Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy. Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. | Thaiger

Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy

Puntid TantivangphaisalPublished: 15:12, 11 June 2024

Thailand's private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund.

Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government's performance over the past eight months would be rated 10 out of 10 for stimulating tourism demand, mainly attributed to visa policies.

"But for more critical problems related to Thai tourism, such as inferior supply development, we're not able to give them any score as nothing has been done to help resolve the problem."

At the opening of the northern tourism cluster in Chiang Mai, the 62 year old Thai PM said there is currently no plan to implement the tourism fee. Instead, the government aims to attract more tourists and encourage higher spending, believing the benefits from increased spending would surpass those from the fee.

Without the tourism tax, there is no dedicated financial resource for tourism development. PM Srettha said the government would allocate a budget to the Tourism and Sports Ministry for project proposals to boost tourism income. However, Chamnan expressed concerns about improving the overall tourist experience and spending without proper plans.

"It's regrettable to hear that the tourism fund won't be set up due to the postponement of the fee collection. We don't have any concerns with regard to volume, but poor tourism experiences and a lack of attractiveness are the key points."

Chamnan stressed that without a development fund, Thailand would struggle to enhance its tourism infrastructure or create new attractions, unlike countries such as China and Vietnam, which continually develop new tourism sites. He mentioned that revenue from tourism in the first five months of the year had only reached 830 billion baht, far short of the government's 3.5 trillion baht target for the end of 2024.

Chamnan proposed initiating five major man-made projects across five regions to generate tourism revenue, especially in second-tier provinces. He suggested that tour operators could integrate these new destinations into their packages, attracting more tourists in the future.

Federation of Thai Tourism Associations 

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) also called for urgent tourism development in a forthcoming white paper. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, highlighted the need for a balanced policy that prioritises supply development and demand stimulation.

FETTA urged the government to establish new key performance indicators (KPIs) focusing on supply improvement, including safety standards and environmental impacts. Sisdivachr also recommended a tourism carrier capacity blueprint to guide development.

Sisdivachr concluded that once the tourism fee is collected, 100 baht per tourist should be dedicated to sustainable tourism development and crisis management, addressing Thailand's low score on the Travel & Tourism Development Index compared to other Southeast Asian countries, reported Bangkok Post.

Politics NewsThailand NewsTourism 

A quick glance. Bangkok Post



The long-threatened Thai tourist tax finally bites the dust. Srettha Thavisin, the Thai prime minister, has finally announced that the proposed tax on tourist arrivals has been cancelled. The suggested imposition, 300 baht at airports (around US$9) and 150 baht by land or sea, had initially been suggested as the country emerged from the covid pandemic. It had been opposed by the travel industry on the grounds of ambiguity and confusion. Pattaya Mail

The long-threatened Thai tourist tax finally bites the dust

Pattaya MailJune 10, 2024

The longstanding aim to charge most visitors to Thailand with an entry tax has been abandoned.

Srettha Thavisin, the Thai prime minister, has finally announced that the proposed tax on tourist arrivals has been cancelled. The suggested imposition, 300 baht at airports (around US$9) and 150 baht by land or sea, had initially been suggested as the country emerged from the covid pandemic. It had been opposed by the travel industry on the grounds of ambiguity and confusion.

The idea from the National Tourism Policy Committee was originally promoted as a way of funding the medical costs of foreign tourists involved in accidents or who sadly passed from the mortal coil. However, it quickly became apparent that only 10 percent of the fund would be devoted to insurance and would be highly discretionary.




The proposed fund was then marketed as an essential part of repairing and restoring tourist sites such as some temples and archaeological sites. Examples put forward were to install public lavatories at tourist attractions or to restore religious images to their former glory. It was argued that the huge increase in tourist numbers post-covid would require a subsidy from the visitors themselves to keep popular sites from decay.

The issue of how to collect the entry tax was never resolved. It did not apply to Thai citizens, diplomats, work permit holders and babies under two years. Holders of the Elite visa and one-year extensions of stay, based on retirement or marriage, grumbled that they were not "tourists" in any case. Airlines opposed the tax being included in tickets as they could not tell (without detailed inquiry) who should pay it and who should not.

The next suggestion was to install special booths at airports and land borders, an idea quickly discarded because the inevitable long queues could easily ruin Thailand's positive marketing initiatives. Pre-entry use of credit cards and QR codes was put forward, but was again abandoned as an easy solution. For example, some cards refused to accept transactions for small sums whilst processing can be a time-consuming process.

The issues arising from tourist insurance were addressed in February 2024 by the establishment of the Thailand Traveller Safety Website. This permits cash refunds of between one million and 300,000 baht for untimely deaths and injuries arising from accidents. However, the scheme applies only to those with a "tourist" visa and expires in August 2024. Pre-registration before a calamity is essential for claimants.

Mr Srettha, in his cancellation address, explained that the abandoned scheme wasn't really worth the effort. He placed his confidence in the growing number of overseas visitors which means more revenue to the national cash pot. But expats – especially those living on pre-taxed pensions and policies – would now appreciate frankness about the Thai Revenue policy on taxing overseas income, both remitted and worldwide. It's another hot potato.



New Automated Passport Control Enhances Suvarnabhumi Airport Experience. The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This state-of-the-art system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints. ASEAN NOW

 

The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This state-of-the-art system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints.

 

Wisanu took part in a real-world test of the advanced automatic passport control system before boarding flight TG415 to Malaysia. The new system is part of AOT's initiative to assist immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport by addressing issues related to the old system, which had been operational for over 15 years and only served Thai nationals.

 

Outdated technology and a shortage of immigration staff have thrust passenger congestion into the spotlight, negatively impacting Thailand's tourism image. The government is keen to position Suvarnabhumi as a key gateway, welcoming tourists and international investors.

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently revealed plans to elevate Suvarnabhumi Airport to become the region's main aviation hub. AOT has thus allocated funds to implement the new Automatic Channel project. Initially, 56 new machines will be installed at international departures, replacing the existing 16 machines.

 

This increase aims to streamline passenger processing without compromising national security, akin to procedures at internationally recognised airports.

 

Wisanu highlighted that the new Automatic Channel system can process both Thai and foreign nationals at a rate of four people per minute. The process involves just two steps: scanning the passport and facial recognition. This continuous flow system eliminates the need for passengers to go through checks one at a time.

 

Currently in the testing phase, the system is expected to be fully operational by July. Plans are also underway to expand the installation to immigration checkpoints at international arrivals in Suvarnabhumi and other airports, including Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

 

"The new Automatic Channel will significantly enhance our capability to manage passenger flow more efficiently. This system not only speeds up the process but also maintains the highest security standards," Wisanu concluded.

 

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath

 

-- 2024-06-10

ความมันส์ระดับโลกกำลังจะเกิด เตรียมตัวให้พร้อม Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024 3-7 ก.ค.2567 ณ ชายหาดบางแสน จ.ชลบุรี - Global fun is about to happen, get ready Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024 3-7 July. ค. 2567 At Bang Saen beach. Chonburi



Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme. “Late last year, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, informed me that Thailand hosts over 300,000 application developers from around the globe, making it the second largest in Southeast Asia.” | Thaiger

Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme

Alex MorganPublished: 09:08, 09 June 2024

Bangkok Post - Poll: Two-thirds of Thais dissatisfied with govt’s performance. Most Thais are not satisfied with the performance of Srettha Thavisin’s government and not confident in its ability to solve national problems, an opinion poll showed on Sunday.

Poll: Two-thirds of Thais dissatisfied with govt's performance

New cabinet members led by Mr Srettha Thavisin gather for a photo session at the Santi Maitree Building in Government House before their first meeting on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu). 

Most Thais are not satisfied with the performance of Srettha Thavisin's government and not confident in its ability to solve national problems, an opinion poll showed on Sunday.

The poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration on June 4-5 on 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country to gauge their opinions on the Srettha Thavisin administration since it officially took office in September last year.

Asked if they were satisfied with the government's performance over the past nine months, the answers varied as follows:

34.35% mildly dissatisfied, citing delays in the handling of major issues and no change in sight
31.69% very dissatisfied due to total lack of progress and failure to implement the policies promised during the election campaign
25.19% mildly satisfied, saying the economy had improved because of the government's continued push to enact policies and measures, and that results from the government's problem-solving were clearly visible
7.40% very satisfied because the government was determined to help and improve people's well-being
1.37% didn't know/not interested

Asked if they were confident that Mr Srettha's government would be able to tackle the country's major issues, the answers were as follows:

35.95% not confident at all because they had not seen any changes and the government had yet to solve problems at their root causes
35.04% not very confident because the Srettha administration had not achieved its targets and only scratched the surface 
22.14% mildly confident, saying the government had the work experience and administrative skills to move the country forward
5.42% very confident, citing the government's strong determination to solve Thailand's problems and administer it effectively
1.45% didn't know/not interested.

Foreigners can now own land in Thailand - Foreign land ownership in Thailand is a complex issue, primarily dictated by the Land Code Act of 1954, which generally prohibits foreigners from owning land outright. This law is designed to maintain national control over Thailand’s valuable natural resources. Land Dept | Thaiger

Foreigners can now own land in Thailand: Land Dept

George AnderssenPublished: 08:47, 08 June 2024

PM Pushes Thailand to Create Travel Boom in 2025. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a visit to Agoda Company in Bangkok on 6 June, where he was impressed by the diverse talent from around the world working alongside Thai professionals. PRD



PM Pushes Thailand to Create Travel Boom in 2025

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a visit to Agoda Company in Bangkok on 6 June, where he was impressed by the diverse talent from around the world working alongside Thai professionals. This highlights the Government's commitment to being "Open for Business" and making it easier for international companies to thrive here and make it the Silicon Valley of Asia. Agoda's success proves Thailand's potential as a hub for global enterprises. He's also highlighted 2025 as a big year for travel in Thailand, a year that will be packed with festivals and events to draw more visitors.

Does Thailand really want humble expats any more? The answer is a resounding yes, but on Thailand’s terms.- Pattaya Mail

Does Thailand really want humble expats any more?

Pattaya MailJune 6, 2024

Anyone living in Thailand more than six months a year will need to register with Thai Revenue.

The answer is a resounding yes, but on Thailand's terms. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has championed the "new generation" of longstay visas such as the Long Term Residence, the revamped Elite, the as-yet cloudy Destination Thailand Visa and – for those working legally – income tax concessions and specialist visas such as the four-year Smart.

Together with the improvements for short stay tourists (well over 90 percent of all new arrivals will shortly get 60 days visa-exempt on entry) the reforms are imaginative if sometimes confusing to the general reader. Updated information about them comes variously from the Cabinet or the Tourist Association of Thailand or the Board of Investment or the Immigration Bureau. There is no single source for updates or corrections.

But many expats are outside of these initiatives as they cannot afford the fees. For example, the Long Term Residence requires retiree foreigners to have an income of US$80,000 a year, or even heavier financial investment, and the five year Elite registration is now US$25,000. As a result most expats, retirees and/or married to Thais for the most part, live here on annually renewable extensions of stay based on an original non-immigrant visa.

The annually-renewables are worried about the Thai Revenue's recent reinterpretation. Section 41 of the tax code, long ignored but now required, means that Thai tax residents (anyone spending more than 180 days in a year here) must obtain a tax identification number and fill in a tax form not later than March 2025 to cover their overseas income transmitted to Thailand in the calendar year 2024. If that income was pre-taxed in the first country which had a double taxation treaty with Thailand, and can be proved by documentation, it is unlikely the cash will be taxed again in Thailand.

But the Revenue has not categorically confirmed that commonly-repeated assumption. Not to mention that the detail varies in the 61 countries which have concluded tax agreements with Thailand. What will happen to the annually-renewables if they stick their heads in the sand and hope for the best nobody knows. Maybe nothing, at first, as there are much bigger fish to fry out there. Thailand tends to be a country of strict laws and poor enforcement strategies. It has been suggested that some visa renewals could be linked to registration with the Revenue, but there is no sign of that happening any time soon.

It's worth recording that Thailand is one of around 140 countries which have agreed to share with each other international banking transactions of individuals under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development which opposes tax havens and money laundering. If you flee to Cambodia or the Philippines as a wannabe tax exile remember they are OECD members too. The notion that your banking is a private and confidential affair which is none of anybody else's business is rapidly becoming an anachronism.

The Revenue in recent days has separately publicized its intent to spread the tax net even further from 2025 by suggesting that tax residents in Thailand should be taxed on income they earn globally, whether transmitted to Thailand or not. This would apparently require a change in the law and is best left alone until further clarified. But, again, most annually renewables don't own villas in Spain or any other country, salting away the rents in offshore accounts. The best defence remains to prove in documentary style your income wherever it is.

Prime Minister Srettha said this week, "Revenue collection is very important and the finance ministry is also considering additional measures to stimulate the economy." He is eyeing the big fish who have used loopholes in the Thai tax system for decades to avoid paying the Revenue. Annually-renewables are rarely, if ever, big fish in this context. But the problem is that they swim the same river.



Thailand to tax residents' foreign income irrespective of remittance. The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand. | Thaiger

Thailand to tax residents' foreign income irrespective of remittance

Ryan TurnerPublished: 11:26, 05 June 2024

Austrian Airlines expands Bangkok to Vienna flights for Winter 2024. Austrian Airlines will increase its weekly flights between Bangkok and Vienna from 7 to 13 during the busy winter period of 2024, marking an 86% capacity boost. This significant expansion is the largest capacity increase in the airline’s Winter 2024 schedule. - Aviation24.be

Austrian Airlines expands Bangkok to Vienna flights for Winter 2024

André Orban5 June 2024

Austrian Airlines will increase its weekly flights between Bangkok and Vienna from 7 to 13 during the busy winter period of 2024, marking an 86% capacity boost. This significant expansion is the largest capacity increase in the airline's Winter 2024 schedule.

Since 1988, Austrian Airlines has connected Vienna with Bangkok, meeting strong demand from European travellers to Thailand. The airline, known for its top-notch service, operates a modern fleet and offers high-quality Austrian and international cuisine on board.

Brendan Shashoua, Lufthansa Group's Senior Director Sales for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, emphasised the airline's commitment to the Thai market, following the introduction of the A380 on Bangkok-Munich flights last year. This increase in flights reflects Austrian Airlines' dedication to providing more travel options and enhanced connectivity for Thai passengers heading to Europe.

Austrian Airlines, part of Star Alliance and Lufthansa Group, leverages its Vienna hub to connect the world with Austria. This expansion reinforces the airline's long-standing relationship with Thailand and its strategic focus on the Asia Pacific region.



Thailand has been chosen to serve as the backdrop for “Jurassic World 4,” the latest sequel in the globally celebrated Jurassic Park franchise. NNT



Thailand has been chosen to serve as the backdrop for "Jurassic World 4," the latest sequel in the globally celebrated Jurassic Park franchise. According to Department of Tourism Director General Jaturon Phakdeewanit, the film's production will take place from June 13 to July 16 across multiple locations, including Bangkok, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Jaturon noted that the film project is expected to inject an estimated 650 million baht into the country's economy, supporting businesses related to equipment rental, accommodations, venue hire, transportation, COVID-19 safety measures, and catering services.

The Hollywood crew is also utilizing the government's incentive program for foreign films, which offers a 20% rebate to international productions that invest more than 100 million baht in the country.

One prominent filming location will be Huai To Waterfall within Khao Phanom Bencha National Park in Krabi province. The production team is scheduled to shoot there for at least a week. National park authorities are currently preparing to ensure that the production proceeds smoothly and efficiently throughout the filming period.

#JurassicWorld4 #ThailandFilming #FilmBoost #HollywoodInThailand #CinemaEconomy



Police break up network aiding foreigners to stay in Thailand. Thai police have dismantled a vast network that illicitly assisted foreigners, primarily Russians, in securing long-term stays in Thailand through fraudulent means involving shell companies, officials reported on Friday. ASEAN NOW

Foreigners, accused of operating a business without a permit, are summoned at Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Thai police have dismantled a vast network that illicitly assisted foreigners, primarily Russians, in securing long-term stays in Thailand through fraudulent means involving shell companies, officials reported on Friday.

 

The operation, spearheaded by a 45-year-old Russian woman and a Thai accomplice, facilitated foreign residency by setting up bogus companies. This network, based in Phuket, involved the Thai woman being listed as an executive or shareholder in over 270 companies. Under Thai law, while foreigners can operate businesses, they must do so as part of a joint venture with Thai nationals, holding no more than 49% ownership to protect local economic interests.

 

The fraudulent scheme worked by listing foreigners as business shareholders or employees of these shell companies, thus enabling them to obtain work permits. Commander Puttidej Bunkrapue of the Economic Crime Suppression Division detailed how this service circumvented legal requirements for business operations and work permits.

 

Foreigners, accused of operating a business without a permit, are summoned at Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

The crackdown led to charges against 98 foreigners, including 68 Russians, accused of operating businesses without proper permits. This offense is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of one million baht (£22,000). Additionally, 37 Thais have been implicated in related offenses.

 

This illicit network is believed to have been active since 2016, with a notable surge in clients following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Chief investigator Krit Woratat confirmed that over 50 foreigners had been officially charged by Friday.

 

Phuket, a well-known tourist hotspot, especially popular among Russians, has seen an influx of Russian visitors, with over 90,000 arrivals from 2019 to early 2024. Furthermore, the number of companies registered under Russian names in Phuket has dramatically increased, with over 1,600 registrations from 2023 to early 2024, compared to about 30 annually from 2016 to 2022.

 

This story underlines the significant challenges authorities face in maintaining legal compliance amidst increasing foreign interest in residency and business opportunities in Thailand.

 

-- 2024-06-01



Latest Thailand visa news: what we are waiting to hear. The extension of visa-free travel to 93 countries, including all those which are major players in tourism to Thailand, means that the overwhelming majority of foreign holidaymakers can obtain 60 days just by turning up. The mammoth question for the 93 countries is now extensions and repeat performances. In other words, can these tourists extend their 60 days for another month at local immigration and can they do a border hop to start all over again? - Pattaya Mail

Latest Thailand visa news: what we are waiting to hear

Barry KenyonMay 31, 2024

A lot of detail about the new tourist and expat visa rules awaits being filled in.

The extension of visa-free travel to 93 countries, including all those which are major players in tourism to Thailand, means that the overwhelming majority of foreign holidaymakers can obtain 60 days just by turning up. Nationals of those countries still needing a prior visa – for example Haiti, Pakistan, the Central African Republic, El Salvador, North Korea – send few vacationers in any case.

The mammoth question for the 93 countries is now extensions and repeat performances. In other words, can these tourists extend their 60 days for another month at local immigration and can they do a border hop to start all over again? Nobody can confirm either possibility and a phone call to 1178, the immigration hotline, brought no clarification. That's not surprising as the new visa rules for visitors were introduced by the foreign affairs ministry, whilst internal extensions are the responsibility of the immigration bureau, a totally separate and fiercely independent government bureaucracy.

The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), so far, is incomplete. We know is a multiple entry visa, valid for 5 years and aimed largely at remote workers and digital nomads, for a maximum stay of 180 days with an extension of another 180 days. The cost is 10,000 baht (around US$270) per half-year with a security bond of 500,000 baht available. Some social media contributors have stated this visa can be used only twice in five years, 180+180 days as it were, whilst others have declared you can live in Thailand for the entire five years as an alternative to the Elite visa or the annual extension of stay based on retirement. Neither extreme makes any sense.

There is very little news in the new policy for existing expats, apart from a temporary reduction in medical insurance required by some (not all) holders of retirement visas and their subsequent extensions of stay. However, there is an intriguing reference in the ministry of foreign affairs' news release that the number of non-immigrant visas available will be drastically cut. The detail, once again, is guesswork but could include visas and extensions for retirees, foreigners married to Thais, work permit holders and international students being updated. Will the well-known difference between the 800,000 baht requirement for retiree visas and the 400,000 baht for married foreigners survive?

Not mentioned in the DTV news release, is the awesome elephant in the room. That's the requirement, already stated by the Thai Revenue authorities, for all foreign tax residents to register by early next year for possible personal income tax on overseas income. A tax resident spends more than six months in Thailand in the calendar year. If the Thai government is serious about encouraging expat numbers in Thailand, it should issue an unambiguous statement that foreign income or pensions already taxed will in the home country will not be subject to further inquiry in Thailand. The sense of relief would be audible from the Myanmar border to the southern islands beyond Phuket. But don't hold your breath.

Thailand Visa Exemption (60 days) and Visa On Arrival (VOA) (15 days). ASEAN NOW

Thailand Eases Visa Rules to Boost Economy Urgently. The Thai government has announced a three-phase economic stimulus plan, including easing visa rules to boost tourism and attract more foreign visitors. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, as the country faces a prolonged economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and increasing public debt.

Thailand Eases Visa Rules to Boost Economy Urgently

May 28, 2024 5:26 pm

Tourists crowded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 25, 2024. (Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk)

BANGKOK – The Thai government has announced a three-phase economic stimulus plan, including easing visa rules to boost tourism and attract more foreign visitors. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, as the country faces a prolonged economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and increasing public debt.

The Cabinet meeting reached a unanimous conclusion that Thailand needs to generate new income by fully accelerating tourism policies, which are considered the only economic engine that will yield rapid returns. Key points of the plan are divided into three phases for 2024-2025.

The government aims to generate this short-term measures no less than 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024.

Short-term measures:

• Visa exemption for tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries (up from 57), allowing stays of up to 60 days.
• Expansion of Visa on Arrival (VOA) to 31 countries (up from 19).
• Introduction of a new visa category, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), for foreigners seeking to stay in Thailand for an extended period and work remotely (workcation).

Koh Samui

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) eligibility and benefits:

• Skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and those engaging in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events.
• Spouses and legal children (under 20) of DTV holders.
  Proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht for the duration of stay.
• DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, valid for 5 years. The stay can be extended once for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.

Improved benefits for foreign students:

• Foreign students pursuing bachelor's degrees or higher with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will have an easier time finding work and staying in Thailand after graduation.
• Extended stay of 1 year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Pattaya

Medium-term measures:

It will be implemented from September to December 2024.

• Restructuring and reducing the number of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7, starting in September 2024.
• Adjusting the criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, starting in September 2024.
• Reducing the health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) from 3,000,000 baht to pre-COVID-19 levels: 40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients.
• Expanding the e-Visa service from 47 to 94 Thai embassies, consulates, and trade and economic offices worldwide by December 2024.

Long-term measures:

It will be fully implemented by June 2025.

• Developing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption.
• Using technology and innovation to enhance the screening of foreign nationals by integrating data with the Immigration Bureau.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong stated that while these measures to facilitate tourism will result in a loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD) in government revenue annually, the expected return from increased tourism, estimated at 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD), led the Cabinet to approve the measures.

Koh Samui Tourism Struggles Amid Infrastructure Challenges. Efforts to boost tourism in the southern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao are underway as the government tackles pressing issues such as water shortages and illegal businesses. Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recently engaged with entrepreneurs from Surat Thani’s Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan islands to address the province’s pressing tourism challenges. ASEAN Now



 

Efforts to boost tourism in the southern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao are underway as the government tackles pressing issues such as water shortages and illegal businesses.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recently engaged with entrepreneurs from Surat Thani's Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan islands to address the province's pressing tourism challenges.

 

Koh Samui district Chief Kampanat Klinsaowakon noted a marked improvement in tourism since late last year, with a significant influx of tourists, particularly those arriving by cruise ship.

 

Tourism growth, however, is being stifled by infrastructure problems, including inadequate water supplies, road safety concerns, and traffic congestion due to the increased number of visitors.

 

President of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, pointed out that the island's infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the rising number of tourists. He highlights how Koh Samui lacks a cruise ship pier despite over 40 cruise ships scheduled to visit this year.

 

Small boats are currently employed to transfer passengers ashore, creating inconvenience and delays that impede tourism growth. He further underlines the persistent issues of water shortages and power outages that plague business operators, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

 

Koh Pha Ngan faces similar infrastructure woes, with the island also dealing with land ownership disputes and tourist safety concerns, especially during the Full Moon Party events.

 

Ratchaporn adds that many business operators in Koh Samui are still grappling with the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, advocating for lower interest rates and increased access to credit.

 

Additionally, there are calls for the government to intensify efforts against illegal businesses, promote legitimate land ownership, and address nominee investment issues.

 

The concerted push to resolve these challenges aims to bolster the tourism sector, ensuring sustainable growth and improved visitor experiences in these popular Thai destinations.

 

Picture courtesy: Royal vacation

 

-- 2024-05-28

Bangkok Post - Thailand falls by more than 10 places in tourism ranking. Tourism operators are disappointed with the government for failing to improve the country’s position in the travel and tourism development index, after Thailand dropped to 47th place, from 36th, in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) index.

Thailand falls by more than 10 places in tourism ranking

Tourists travel on a Tuk Tuk taxi near Ratchaprasong intersection. (File photo: Somchai Poomlard) 

Tourism operators are disappointed with the government for failing to improve the country's position in the travel and tourism development index, after Thailand dropped to 47th place, from 36th, in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) index.

The decrease was also larger than the decline seen in the 2021 index, when Thailand fell from 35th to 36th place, which was attributed to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among Southeast Asian nations, three countries outperformed Thailand – Singapore, which was ranked 13th, followed by Indonesia (22nd) and Malaysia (35th). Compared to 2019, Thailand also fell by six spots and lagged the global average of 117 countries by 3.9%.

Thailand, which was classified as an upper-middle income country in this index, had the lowest score in tourist services and infrastructure at 2.18 of 7, while the overall index of infrastructure and services also secured a low average score of 3.61.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), said the index proved that the post-pandemic tourism rebound was dependent on existing selling points rather than improving and developing services and infrastructure.

"Since the previous government, we've been disappointed that the master plan for developing the tourism industry didn't take shape. The current government might have a good initiative to lure tourists, such as the visa-free scheme, but in terms of planning for an improvement in infrastructure and services, we still haven't see a difference from the previous government," he said.

Mr Sisdivachr said Atta and other tourism associations under the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations will submit a white paper to Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanich on May 30 when he is scheduled to join Atta's monthly meeting.

The white paper sets out threats and obstacles to the development of the tourism industry in Thailand, which requires a concrete long-term plan, along with greater effort and collaboration from all stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors.

Mr Sisdivachr said the current government has wasted too much time on visiting provinces during the cabinet meeting roadshows over the past few months, which meant the tourism minister was not able to focus on his core responsibility, which is to improve the quality of the tourism experience.

He said not every province that the cabinet visited has the potential to boost its tourism revenue.

Instead of providing support that lacks focus, the government should select provinces that offer great potential in terms of attractions and resources and should have started planning necessary infrastructure since the start by gauging possible demand in each province, such as enhancing their air and land connectivity.

He said that over the past nine months, the tourism industry has not been able to rapidly progress as the tourism minister's position had been shuffled, resulting in a lack of continuity.

"If the current government can still not expedite the tourism development plan or solve existing obstacles, our ranking in the WEF index might again drop lower than this," said Mr Sisdivachr.