The following appears in the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS:

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TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION IN EFFECT FROM 5TH MARCH

 

In a bid to promote tourism Thailand is removing the requirement of a tourist visa for all travelers for a period of three months starting from Thursday, 5th March 2009.

The exemption was announced by Tharit Charungvat, Director-General of the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

Usually, Thailand gives a Visa On Arrival to citizens of 20 countries for a period not exceeding 15 days, and a visa-free stay for travelers from another 42 countries for up to 30 days.

 

The new ruling effectively waives the Tourist Visa On Arrival and visitors no longer have to apply for a tourist visa to Thailand at Thai consulates and embassies worldwide.

 

However those wishing to stay for longer periods will have to apply for a visa before arriving in Thailand. This allows for a stay of up to 60 days and will be free of charge. All foreigners applying for a visa other than a tourist visa must still pay the regular price.

 

On 3rd February the Thai government also approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Aimed specifically at the 1000 passengers a day who have to wait for up to 8 hours for connecting flights, the waiver will allow transit passengers to leave the airport for a short visit to the local area.

 

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is personally involved in the efforts to revive tourism following the political unrest, and to offset the impact of the global financial crisis.

 

The TAT is expecting tourist arrivals to reach 14 million in 2009, producing revenue of 505 billion Baht.

It sounds like a good idea, but why for the 3 months when historically fewer tourists come here anyway and are not likely to come just to save a few dollars for a visa?

As I am planning to visit Thailand within the next 3 months I like the idea, but, it has no bearing on my decision..

why for the 3 months when historically fewer tourists come here anyway and are not likely to come just to save a few dollars for a visa?

My guess is that Thai logic has them thinking precisely the opposite. They probably think that tourists who come during high season would come anyway. They must be thinking that saving a few bucks on visas will attract more people to come during low season. It makes no sense to me, but try as I might, I can't come up with any other reason for it.