Thailand’s suggestion to reduce visa-exempt stay periods for travelers from 93 nations from 60 days to just 30 days has elicited varied responses within the tourism sector.
Thailand, where the economy significantly depends on tourism, revealed the plan earlier this week.
The aim is to prevent the abuse of this policy for conducting illicit commercial operations, as stated by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
Several experts within the industry suggested that the decrease is not expected to substantially harm incoming tourism. EuroNews reported.
According to data from ForwardKeys, just 7% of reservations made for travel to Thailand in January and February this year were scheduled for stays exceeding 22 nights.
Several hotel owners in Phuket, the well-liked island getaway, mentioned that this policy shift wouldn’t impact their business since most European visitors usually only remain for up to fourteen days. Bangkok Post reported.
The president of the Phuket Tourist Association, Thanet Tantipiriyakit, stated that his members supported the recent decision made by the government following their continuous advocacy for this decrease.
Tourism stakeholders are unconcerned because other visa alternatives still exist for individuals wanting to extend their stay, he mentioned.
However, some individuals were concerned that this alteration might adversely affect tourism, particularly since Thailand is already struggling with these issues. concerns over safety among travelers from China Following the well-publicized abduction of actor Xing Xing in January and increasing rivalry from nearby nations such as Vietnam.
Bloomberg Intelligence analysts noted in a report this week that the possible policy adjustment compounds the pressures on the industry, which also include safety worries for Chinese tourists and more constrained spending among travelers from North America and Europe.
Suksit Suvunditkul from the Thai Hotels Association doubted whether the new policy would be effective in reducing unlawful behavior by non-citizens, suggesting instead that the administration implement additional practical methods for vetting tourists.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, who serves as the deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, mentioned that approximately 200,000 travelers from visa-exempt nations used to apply for visas each year before the introduction of the visa-free entry policy last July.
Should the authorities decide to reduce the period of visa-free stays, this would affect those individuals who have enjoyed the longer permitted duration.
Thailand’s fresh approach arrives as nearby nations are hastening to lure visitors through progressively lenient visa rules.
Starting from March 1st, Vietnam has permitted visitors from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland who are part of organized group tours to enter without a visa for up to 45 days. This policy extends an existing provision for certain nationalities. 25 countries already enjoying visa-free access.
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