In a bid to invigorate Thailand’s tourism sector, the Department of Tourism has thrown its full support behind the government’s potential plan to extend visa-free arrivals to a broader range of nationalities. This strategic move aims to propel the country’s tourism industry to new heights.
Director-General Chaturon Phakdeewanich has underscored the significance of a well-executed visa waiver policy, citing its potential to sharpen Thailand’s competitive edge in the global tourism landscape, especially when considering the cost-effectiveness of tour packages in the nation.
Chaturon has highlighted the pivotal decision the government faces, weighing the options between a comprehensive visa waiver program and a more moderate approach involving the waiver of visa application fees. He further emphasized the imperative need to identify alternative revenue streams to compensate for the loss of income from visa application fees.
Assuring the nation of the Department of Tourism’s readiness to champion this initiative, Chaturon has simultaneously stressed the importance of a meticulous vetting process to safeguard the interests of the country.
Thai authorities have projected a substantial increase in the number of international visitors, with expectations soaring to as high as 27.4 million by the year’s end. This surge is anticipated to be driven by a combination of tourism-promoting campaigns and policies, promising further growth in the coming year.
