Popular Post webfact Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 Foreign Ministry asked to rethink free visa fee decisionBANGKOK: -- The Immigration Bureau will ask the Foreign Ministry to reconsider the decision to exempt visa fees for tourists and travelers from 17 countries.The 17 countries are Australia, England, the United States, Germany, France, Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland,Norway, Israel, United Arab Emitrates, Spain and New Zealand.Immigration commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panu Kerdlarpphol explained that the reason for reconsideration was that the 17 countries still charge visa fees on Thai nationals.The visa fee exemption should be reciprocal in order to be fair to Thai tourists and travelers wishing to visit those countries, he said, adding that, moreover, applying for visas to visit the US and England by Thai nationals is very complicated and problematic.The immigration chief said further that charging visa fees would help screen visitors to Thailand, especially criminal elements and tricksters who may capitalize on the privilege to come to Thailand to seek refuge or to commit crimes.He recommended two options of charging visa fees: the first is a minimum flat rate of 1,000 baht for each visa and the second which is to charge the same rates impose by those countries for Thai visitors which range from 750-3,900 baht.Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/foreign-ministry-asked-rethink-free-visa-fee-decision/ -- Thai PBS 2013-12-19 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post samran Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 I await the howls of derision.... 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Patje Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 Or how do we get the last buck out of these tourists ...... They can also start to think about an exit fee !!! 20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Fookhaht Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 Howl of derision. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post LeeCraker Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 So it's like - You go first... No, you go first. I don't trust you, you go first .... me either so, you go first. If I go first I loose face ... So?, you go first. No no you....... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pomthai Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 The difference is that the foreign countries system is clearly documented and transparent to a large extent to the majority of applicants. The Thai system is littered with hoops and stumbling blocks and generally dependant on the mood and whim of immigration officer or official you deal with each time. 47 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bander Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 "The immigration chief said further that charging visa fees would help screen visitors to Thailand, especially criminal elements and tricksters who may capitalize on the privilege to come to Thailand to seek refuge or to commit crimes." Are you kidding me? All the 17 countries can get 30 days VOA now, why they think visa makes refugees and criminals want to come and commit crimes? 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post laurentbkk Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 well they should think and understand why those countries have visa fee ... as many Thais lost themselves in those countries to work illegally. Not to mention for the sake of the tourism industry Thailand decided to drop visa fee for many countries ... the reciprocity should be the same actually nothing wrong in this but careful about this decision as many tourists could decide to go in other places ..... 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post evadgib Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 (edited) Breathtaking stupidity. Edited December 19, 2013 by evadgib 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TVGerry Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 They need the visa fees. Every little bit helps to pay off the rice farmers! 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Khun Robert Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 The difference is that the foreign countries system is clearly documented and transparent to a large extent to the majority of applicants. The Thai system is littered with hoops and stumbling blocks and generally dependant on the mood and whim of immigration officer or official you deal with each time. Well I'm not sure. My Thai wife applied for a visa for the Netherlands, I could not take my wife but with help and invitation letter of my sister the visa was granted for 31 days. We planned to stay 30 days. After arrival she has to report in nearest police station, so we went. No, sorry rules are changed, you have to report at Immigration Police nearest is 25 km away or by internet. I choose the internet option. Recieved an e-mail thanks for report but she has to come in person to report at Immigration Police. Okay we went,, then Immigration Police told Us she has to come with the person who invited here into the country. I showed the e-mail and ask the officer where this was written down. Reply from officer: You violate your visa and have to leave county. I replied nicely: We are married in Thailand, also registered in Netherlands, my sister invited her because I'm working in Thailand and can not show an income from the Netherlands. My sister is working and living 130 KM away as we stay with my parents. Is there no other solution? Her colleague took my papers asked Us to wait and 5 minutes later he called Us and all was well. The first officer was still complaining about Us but he just ignored here moaning s and wished Us a good stay. clear rules, but also depending on the mood of the officer. Living now 10 years in Thailand and never had that much problems with Immigration officers in Thailand. 28 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post samran Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 The difference is that the foreign countries system is clearly documented and transparent to a large extent to the majority of applicants. The Thai system is littered with hoops and stumbling blocks and generally dependant on the mood and whim of immigration officer or official you deal with each time. tosh. The Thai system is pretty straight forward when compared to the byzantine rules and regs of most western countries. The regular reporting and annual extensions are annoying, granted, but it is hardly rocket science. The only people who find Thai visa rules a problem are the ones who have the expectation that they can turn up and stay as long as they want, just cause they are spending a bit of dosh. 29 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Totster Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 (edited) The 17 countries are Australia, England, the United States, Germany, France, Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland,Norway, Israel, United Arab Emitrates, Spain and New Zealand. Am I to assume that residents in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will continue to get free exemption ? totster Edited December 19, 2013 by Totster 24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREM-R Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 "exempt visa fees for tourists and travelers" Those staying on long-term visas are not included in this free scheme and, if the OP is correct, nor are Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish People. "The 17 countries are Australia, England, the United States, Germany, France, Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland,Norway, Israel, United Arab Emitrates, Spain and New Zealand." 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JusMe Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 "Immigration commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panu Kerdlarpphol explained that the reason for reconsideration was that the 17 countries still charge visa fees on Thai nationals. The visa fee exemption should be reciprocal …." So he wants reciprocity? How about for land ownership? How about for entrance to parks and national museums? Reciprocity is a two way street, not just useful for one side! 84 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoven Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 The visa-running TEFLers aren't going to be happy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BuddyPinkham Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 Being from the States, Thais have to go through hell to get a visa or even try to get a visa, so I have mixed emotions on this issue. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whybother Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 They already charge for tourist visas, but they don't charge when they give visa exemptions. If they want to get rid of visa exemptions then they will also need to employ more people to process the visas. It will cost them more money to process these visas than they want to charge for it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post samran Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 (edited) "Immigration commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panu Kerdlarpphol explained that the reason for reconsideration was that the 17 countries still charge visa fees on Thai nationals. The visa fee exemption should be reciprocal …." So he wants reciprocity? How about for land ownership? How about for entrance to parks and national museums? Reciprocity is a two way street, not just useful for one side! sure, why not. Then you'll have the pleasure of lining up for hour on end, out in the rain or snow in London, Washington, or the capital of whatever you are from after waiting 4 months getting an appointment at the Thai embassy for your Tourist Visa, to speak to some bloke behind a window who wants the financial records of your great, great grandfather as part of your application. I am indeed warming to the reciprocality issue! Thanks for pointing it out. Edited December 19, 2013 by samran 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JoePai Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 An excellent idea : to charge the same rates impose by those countries for Thai visitors which range from 750-3,900 baht. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Reply in a language other than English removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skint Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 OP needs to be corrected in that it's Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nidieunimaitre Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 "Immigration commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panu Kerdlarpphol explained that the reason for reconsideration was that the 17 countries still charge visa fees on Thai nationals. The visa fee exemption should be reciprocal …." So he wants reciprocity? How about for land ownership? How about for entrance to parks and national museums? Reciprocity is a two way street, not just useful for one side! sure, why not. Then you'll have the pleasure of lining up for hour on end, out in the rain or snow in London, Washington, or the capital of whatever you are from after waiting 4 months getting an appointment at the Thai embassy for your Tourist Visa, to speak to some bloke behind a window who wants the financial records of your great, great grandfather as part of your application. I am indeed warming to the reciprocality issue! Thanks for pointing it out. Farang bashing as usual - only sometimes interrupted by "indon" (as you call indonesians) bashing. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post slipperylobster Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 I do not get this. The US charges 3000B ??? Isn't the visa time longer? I think six months? The visa here is only 2 months! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samran Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 "Immigration commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panu Kerdlarpphol explained that the reason for reconsideration was that the 17 countries still charge visa fees on Thai nationals. The visa fee exemption should be reciprocal …." So he wants reciprocity? How about for land ownership? How about for entrance to parks and national museums? Reciprocity is a two way street, not just useful for one side! sure, why not. Then you'll have the pleasure of lining up for hour on end, out in the rain or snow in London, Washington, or the capital of whatever you are from after waiting 4 months getting an appointment at the Thai embassy for your Tourist Visa, to speak to some bloke behind a window who wants the financial records of your great, great grandfather as part of your application. I am indeed warming to the reciprocality issue! Thanks for pointing it out. Farang bashing as usual - only sometimes interrupted by "indon" (as you call indonesians) bashing. whatever you are drinking, I'll have some of that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikrit Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Immigration New Years party fund must be running low.......... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nidieunimaitre Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 "Immigration commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panu Kerdlarpphol explained that the reason for reconsideration was that the 17 countries still charge visa fees on Thai nationals. The visa fee exemption should be reciprocal …." So he wants reciprocity? How about for land ownership? How about for entrance to parks and national museums? Reciprocity is a two way street, not just useful for one side! sure, why not. Then you'll have the pleasure of lining up for hour on end, out in the rain or snow in London, Washington, or the capital of whatever you are from after waiting 4 months getting an appointment at the Thai embassy for your Tourist Visa, to speak to some bloke behind a window who wants the financial records of your great, great grandfather as part of your application. I am indeed warming to the reciprocality issue! Thanks for pointing it out. Farang bashing as usual - only sometimes interrupted by "indon" (as you call indonesians) bashing. whatever you are drinking, I'll have some of that. You win, I loose. What a great debater you are. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWMcMurray Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 I little dialog by the ministry of foreign affairs may be a good thing...Maybe the end result could be simplified process for Thais wishing to visit some of these 17 countries...Which would be a nice thing for all of us with Thai family members wanting to go on vacation to various countries around the world "Immigration commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panu Kerdlarpphol explained that the reason for reconsideration was that the 17 countries still charge visa fees on Thai nationals.The visa fee exemption should be reciprocal …." So he wants reciprocity? How about for land ownership? How about for entrance to parks and national museums? Reciprocity is a two way street, not just useful for one side! sure, why not. Then you'll have the pleasure of lining up for hour on end, out in the rain or snow in London, Washington, or the capital of whatever you are from after waiting 4 months getting an appointment at the Thai embassy for your Tourist Visa, to speak to some bloke behind a window who wants the financial records of your great, great grandfather as part of your application. I am indeed warming to the reciprocality issue! Thanks for pointing it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Nibbles48 Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 I really hope they implement this... It will be abolished again within 6 months when they see that millions will go elsewhere. Not because of the extra cost, because of the extra hassle having to acquire a visa. When I want to travel, a visa requirement can make the difference between what countries I visit. i can't be bothered with convoluted visa applications. So much simpler to go to a similar country whre I just get my stamp at the immigration desk. 18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BeforeTigers Posted December 19, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 19, 2013 Ah, so now they want reciprocity.They could start by respecting the spouses of Thai nationals as they are respected in the States.Nevermind the stonewall on entrepreneurship they're so attached to.dot dot dot 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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