Guest shockdevil Posted October 17, 2009 Posted October 17, 2009 I went to the Thai Consulate today in NYC to drop off my application and passport for a tourist visa. I thought I was going to have to pay but was told there was no charge. Is something strange going on in Thailand that I need to be aware of? Almost nothing is free when it comes to Thailand. I was told that the Thai government was waiving the fee for TOURIST visa through March 2010. I have not been online lately so this is probably old news to you guys but I had to say something about this pleasant surprise for me and a few of my friends that are submitting their visa applications soon. Quote
Gaybutton Posted October 17, 2009 Posted October 17, 2009 Is something strange going on in Thailand that I need to be aware of? Thailand is waiving those fees in an effort to get tourists to come back. The tourism industry is in serious trouble. There is even some talk about possibly extending the waiver beyond March 10. Quote
Guest shockdevil Posted October 17, 2009 Posted October 17, 2009 Thailand is waiving those fees in an effort to get tourists to come back. The tourism industry is in serious trouble. There is even some talk about possibly extending the waiver beyond March 10. That's interesting news. I do hope tourism picks up in Thailand. I know I am about to do my part to stimulate the economy . Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted October 17, 2009 Posted October 17, 2009 That's interesting news. I do hope tourism picks up in Thailand. I know I am about to do my part to stimulate the economy . No doubt you'll be involved in other forms of stimulation whilst you're here Quote
Guest taylorsquare Posted October 17, 2009 Posted October 17, 2009 Well ,I had a workmate yesterday who just come back from Bali with his wife. HE was saying that he bought T shirts there for something like $2.00 ! He said every bar gave some sort of free drink on arrival,I actually forget the name he told me of it,but it is some locally made drink and its complimentary,and you dont need to buy anything else. The drink is free at every bar apparently. He said it was far cheaper than his usual holidays in Phuket where he told me he got many problems and arguments over pricing. Him and his wife got a package deal and he told me they went to a beach called Koota I think he named it. He said next year he s going back to Bali again instead of Thailand. Now I have never been to Bali,but I think Thailand has caused its own Tourism image problems. Some prices are more expensive than in Western Countries,T shirts etc and drink prices ,and i think a lot of those young guys now prefer Bali where they get more money for their drinking along with more nightclubs and discos. I have never been to Phuket so cant compare it to Bali,but its obvious Bali is now taking tourists away from Phuket. Quote
