Thai government has announced its intention to extend visa-free entry to citizens of several additional countries, following its recent decision to waive visas for Chinese and Indian citizens. This was revealed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his meetings with foreign dignitaries this week.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai Prime Minister discussed the possibility of implementing a reciprocal visa exemption scheme with Australia's Governor-General, David Hurley, on Wednesday. The scheme would allow Thai and Australian citizens to visit each other's countries without a visa, for tourism or business purposes.
The Prime Minister also expressed his hope for visa-free travel arrangements with the Schengen-visa states of Europe, which include 26 countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. He made this disclosure on Monday.
The visa free travel expansion is part of the government's vision to make Thailand a regional and global hub for trade, tourism, and investment. The Prime Minister said that Thailand has a lot to offer to foreign visitors, such as its natural beauty, its cultural diversity, its hospitality, and its innovation. He also said that Thailand is ready to welcome tourists with its high standards of health and safety measures, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The visa free travel expansion is expected to benefit both Thailand and the countries involved, as it would increase the flow of people, goods, and services, and enhance the mutual understanding and cooperation between the nations. It would also reduce the time and cost of travel, and make it more convenient and accessible for travelers.
Also expected to boost the recovery of the tourism sector, which is a vital component of Thailand's economy. Tourism accounts for about 20 percent of the country's GDP, and employs about 10 percent of the workforce.
However, the tourism sector has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused a sharp decline in international arrivals and revenues.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand received about 28 million foreign tourists in 2020, generating a revenue of 1.2 trillion baht. This was a significant drop from the nearly 40 million visitors and 1.9 trillion baht income achieved in 2019, before the pandemic. The ministry is optimistic that the country can attract 35 million foreign visitors in 2021, considering that 3 million tourists arrived in January alone.
The visa free travel expansion is likely to increase the demand and the potential for tourism in Thailand, especially from the countries that are eligible for visa-free entry. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the largest group of tourists in Thailand in 2020 were Malaysians, with around 4.5 million visitors, followed by Chinese tourists, with about 3.51 million visitors. However, as of February 1, 2021, Chinese visitors exceeded 533,000, surpassing arrivals from Malaysia, which stood at over 337,000, and South Korea, which stood at more than 229,000. Before the pandemic, in 2019, the Chinese comprised the largest group of visitors, with approximately 11 million.
The visa free travel expansion is also likely to attract more tourists from other countries, such as Australia, India, and the European countries, which have a large number of expats who are interested in visiting or living in Thailand. Expats are a valuable segment of the tourism market, as they tend to stay longer, spend more, and travel more frequently than average tourists. Expats are also a source of cultural and social diversity, as they bring their skills, knowledge, and experiences to the country.
How to get a visa to Thailand
If you are not from a country that is eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand, you will need to get a visa to enter the country, depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. There are different types of visas that you can apply for, such as:
- Tourist visa:
This visa is for travelers who want to visit Thailand for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, leisure, or sports. This visa allows a stay of up to 60 days, which can extend for another 30 days. To apply for this visa, you will need to have a passport with at least 6 months validity, a visa application form, a recent photo, a confirmed flight ticket, and proof of funds.
- Non-immigrant visa:
This visa is for travelers who want to visit Thailand for other purposes, such as work, education, marriage, retirement, or family reunion. This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days, which can extend for up to one year, depending on the category of the visa. To apply for this visa, you will need to have a passport with at least 6 months validity, a visa application form, a recent photo, a confirmed flight ticket, and proof of funds, as well as other documents depending on the category of the visa, such as a work permit, a letter of acceptance, a marriage certificate, a bank statement, or a birth certificate.
- Visa on arrival:
This visa is for travelers who want to visit Thailand for tourism purposes, and who are from one of the 19 countries that are eligible for visa on arrival. This visa allows a stay of up to 15 days, which cannot be extended. To apply for this visa, you will need to have a passport with at least 6 months validity, a visa application form, a recent photo, a confirmed flight ticket, and proof of funds, as well as a visa fee of 2,000 baht.
You can apply for a visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or at the immigration checkpoint in Thailand, depending on the type of visa you need. You can also use a visa service or an agent to help you with the visa application process if you prefer. However, you should always check the latest information and requirements from the official sources, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand website, before applying for a visa.
Conclusion: Thailand is a great destination for expats
Thailand is a great destination for expats who want to enjoy the tropical weather, the rich culture, the low cost of living, and the high quality of life. The country has a lot to offer to foreign visitors, such as its natural beauty, its cultural diversity, its hospitality, and its innovation. The country is also ready to welcome tourists with its high standards of health and safety measures, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
We hope this article has been helpful and useful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We wish you all the best in your travel and expat journey in Thailand. 😊
Credit News: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2743296
