In effect, this will boost passenger traffic by 33% from 45 million to 60 million.
'Over the past two decades we had governments that saw opportunities and seized them,' Mr Srettha said on Wednesday.
Comparison made to the Land Bridge initiative
Likewise with the Land Bridge megaproject.
Mr Srettha once again promised to listen to opinions from all stakeholders including potential investors and local residents.
In summary, the ฿1-trillion project aims to develop a logistics network connecting Ranong with Chumphon. Therefore connecting the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea.
It was showcased at three international events: the APEC Summit in San Francisco, the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Japan and the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
'We listen to not only the public but also investors. It's the government's job to weigh if what they want is positive or negative for the people,' Srettha said.
Mega projects bring opportunities to the country
He urged concerned parties to think about the opportunities the Suvarnabhumi airport has brought to the country. He said this should be remembered when considering the Land Bridge project.
At the same time, he insisted the government welcomes investors from every country equally.
Mr Srettha also touched on the policy of tripling farmers' incomes in four years.
However, he said this would be achieved without intervening in prices or by offering subsidies. Instead, more opportunities will be created through product development, he claimed.
IMF's latest report appears to echo the central bank. It warns against a lack of fiscal discipline and also, significantly, speaks of a dependence on tourism
The Prime Minister's vision comes just days after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published its latest paper on Thailand. It was released on Monday.
The international finance agency warned that the kingdom may become too dependent on foreign tourism. It pointed to the danger of a geopolitical emergency suddenly impacting the industry.
The IMF also appeared to come down on the side of Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput in his tussle with the PM.
The body emphasised that financial stability must be the key priority for Thailand at this time.
Economic malaise caused by structural problems
In addition, the IMF warned of the threat of a 'lack of fiscal discipline' if a more expansionary policy is pursued.
It urged the central bank to be ready to tighten monetary policy if inflation reemerges as a threat. Simultaneously, it predicted years ahead of low growth for the kingdom. In particular, it cited the downturn in the Chinese economy.
Certainly, as with the Bank of Thailand this week, it agreed that Thailand's underlying economic malaise was caused by structural problems.
The country needs more inward investment to create a more productive and competitive economy, it concluded.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin outlined plans to transform Thailand into an Asian aviation hub. The announcement was made during his keynote speech at the Thailand 2024 The Great Challenges event. He highlighted the government's focus on tourism and the introduction of several measures to boost the industry, including reciprocal visa exemption programmes.
A reciprocal visa exemption deal will be signed with China this week, according to the premier. Additionally, talks are planned with the European Union to discuss a similar agreement with Schengen countries.
PM Srettha detailed the government's ambitious aim to upgrade the nation's aviation sector, which would necessitate streamlined immigration procedures, flight overhauls, and the construction of airports in secondary cities. He underscored the significance of extending economic opportunities to Thai citizens through major projects, referring to the Thaksin Shinawatra government's decision to construct the Suvarnabhumi International Airport as a past example, reported Bangkok Post.
"Over the past two decades, we had governments that saw opportunities and seized them."
The prime minister also discussed the Land Bridge megaproject, a 1-trillion-baht (US$27,974,450,000) initiative aimed at developing a logistics network linking Ranong and Chumphon. He reiterated his commitment to soliciting feedback from all stakeholders, including potential investors and locals.
The 61 year old Thai PM previously presented the project at three international events: the APEC Summit in San Francisco, the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Japan, and the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
"We listen to not only the public but also investors and it's the government's job to weigh if what they want are positive or negative to the people."
While discussing the Land Bridge project, PM Srettha encouraged stakeholders to consider the benefits the Suvarnabhumi Airport has brought to the country. He reaffirmed that the government is open to investment from all nations.
Furthermore, he mentioned the government's policy to triple farmers' incomes within four years without resorting to price intervention or subsidies. Instead, they plan to create more opportunities through product development.
Immigration System Malfunction Causes Passenger Backlog
24 January 2024 14:04
SAMUT PRAKAN, Jan 24 (TNA) – A disruption in the immigration biometrics system occurred early Wednesday morning at Suvarnabhumi Airport, leading to a buildup of passengers and prompting swift efforts to address the issue.
Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, commander of immigration officers at the international airport said the system was currently undergoing repairs, causing delays at the immigration counters. This, in turn, extended the time required for the processing of passport checks from the usual 45 seconds per person to over 1 minute.
The malfunction primarily impacted the Automated channels for passport checks, leading to severe congestion during peak flight hours, particularly for outbound passengers. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in long queues extending to the baggage inspection points.
The Immigration Technology Center, overseeing the affected technology system has expedited the resolution. Simultaneously, Suvarnabhumi Airport's immigration checkpoints took immediate action according to their contingency plans, resorting to manual checks conducted by immigration officers and utilizing the airport's application to identify individuals with potential issues such as warrants or overstays. – 819 (TNA)
The Immigration Bureau announced on Monday a major upgrade to its online system for 90-day reporting. This development is expected to alleviate the chronic overcrowding at Immigration offices across the country.
Immigration say the new system will help to streamline the process for foreigners residing in Thailand.
Pol Lt Gen Ittipol Ittisaranachai, the chief of Immigration Police, highlighted this expansion plan, emphasizing the Bureau's commitment to facilitating the stay of international residents in Thailand.
Under Thai law, all foreigners residing in the country on various long-term visas, or rather extension of stays, are mandated to report their address to the Immigration Bureau every 90 days. Despite the existence of an online system for several years, its unreliability had forced many to continue visiting the Immigration offices in person, leading to excessive crowding.
Responding to the need for a more efficient and user-friendly system, the Bureau has revamped the online service. This upgrade is anticipated to encourage more foreigners to opt for online reporting, thereby reducing the physical footfall at the offices.
For those needing to make their 90-day report, registration is now more straightforward. Foreigners can sign up at the link here by providing an email address. It is advisable to complete this registration at least 15 days before the due date of the next 90-day reporting. Following registration, the Bureau will issue a password via email, which can then be used for subsequent logins and reports.
Of course, few foreigners in Thailand look forward to having to submit their 90-day report.
Those of us in Hua Hin are somewhat fortunate that the Immigration office in BluPort is useful and it generally doesn't take too long to submit a 90-day report there. (Pro tip, visit after 3pm).
However, expats in Thailand typically find the 90-day report requirement inconvenient and a hassle.
Which leads to the question, why doesn't Immigration just scrap the requirement?
Thailand's 90-day reporting requirement for foreigners is a part of its immigration and national security policies. There are several reasons why this requirement may still be in place:
Firstly, it helps the government keep track of the number of foreign nationals in the country and their whereabouts. This is especially important in managing overstays and ensuring that visitors comply with the terms of their visas.
Secondly, it's part of the national security policy and by keeping updated records of foreign residents, authorities say they can more effectively monitor and prevent illegal activities.
Additionally, changing immigration policies can be a complex process, involving various stakeholders and considerations. The 90-day reporting has been in place for a long time, and any change would require careful planning and coordination.
The 90 day report is also part of the Immigration's administrative and legal framework. Any change would require a significant overhaul of these systems, which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.
The requirement allows the government to collect data on foreign nationals residing in the country, which can be used for planning and policy-making purposes.
So it looks like you're stuck with 90 day reporting for the foreseeable future.
This morning, I attended a press conference at Chaengwattana regarding the 90 Days Online Notification. Although this has been around for a number of years now, it has been fraught with technical problems. But recently, they have revamped the system to make it more reliable and efficient so you can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to notify your address every 90 days.
✅ Visit the website: immigration.go.th
The purpose of the press conference today was to encourage more foreigners to use the online system in the future for 90-day reporting, in order to cut down on the number of people visiting immigration offices. They are also pushing other online services such as booking appointments online which is now nationwide, and a way to submit documents for extension of stay, which is still being tested.
There have been a number of issues with 90-day online reporting which I did ask about. However, I think most people want to know first when the whole process will be abolished. I'm afraid there is not going to be a change in the law any time soon. We will just have to live with it for the foreseeable future.
I asked them about the problem when some people went to stay in a hotel and were then unable to submit the 90-day notification online due to a change of address. This is a known issue that will be sorted soon by marking the hotel stay as temporary.
I asked them about the issue for people who went abroad briefly and then some immigration offices wanted them to file a TM30 on return and others didn't. I was told that it should be standardised nationwide soon so you don't need to keep filing a TM30.
Several people told me that when they returned from abroad, they were informed that they cannot do the notification online and had to go to the office in person. Immigration informed me that they can indeed do the online notification 90 days after their return. The only time an in-person 90-day notification is required is for the very first time.
I know it is not a perfect system but it is getting better compared to what we had before. I will post separately on how to do 90-day online notification of address.
Thaksin and digital wallet can converge to form political tsunami
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If Pheu Thai needs one good reason why it should back down from its flagship electoral promise, the party does not have to look beyond the 14th floor of the Police Hospital.
The pending "digital wallet" scheme and the controversial post-exile treatment of Thaksin Shinawatra are becoming a potentially-disastrous mixture that the ruling party will find to be too much to handle.
The countdown is beginning for Thaksin to be qualified for an absolute amnesty, a combustible issue on its own, while the ball has been definitely back in Pheu Thai's court regarding a plan to borrow Bt500 billion to fund digital wallet.
During the newly-ended budget debate, the opposition Move Forward Party gave a hint about how easy the two problems can merge. There is a lot of state money being wasted, the party said, and one great example is how much the "privileges" being given to Thaksin are costing Thai taxpayers.
A previously-unthinkable scenario of "yellow" and "orange" protesters taking to the streets for the same causes is being increasingly talked about. Everyone knows the yellows don't like Thaksin and any "populist" programme associated with him.
The oranges, meanwhile, liked Thaksin when he suited them but that is no longer the case, and with Move Forward in the opposition they can never support digital wallet.
Granted, Move Forward can come across as a hypocrite. (The party did not oppose digital wallet during the election campaign, while Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit had admitted to meeting Thaksin after the May election and tearfully bemoaned the missed opportunity of Move Forward and Pheu Thai to work together.
This ironically means that if Pheu Thai emerged from the election as the bigger party, they would form a government with Move Forward and nothing would stop digital wallet anyway.)
But hypocrisy matters little in politics and can encompass all ideological realms. In other words, Pheu Thai cannot pin its hopes on a past relationship as well as the perception of Thaksin in many "liberal" quarters as a victim of political persecution.
It will be a perfect storm. Digital wallet presents legal, constitutional and economic risks, whereas Thaksin is primarily political. This is not to mention the Yingluck Shinawatra factor and Paetongtarn waiting in the wings. Pheu Thai cannot fight a battle with so many rival prongs.
One strange theory has it that Pheu Thai is already giving up on digital wallet, but it has not told the public yet. This theory originated from the fact that the party sought to borrow Bt500 billion through proposing a bill to Parliament instead of issuing a royal decree that would be a log quicker and support claims that the Thai economy is in urgent need for an emergency stimulant.
Proposing a bill gives Pheu Thai more flexibility. The party can also claim that it's "democratic" enough to give Parliament a chance to block something if it anticipates big problems. The party would be able to tell its support that "We have tried, but the others are not with us."
\The borrowing bill flies in the face of the "emergency" claim, though, as well as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's attempts to convince foreign investors that the Thai economy is all right. But just like hypocrisy, discrepancies are not big deals in politics. If Pheu Thai wants to retreat, it can do so.
If it does not, it will be a trek through uncharted territories strewn with booby-traps. In one scenario, senators vote to stall the borrowing bill and hence become Move Forward's ally for this big issue in the process.
The bill will then come back to the House of Representatives that needs to reaffirm it requiring support from parties that balked out digital wallet not a long while ago.
It will have been too late for Prime Minister Srettha to dissolve the House by then. In fact, it can be too late for a lot of other people.
Common sense suggests it has to be either Thaksin or digital wallet, not both. Even just one of them is a big ask. Since Thaksin is already here and his daughter has become the leader of the ruling party, it will be a no-brainer if Pheu Thai has to make a choice.
If it wants to avoid a political tsunami, that is.
Thailand moves to ban recreational cannabis use, 18 months after historic decriminalization
Bangkok, ThailandCNN — none
Thailand's new government is moving ahead to pass new legisalation banning cannabis for recreational use in a major reversal 18 months after the country became the first in Asia to decriminalize the plant.
The relaxed laws saw a lucrative cannabis industry catering to locals and foreigners alike boom across the Southeast Asian nation, but a new conservative coalition government came to power late last year vowing to tighten the rules and only allow medical use.
A draft bill was released on Tuesday by Thailand's health ministry outlining hefty fines or prison sentences of up to one year for offenders – or both.
Cannabis and cannabis-related products will be limited to medical and health purposes only, the bill states, echoing Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's pledge in September that his new government will "rectify" laws on cannabis within the next six months.
Smoking marijuana in public remained illegal even under the relaxed laws, but the proposed new laws will banadvertising and marketing campaigns for cannabis buds and extracts, and other cannabis products.
An earlier draft bill failed to win parliamentary approval in November.
Thavisin has been vocal about banning recreational cannabis and stated in several media interviews that drug abuse is "a big problem for Thailand."
CNN has reached out to Thailand's Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew for further comment about the new proposal.
Thailand became the first country in Asia to fully decriminalize cannabis in June 2022, a move years in the making and a rarity in a region where many countries give long jail terms and even death sentences for people convicted of marijuana possession, consumption or trafficking.
Singapore maintains the death penalty for trafficking drugs, and residents traveling to Thailand are warned they could still be prosecuted on return if they smoke weed overseas.
Medical marijuana has been legal in Thailand since 2018, but decriminalization in 2022 took things a step further, making it no longer a crime to grow and trade marijuana and hemp products, or to use any parts of the plant to treat illnesses.
Since then, thousands of cannabis dispensaries have sprung up across Thailand, as well as other cannabis-themed businesses like weed cafes and hemp spas and beauty treatment. Cities like Chiang Mai and the capital Bangkok have even held weed festivals, and decriminalization has been a major draw for tourists.
But Anutin Charnvirakul, the former health minister who strongly lobbied for cannabis legalization in the country, previously told CNN that the intention was never to allow Thais and tourists to smoke weed recreationally in public.
"Thailand will promote cannabis policies for medical purposes. There has never once been a moment that we would think about advocating people to use cannabis in terms of recreation – or use it in a way that it could irritate others," Anutin said.
"We [have always] emphasized using cannabis extractions and raw materials for medical purposes and for health."
Pro-legislation advocates have argued that the cannabis boom across Thailand has helped many Thais, from farmers to small business owners and workers behind the counter.
Cannabis entrepreneurs previously told CNN that they were strongly against any legalization that would hurt the growing multi-billion dollar industry.
The Future Cannabis Network, an advocacy group in Thailand, expressed disappointment at the government's actions and stressed the importance of "public involvement."
Kitty Chopaka, a Bangkok-based cannabis entrepreneur who has pushed for cannabis legalization for years, called it a knee jerk reaction from the government and said that it was "not unexpected."
"But no matter what happens with the incoming cannabis regulations, it is now too late for cannabis to go back to being classified as narcotics."
Tourism Authority of Thailand sets a tourism target for 2024 with revenue of 3.1 trillion baht
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that 2024 is essential for the tourism industry, as its 2024-27 roadmap has set a target to fully recover from the pandemic. It anticipates that revenue in 2024 will reach 3.1 trillion baht. Thailand aims to create a new tourism ecosystem through high-value experiences and sustainable tourism, as well as accelerating the industry to account for 25% of GDP by 2027. In 2024, TAT will focus on increasing both the number of tourists and average expenses by targeting quality tourists with high purchasing power and good conscience, who will have respect for the culture and society. Thailand's travel industry will also focus on distributing income to local areas and communities, along with promoting responsible and sustainable tourism in order to aim for "Net Zero Tourism" -- tourism with zero greenhouse gas emissions.
BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is urging the government to extend the visa-free stay period for long-haul tourists from the United States and Europe to 90 days to boost the country's tourism revenue from these regions to 40% in 2024. The initiative, aimed at increasing the average duration of stay and spending per trip, comes as part of TAT's strategy to enhance the tourism sector's contribution to the economy.
