Tourism Ministry Proposes Waiving Visa Fees For 6 Months

[LivinginKata]

I remember the days when the US$ was pegged at 25 Baht, and the UK pound was 36 Baht. You all should not be complaining now that's it's 34 and 51.... You up 40%

Were price levels the same back then as they are now?

Quite honestly price increases here in Thailand over the last 12 years are no more (and likely less) than price increases in the rest of the world. So your argument is completely shot down .... One regular place I eat at in Kata has only increased (modestly) the menu prices twice in 12 years, and is still a bargain.

[FairwayJack]

I'd like it if this new govt would reinstate visas for family members of Thai Elite card holders. I went and bought the Thai Elite card because the Thai HK Embassy told me my wife and 3 children could receive visas. Three months after I buy the card they changed the policy to the actual Thai Elite member only. I feel I was deceived.

[LivinginKata]

I'd like it if this new govt would reinstate visas for family members of Thai Elite card holders. I went and bought the Thai Elite card because the Thai HK Embassy told me my wife and 3 children could receive visas. Three months after I buy the card they changed the policy to the actual Thai Elite member only. I feel I was deceived.

Got your letter yet about no more 5 year visas even for the card holder ?? See another thread running on this topic.

[BigSnake]

Would be nice if this include the folks on one year Marriage and Retirement visas . Dream on, we are treated like unwanted step children for sure, guess they know inspite of it all we love it here and will stay anyway.

[fishhooks]

Can I ask a simple ?

Does anyone who really matters in this society AND is able to make decisions, read what's been written so-far in about 5 pages?

If so, let's keep going!

If not, what a huge waste of posting time and space!

[LivinginKata]

Does anyone who really matters in this society AND is able to make decisions, read what's been written so-far in about 5 pages?

No ... and these changes are only recommendations by the Tourist Board. After many months of talking ... nothing will happen .... as usual ...

[bdenner]

50% reduction in airfares from ALL carriers!!!!!!!! Free visas!!!!!!!!!! Same entry charges to National Parks as Thais. Some of you wanting 42 baht to the USD!!!!!!!!!!

BULLSHLT it will never happen.

[tropo]

I'm flying back to the US next week for another dual entry Tourist Visa.I hope they are onboard with the "waived fees" policy.

That's a long way to go to get a tourist visa. You can get them in Laos, and even if you have to pay for them you'll be thousands of $$$ ahead.

[Beardog]

if thailand wants to get tourist, get the baht back to 42 to 1 usd

Actually I see more European tourists than American. It would be much better to make Euro more expensive than $$$

Probably due to the fact that America will almost fill all of Europe land wise. 3 full days maybe more on rotating shifts to drive

nonstop one coast to the other Texas almost 2 days speeding to get through it. I wonder how many countries you can go through in Europe in that amount of time.Most Americans don't even travel to other countries & can care less. Hawaii is almost the same weather as Thailand. No bullshit with visas & extensions. I wish my buddies would come down but I understand why . It is pretty nice in some parts of the country!

[henryalleman]

IAmong the measures proposed to revive sector, the ministry will urge Thai Airways International and other carriers to cut fares by 50 per cent to encourage more advanced bookings.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!

Good one, yeah.

Indeed this must be a joke. Many of the flights to Europe are share flights by other carriers.

And Thai airways is a scam. For instance if you make an advanced booking on a share flight made by Lufthansa, Austria, or Swiss, you pay 30 to 40% more if the name Thai Airways is on your Ticket. Thai Airways is one of the most expensive airlines coming from Europe. Even Singapore airlines one of the best in the world is much cheaper. Qatar is even now 50% cheaper in advanced booking.

My next trip will be by Air Berling from Dusseldorf two way for 20 000 Baht in april. My wife fly Qatar two way for 30 000 Baht next week . The same flight by Thai Airways 59 000 Baht

This at a rate of 45.6 Baht against the EURO.

[zakk9]

Meanwhile, today I landed at Suvarnabhumi and they told all foreign passengers they could get only a 15 DAY tourist visa upon arrival. That's a great way to encourage tourism, reduce the upon arrival visa by half.

Who makes decisions in this country anyway and how can Immigration change the rules here willy nilly without promulgating regulations and holding public hearings AS PRESCRIBED BY THAI LAW.

I thought it was 15 days by land, still 30 by air. If they have changed this, they have shot themselves in the head, not the foot, and letting folks into a park for free won't help. Anyone else come in today?

I came in 30 minutes after midnight, so technically it was 15 January (although the stamp says 14), and I got 30 days. Very polite fellow who even asked if it was correct that I didn't have a visa this time (I usually have, so there are lots of them in my passport).

[henryalleman]

Entry point at airports should stamp 90 days and not 30 days as currently. Both Malaysia and Singapore issue Social Visit Passes for 90 days. If I come for business meetings to Malaysia or Singapore my social visit pass is enough for business meetings and transactions in both countries for 90 days. I get now 15 days if I travel by road to Thailand. Any way I don't want to complain and the waiving of the fees for visas for 3 months is a good move forward.

Ticket prices could go down and THAI could push Star Alliance for their partner airlines. For Songkran they could all increase rates to keep locals travel in the country side.

If you book on advance with Star Alliance on share flights with Thai Airways you pay 30% less. Thai Airways are thief's.

[NanLaew]

I'm over 50, expect to retire soon to Thailand. I have supported a family in Thailand for the last 25 years,and sent 3 children to school (and now one grand-daughter). It rather ticks me off that I have to "prove" myself to the Thai immigration, after I have been the support of 5 people in Thailand since at least 1980.(and I can prove it with bank records). I can make the monetary requirement, but it seems rather a slap in the face after I have effectively supported a family for 25 years. I understand the principal that I should prove I am capable of supporting myself in Thailand as a retiree.

Off topic but...

Have you paid taxes in Thailand these past 25 years? Have your dependents paid taxes when they became liable for paying taxes?

It's all a bit late to try and change your 25 years 'resident-tourist' status to something that recognises your perception of being a significant contributor to Thai society. This is not a criticism; I too have been happy to be a part-time resident, working elsewhere while building a family and home life in Thailand. It's the best of both worlds scenario that suddenly doesn't look so good when it comes to retiring full-time here.

Thailands successive governments have slowly realised that the traditional fast bung under the table is a short term solution that only rewards a certain minority with no real benefit to the country. Through individuals paying taxes and all nationals and resident aliens having an auditable tax paying account, this country can develop social security, public welfare and infrastructure accessible to all levels of society, not just the ones in positions of authority, nearer to the trough.

On topic... at least the Government is making efforts to address the revenue losses in the tourism sector. Much better than the previous administrations assertion that just because they dodged the bullet in the first rodeo in 1997, they had some special skills to completely avoid the global recession this time around.

Waive visa costs for new arrivals from outside is a great idea but those who already choose to live and work here really have no claim to be grandfathered in on these new discounts. You have already made your bed, etc..

Agree with an earlier point that the airline discounts will only apply to full-fare rates but if that means more discounted seats available for more people coming here and spending money, then go for it.

This is aimed primarily at the Asian and Far East markets as that is where the bulk of Thailands tourists come from. All those claiming that the words 'tourist' and 'expat' are exclusive to the Europeans, North Americans or even just Caucasians have an over inflated idea of their net value in the Thai economy. We just aint that significant, never have been and never will be.

[NanLaew]

I have no problem with them locking up illegal entrants, but it would be nice if the new government adopted a far more realistic and welcoming attitude towards foreigners seeking to enter and contribute legally and positively to the country. After all, most of the crime in the LOS is committed by Thais, not foreigners, so they should put their own house in order rather than blaming foreigners. As for me, I don't NEED to live in the LOS, but I would like to spend time there, if I felt more welcome, which I currently don't.

So Bruce, you don't NEED to live here but you do WANT to spend more time here. Would you be willing to pay taxes here?

[Loptr]

"Thai Air to cut rate by 50%"

I'll believe it when I see it...

[hoboshark]

I would like them to reduce the outrageous fee of 800,000 baht, charged for people obtaining a retirement visa. It seems far out of proportion to the quota married farang have to have, and thai/farang couples. This year with the drastic exchange rate I can't get my retirement visa. I came here because I couldn't afford to live in my home country and it is getting so that I cannot afford to live here either.

The 800'000 in the bank requirement is just about the cheapest way to get an official retirement visa anywhere in the world. Actually the Pi's just started a program with 20K US$. Lots of people have lost there sense for reality and should start comparing with other countries. I am very critical about many things in Thailand. But the Retirement Visa/Extension is certainly one of the best deals you can find anywhere in the world. Just a bit over 20K US$, 1900 Baht Fees and 15 Minutes process. Can't beat that! Also cost of living can hardly be beaten....

[henryalleman]

if thailand wants to get tourist, get the baht back to 42 to 1 usd

Actually I see more European tourists than American. It would be much better to make Euro more expensive than $$

Probably due to the fact that America will almost fill all of Europe land wise. 3 full days maybe more on rotating shifts to drive

nonstop one coast to the other Texas almost 2 days speeding to get through it. I wonder how many countries you can go through in Europe in that amount of time.Most Americans don't even travel to other countries & can care less. Hawaii is almost the same weather as Thailand. No bullshit with visas & extensions. I wish my buddies would come down but I understand why . It is pretty nice in some parts of the country!

Crossing Italy take about 3 day's, Spain about 2 day's also. Germany about 2 day's, once you are in a Shengen country no more border control, you can go from skiing in the mountains to a warm sandy beach in a few hours by car.

reading your reaction I'm not surprised that some candidate for Vice President proclaimed that she can see Russia our from her window.

[dseawarrior]

No need to waive entrance fees to National parks - just charge 1 price for all, instead of dual pricing

EXACTLY!

The dual pricing scheme has always irked me -- mai fair jing jing! not fair at all!

Silly attempt to squeeze a few more baht from farang...

Thailand has abused their tourism cash cow for too long now...

Now the hens are coming home to roost!

I hope Thais start getting smarter about tourism and business in general...

[opalhort]

Here is my idea about helping tourism and at the same time making life more difficult for "resident tourists"

waiving visa fees only for people who apply in their home country or region (for example EU) but at the same time double visa fees for people who apply outside their home country/region.

If this policy is well publicised around the globe via travel agents, airlines etc., real tourist will know how to plan their trips.

This way the Foreign Ministry won't lose to much money since the "resident tourists" would be paying for the free visas of the "real tourists".

opalhort

[sonnyJ]

Its window dressing tinkering, but it's a step in the right direction, and nice to have some good news !

Why don't they just make entrance fees the same for foriegners as it is for Thai's,

rather than wiping them completely.

Sounds good but TIT! I think what you will see will not help tourism at all, Thais will be allowed in for free and Farangs will still have to pay double!

Chris

Please forgive me for bypassing the OP but post 59 seems to suggest a logic that one would be required to be escorted by atleast two Thai wives to enter. This could be of benefit in several ways.

[abdulrahman]

The last thing we want is more tourists here in Thailand. It's a lovely country when half of Europe isn't walking around half-clothed and inebriated.

Are you Thai?If yes,tell your Government to save the money and let tourism die.Myanmar and N.Korea are two good examples!

If not,don't speak Bull****!

[AC_Eddie]

As a travel agent married to a Thai and having visited many times, here are a few thoughts. 1) Airlines pricing will always be predicated like everything else on "Supply and Demand". If there are many empty seats on TG flights they will have to lower their prices to fill them. 2) The government should subsidize some educational efforts by employing English speaking travel savvy Thais to visit those western countries ( i.e. USA and Canada)where they don't have a clue about why to travel to Thailand and what to do there? 3) Consider some restricted forms of gaming (i.e. casino games, simulcast horseracing and sports wagering) in the tourist areas like Phuket, Samui, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Currently Cambodia has casinos on its Thai borders to entice the Thais to gamble their money away in Cambodia, while it is illegal for Cambodians to gamble. I believe thiese steps could help the tourist industry and perhaps even more importantly to put people to work in Thailand. Are you listening Mr Minister? Use the state generated taxes from these enterprises to fund better education, which is really the only way out for developing countries to compete.

[hardy1943]

if thailand wants to get tourist, get the baht back to 42 to 1 usd

Actually I see more European tourists than American. It would be much better to make Euro more expensive than $$$

Probably due to the fact that America will almost fill all of Europe land wise. 3 full days maybe more on rotating shifts to drive

nonstop one coast to the other Texas almost 2 days speeding to get through it. I wonder how many countries you can go through in Europe in that amount of time.Most Americans don't even travel to other countries & can care less. Hawaii is almost the same weather as Thailand. No bullshit with visas & extensions. I wish my buddies would come down but I understand why . It is pretty nice in some parts of the country!

Very true, I am always asked how is the weather in America, there is always some place that is -30 C. and 30 C.

[kfcking]

"Thai Air to cut their rate by 50%"

Dream on!

[FrugalTurtle]

If Thai airways cut fees by 50% I know that I for one would be taking my whole family back to Thailand for an extended visit.

[Alex8]

Maybe it is only BKK that is suffering, i just called my travel agent in samui and she is lapping it up with customers flooding through the door. I tried to book a room in a resort and all my favourite ones were full ! I don't think the pound will get too much stronger against the baht, the pound was over inflated for far too long and the UK is for want of a better word 'skint'. Perhaps the Thai economy has a similar problem but it will not surface for a while, the country needs to go through that 'the economy is really strong and there will not be a recession...honest' denial stage that the UK went through for 1-2 years first. All this talk of crashing the Baht i am hearing is insane, if that happened it would be pure suicide for the country.

I am predicting 56 baht to the pound in the next 6 months. Analysts are starting to know more about where the economy stands and substantiated 3-5 year projections will see a more stable pound.

Still pretty cheap here though isn't it? As long as you don't live like a Prince...blimey if you are European and can't afford to live here you need to get home and sign on

Hello Fellow Members. I am a seldom and unskilled poster. Please be forgiving of my novice blunders.

I just came back, with my wife, from Koh Samui, three days ago. We spent a week there. It was her first visit to the island, my second visit. We left with three very distinct impressions.

1. The mid-range, 3 to 4 star, beachside resort hotel was less than 10% occupied yet not heavily discounted.

2. The so-called travel agents were mostly amateurish rip-off scammers with no professional system or connection to the core travel industry. They were simply filaments connected to middle-men. They had a mobile phone, a rented office with chair, table and pretty pictures stuck on the walls. All they offered me, when trying to fly out of Samui to U-Tapao was a code number which I was told I would need to process later, on the net, to aquire our much needed paper or e-tickets to our desired destination. Needless to say, I parted with no money, on that basis. We eventually found, at our 12th attempt, a real agent who could supply the tickets against cash, though his office went down for two hours, during the negotiation, due to a power outage.

3. The prices across the island have escalated beyond all reason.

We shall not be going back there, ever again. I am a Brit ex-pat. My wife is Thai. We live here in Thailand, together. We both share these opinions. We shall seek better value and better service elsewhere.

Signed: Alex8

[TomasDR]

Next, I've been a lot of places, and everywhere in U.S. and in western countries, dual pricing is illegal. It's called discrimination, you know, based on gender, age, race, national origin, ethnic background or sexual orientation. I have my own solution to dual pricing, I don't go places that have dual pricing.

A lot of people complain about dual pricing and say it doesn't exist anywhere else, which is wrong. The poster I quoted calls it illegal and for all of the reasons they list it is illegal, but for one reason not listed it isn't illegal; Residency! Dual pricing based on residency is very prevalent in the US, and I have seen it in European countries, but in reverse, EuroRail Pass anyone?

As for the US the best example is the State of Florida; Disney World, Busch Gardens, etc. has a dual pricing system in place for residents versus tourists. At Busch Gardens you can get a season pass for the price of a one day entry for a tourist, if you are a resident. And while I never visited DW, the package prices are usually 4 days for the price of one day for a tourist.

Now should people who have legal residency in Thailand get the Thai price, yeah I would say so. But for the people in the grey area or tourists, no, in my humble opinion.

[elektrified]

I would like them to reduce the outrageous fee of 800,000 baht, charged for people obtaining a retirement visa. It seems far out of proportion to the quota married farang have to have, and thai/farang couples. This year with the drastic exchange rate I can't get my retirement visa. I came here because I couldn't afford to live in my home country and it is getting so that I cannot afford to live here either.

The 800,000 Baht requirement is not a "fee". It is your money to keep! If you can't afford to put 800,000 Baht in the bank then you should not be thinking about retirement! The exchange rate has nothing to do with it.

[elektrified]

Next, I've been a lot of places, and everywhere in U.S. and in western countries, dual pricing is illegal. It's called discrimination, you know, based on gender, age, race, national origin, ethnic background or sexual orientation. I have my own solution to dual pricing, I don't go places that have dual pricing.

A lot of people complain about dual pricing and say it doesn't exist anywhere else, which is wrong. The poster I quoted calls it illegal and for all of the reasons they list it is illegal, but for one reason not listed it isn't illegal; Residency! Dual pricing based on residency is very prevalent in the US, and I have seen it in European countries, but in reverse, EuroRail Pass anyone?

As for the US the best example is the State of Florida; Disney World, Busch Gardens, etc. has a dual pricing system in place for residents versus tourists. At Busch Gardens you can get a season pass for the price of a one day entry for a tourist, if you are a resident. And while I never visited DW, the package prices are usually 4 days for the price of one day for a tourist.

Now should people who have legal residency in Thailand get the Thai price, yeah I would say so. But for the people in the grey area or tourists, no, in my humble opinion.

Dual-pricing exists in some European countries. If you maintain a Thai driver's license, you are entitled to admission to some venues at the same price as the locals.

[bkk_mike]

Next, I've been a lot of places, and everywhere in U.S. and in western countries, dual pricing is illegal. It's called discrimination, you know, based on gender, age, race, national origin, ethnic background or sexual orientation. I have my own solution to dual pricing, I don't go places that have dual pricing.

A lot of people complain about dual pricing and say it doesn't exist anywhere else, which is wrong. The poster I quoted calls it illegal and for all of the reasons they list it is illegal, but for one reason not listed it isn't illegal; Residency! Dual pricing based on residency is very prevalent in the US, and I have seen it in European countries, but in reverse, EuroRail Pass anyone?

As for the US the best example is the State of Florida; Disney World, Busch Gardens, etc. has a dual pricing system in place for residents versus tourists. At Busch Gardens you can get a season pass for the price of a one day entry for a tourist, if you are a resident. And while I never visited DW, the package prices are usually 4 days for the price of one day for a tourist.

Now should people who have legal residency in Thailand get the Thai price, yeah I would say so. But for the people in the grey area or tourists, no, in my humble opinion.

People keep bringing up Florida, but the discount for Florida residents at Disneyworld is about 7%. (and you don't need to be American)

You can't quote it as being in the same order as Ancient City charging 150(adult)/75(child) for Thais to 300(adult)/200(child) for foreigners. And it's for residents not nationals. (The CHILD "farang" price is 25% more than the ADULT "Thai" price - it's sick.)

(I avoid going to Safari World without the wife despite living within 5 minutes of it because of their dual pricing - i.e. my wife drives, we pay Thai price... I drive, even showing my Thai driving licence I still get asked for foreigner price.)

Changing visa fees is pointless. To any wealthy tourist (the sort they want), the hassle of having to get a visa is far more of an inconvenience than the cost of it. (which is why I've never been to Vietnam on holiday).

After all, Thailand gives far less days on arrival than most other countries tourists might visit in Asia. (Even with a tourist visa, you get less days on arrival in Thailand than without a visa in Hong Kong / Japan / Malaysia... OK It's longer than Singapore, but Singapore you can extend online - no trip to an immigration office required.)