Search Results for: visa exemption
- Opinion
On the run: Visa runs to stay a part of life despite crackdowns
PHUKET: Recent reports quoting Thai Immigration officials as saying that “visa runs” were a thing of the past have generated a great deal of interest and confusion in Thailand’s expat community. Yet this crackdown is little more than the latest in a long series of tweaks to Immigration policy that is unlikely to have any real impact on foreigners staying…
- Phuket News
Tourist visa runs are not dead: Immigration boss
PHUKET: Tourists who can prove that they are genuinely staying only short-term while travelling in Thailand will be allowed to leave on “visa-runs” and re-enter the country, Immigration Commissioner Pharnu Kerdlarpphon confirmed to the Phuket Gazette. “Genuine tourists are fine. All they have to do is prove to the immigration officer at the border checkpoint that they really are tourists…
- Phuket News
Crackdown banning ‘walk-in visa runs’ to begin August 13
PHUKET: Foreigners will be allowed to continue to re-enter Thailand on three consecutive “walk-in” visas until August 12, Ranong Immigration Superintendent Ekkorn Bussababordin assured the Phuket Gazette today. The news follows the appearance of a formal notice posted on Bangkok Immigration’s website on May 8 stating that any persons who exit Thailand after completing a stay in the Kingdom on…
- Phuket News
Visa crackdown risks stranding Phuket expats in Myanmar
PHUKET: Officials at Ranong Immigration today confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that they are turning away any foreigners attempting to enter Thailand after using three consecutive “walk-in” visas. The news follows reports of immigration officers allegedly stopping Phuket expats on visa runs to Ranong from exiting the country. Ranong, nearly 400km north of Phuket, has for decades been a prime…
- Phuket News
No more free visas for Phuket tourists and expats
PHUKET: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, who oversees the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates worldwide, today confirmed that visa fees will be levied for all visa classes from March 5, 2010. Tourist visas are valid for a 60 day-stay and may be extended at local Thai Immigration offices. Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category (free…
- Phuket News
Phuket Immigration clarifies new visa rules
PHUKET CITY: At a press conference held late yesterday, Phuket Immigration confirmed that foreigners arriving without visas at any of Thailand’s non-airport immigration checkpoints will be granted permits-to-stay of only 15 days, half the former number. The conference was led by Phuket Immigration Superintendent Chanatpol Yongbunjerd, who also confirmed that the former rule limiting foreigners entering on “visa exemptions” from…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourists favour Vietnam over Thailand amid rising costs
Thailand has fallen behind Vietnam as the most-visited Southeast Asian destination for Chinese tourists in the first quarter. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) subsequently urged the government to lower travel costs, which are currently 30% higher than Vietnam’s, and enhance Thailand’s appeal with new attractions. The Tourism and Sports Ministry recorded 1.3 million Chinese visitors to Thailand during…
- Phuket News
Tourist sparks outrage in Phuket with fake cash stunt (video)
A foreign tourist has come under fire after being caught on video throwing fake dollar bills out of a moving car in Phuket, sparking outrage among locals and reigniting debate over Thailand’s visa exemption policy. The bizarre incident, believed to be a social media stunt, took place along Yaowarat Road in Samkong and quickly went viral. The footage, posted to…
- Thailand video news
Thailand video news | Foreign tourist found dead on Kata beach in Phuket, Vietnam sees tourism surge but still lags behind Thailand
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring the latest headlines from across Thailand and Asia. A foreign tourist was tragically found dead on Phuket’s Kata Beach, while an MP has exposed illegal condo rentals and prostitution in Bangkok’s Nana district. Meanwhile, the court has blocked the travel request of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra due to ongoing…
- Thailand video news
Thailand video news | Thai PM considers easing alcohol sales rules to boost tourism, Cambodia warns tourists about aggressive monkeys at Angkor Wat
In the Thailand video news, Alex covers news stories from across Thailand and Asia region. The stories include a rise in in-flight thefts, the weakening Thai Baht and a rise in the cost of hotels, and a little later the increasingly aggressive behaviour of monkeys in Angkor Wat. Thai PM Considers Easing Alcohol Sales Rules to Boost Tourism Prime Minister…
- Thailand News
Thailand hotel room rates soar by 15% amid travel demand surge
Hotel room rates in Thailand increased by an average of 15% from 2023, as reported by SiteMinder, an e-commerce platform assisting hotels with direct and third-party bookings. This growth distinguishes Thailand as the only country with double-digit expansion. The Hotel Booking Trends report from SiteMinder, which analysed over 125 million reservations, indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) in Thailand…
- Thailand News
Japan and China remain top spots for Thai tourists
Japan and China are anticipated to continue being the leading destinations for Thai tourists this year, with at least 2.5 million people expected to visit due to visa exemptions, weaker currencies, and a variety of tourism options. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), noted that these countries were the most popular at the Thai International Travel…
- Phuket News
Phuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight
Phuket rolled out the red carpet for the first-ever direct charter flight from Bucharest, Romania, marking a new milestone in Thai tourism. Operated by Romania’s HiSky airline in collaboration with top tour operators Dertour and Karpaten, the inaugural flight, H4 7467, landed at Phuket International Airport on Thursday, December 19. Passengers were greeted with a warm ceremony hosted by the…
- Krabi News
Thailand rolls out the red carpet for Polish tourists
Thailand has turned on the charm for Polish holidaymakers, welcoming 294 tourists on a landmark charter flight from Warsaw to Krabi. LOT Polish Airlines‘ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down at Krabi International Airport yesterday, December 19, marking a high-flying milestone in Thai-Polish tourism. This inaugural seasonal service, organised by leading tour operator ITAKA, is set to run until March 19,…
- Tourism News
Chinese tourists set to keep Thailand’s travel market cruising
The outlook for the Chinese inbound market to Thailand next year is expected to remain steady, with projected arrivals hovering between seven to eight million, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). This forecast arises amidst China’s persistent economic difficulties and the anticipated tariff hikes from the incoming Trump administration. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn expressed scepticism about Thailand…
- Tourism News
Thailand aims for 3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue by 2025
Thailand is setting its sights on a tourism boom with a newly launched strategy aimed at bolstering both international and domestic travel. With the tourism sector generating a substantial 1.892 trillion baht (US$56 billion) in 2023, the government is now targeting an impressive 3.4 trillion baht (US$100 billion) in revenues by 2025, aspiring to welcome over 40 million international visitors.…
- Business News
Turning up the Thai-mometer: Thailand and Russia in heated talks for free trade pact
Thailand is turning up the heat on trade negotiations with Russia, as both nations look to seal a dynamic free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Recent high-stakes discussions at the Commerce Ministry between Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Pichai Naripthaphan, and Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sergey Levin, underscored a shared ambition to boost trade and investment. The spotlight…
- Automotive
Can foreigner drive cars in Thailand
Thinking of exploring Thailand by car? If you’re a foreigner, you might be wondering if you can legally drive in this beautiful country. Navigating the rules and regulations can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Understanding whether you can drive in Thailand as a foreigner involves knowing about international driving permits, local laws, and insurance…
- Thailand Travel
How to work and travel in Thailand
Are you one of those people who want to enjoy staying in the charm of Thailand, but you’re on a budget? If yes, here’s what you need to know. Thailand is a fantastic destination for travellers who want to dive into both work and adventure. Whether you’re interested in volunteering or teaching English, there are plenty of opportunities to make…
- Business News
Japan sees record tourist arrivals, Thai visitors surge
Tourist arrivals to Japan have surged to record levels, with over three million visitors per month from March to July this year. Despite the sweltering heat in July, Japan attracted 3.29 million tourists, marking a 41.9% year-on-year increase, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organisation. Among these visitors, Thai tourists ranked fifth, with 671,810 arrivals. Japan has been a…
- Travel
Exploring Phuket in 2024 – An ultimate travel guide
Looking for that perfect tropical getaway? Phuket, Thailand’s shining star, might just be the answer. With its golden beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, it’s a destination that truly offers something for everyone. But if it’s your first time here, navigating through this paradise can feel overwhelming. Why Phuket should be your next vacation spot Imagine stepping onto an…
- Tourism News
Mother’s Day tourism in Thailand to generate 9.39 billion baht
Tourism income from 2.6 million domestic trips during the Mother’s Day holiday this year is expected to reach 9.39 billion baht, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This figure shows a slight decline from the 9.58 billion baht revenue recorded during the back-to-back long holidays in July. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool attributed the weaker projection for the Mother’s…
- Tourism News
Thai tourists favour China and Japan over South Korea
A marked decline in the number of Thai tourists travelling to South Korea has been observed over the past seven months, with many opting instead for trips to China and Japan. The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) reported that 20,150 Thais visited South Korea in June, a significant drop from the 25,023 recorded during the same period last year. This downward…
- Thailand News
Thailand outbound travel takes a dive amid economic woes
Thailand’s outbound travel market is facing a sharp decline, with consumer spending power plummeting and overseas holiday plans on hold. Charoen Wangananont, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), revealed in an exclusive interview with Krungthep Turakij that economic uncertainties have led many Thais to postpone international trips to avoid extra costs during these tough times. “We had initially…
- Thailand News
Berry far away: Thai farmers chase sweeter loans in Scandinavia
The BAAC is offering loans for Thai farmers to harvest berries in Sweden and Finland this summer. The state-owned Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) earmarked 375 million baht to help 5,000 Thai farmers embark on an adventurous journey to pick wild berries in Sweden or Finland during this year’s harvest season, starting this month. BAAC President Chatchai Sirilai…
- Visa Information
Everything you need to enter Thailand in 2024
Planning a 2024 trip to Thailand? Staying updated on the latest Thailand requirements is essential for a smooth travel experience. From visa regulations to health guidelines, understanding Thailand’s entry criteria can seem challenging, but with the right information, it’s manageable Therefore, strap in as we dissect the details and provide you with reliable and current data to make your trip…
- Thailand News
Exploitative Chinese tour operations targeted by Tourism Ministry
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports pledged decisive action against Chinese zero-sum tour operations exploiting Thai nominees to dominate the influx of Chinese tourists by offering significant price cuts, posing a severe threat to local Thai tour operators. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) raised the alarm earlier this week, noting a surge in Chinese tour groups reminiscent of…
- Thailand News
Malaysia and China join forces on billion-dollar rail project
China’s plans to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) into Thailand are set to transform Southeast Asian trade. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the initiative during his visit to Malaysia yesterday. The US$10 billion (approximately 366 billion baht) ECRL, a key project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Malaysia’s east and west coasts by 2026. Initially…
- Travel
Thailand for digital nomads: Your ultimate guide
Thailand beckons digital nomads with its irresistible mix of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a cost of living that won’t break the bank. It’s a place where you can seamlessly blend work with exploration, offering the perfect backdrop for your remote working lifestyle. Is Thailand good for digital nomads? Thailand stands out as a top pick for digital nomads. Its…
- Thailand News
Tourist association unveils 11-point plan to bolster tourism
The Federation of Thai Tourist Associations (FETTA) unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at revitalising Thailand’s tourism sector, proposing an 11-point strategy to bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness. Following extensive consultations with tourism entrepreneurs and private sector stakeholders, the plan aims to position Thailand as a leading global tourist destination. FETTA’s proposal encompasses a range of initiatives designed to enhance…
