The Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three-month period from March 5 to June 4, in a continued effort to expedite the revival of the country's tourism industry.
Within this temporary period, citizens of 20 countries including Chinese, Russians, Indians and Taiwanese, who are required to apply for visa at Thai embassies overseas or pay 1,000 baht (US$28) for a visa-on-arrival, will be exempted the visa fee for a stay of not exceeding 15 days.
Only citizens of another 42 countries including the UK, US, Australia, Germany, Japan and South Korea are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not more than 30 days.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is seen as personally spearheading efforts to revive the tourism industry and boost the country's competitive position to offset the impact of the global financial crisis.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Ms Phornsiri Manoharn, said: "The support we are getting from the highest levels of the Royal Thai government is a clear indication that Thai travel and tourism is back to business with excellent deals and marketing support for our friends in the travel trade." |