Weekly Travel Feature

DAY TRIPS FROM BANGKOK

Q. A note came from Thailand Tourism Authority asking if I would make the announcement below, which I am glad to do.

 

THAI GOVERNMENT EXTENDS VISA FEE WAIVING TO ONE YEAR

 

Bangkok, 2 July 2009 — Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai Government has agreed to extend the exemption of the visa fee for tourist visa applications until 4 March 2010.

The exemption will apply to all applications for visas on arrival at all international airports in Thailand as well as those applying at Thai embassies and consulates abroad for stays longer than the period for which they are normally eligible.

Thailand presently gives a Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days.

Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.

The extension is one of several measures taken by the Thai tourism industry to revive itself in the wake of a number of global and local events that have led to a temporary decline in visitor arrivals.


Harold Stephens
Bangkok
E-mail: ROH Weekly Travel (booking@inet.co.th)

Note: The article is the personal view of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q. A note came from Thailand Tourism Authority asking if I would make the announcement below, which I am glad to do.

 

THAI GOVERNMENT EXTENDS VISA FEE WAIVING TO ONE YEAR

 

Bangkok, 2 July 2009 — Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai Government has agreed to extend the exemption of the visa fee for tourist visa applications until 4 March 2010.

The exemption will apply to all applications for visas on arrival at all international airports in Thailand as well as those applying at Thai embassies and consulates abroad for stays longer than the period for which they are normally eligible.

Thailand presently gives a Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days.

Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.

The extension is one of several measures taken by the Thai tourism industry to revive itself in the wake of a number of global and local events that have led to a temporary decline in visitor arrivals.


Harold Stephens
Bangkok
E-mail: ROH Weekly Travel (booking@inet.co.th)

Note: The article is the personal view of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited.


The original gate at Ayutthaya dating back to King Narai


Ancient temples of Ayutthaya at dawn


Buddha head ensnarled in banyan tree trunk


Photo Robert Stedman at one of the thousands of stupas


Only in Ayutthaya grandma paddles her sampan


Elephants lined up waiting for tourists


A great way to see Ayutthaya on elephant back


More about Old Ayutthaya read For the Love of Siam


As close to real as possible at the Wax Museum


Which one is Harold Stephens?


Fantastic statues at the Ancient City


At Ancient City you can have lunch from a sampan


The Bridge of the Death Railways a day trip from Bangkok


One of the original engines at Dear Railway