300 replies to this topic
Posted 2009-06-24 12:38:19
 jaapfries, on 2009-06-24 11:59:42, said:
'PONG', you're missing the 'PING' !
You sign off with:
"Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace."
— Buddha
Better start practising what you're preaching . . . . or, from now on be known as Moby-DICK.
Perhaps look at this free-visa-effort as something POSITIVE; and maybe it infers that the Thai Government is beginning to wake-up a bit to the needs of the country ?? Give them a chance; obviously your keepers gave you (more than) one ?!?
JGK/Pattaya
Thank you for your kind words. 
I had no idea that folk on Thai Visa were so nice and polite, and were so erudite in their praise. 
Yes, free visas are a very positive step for the "permanent" tourists who populate sin city. Leaves them with more money to hand over to their nightly conquests. 
If you ever bothered to read, you would know that this measure has already been used earlier this year with no noticeable effect whatsoever.
As for them "waking up" - well one of the major earmarks of funds in the latest 800 Billion borrowing package, is to boost tourism, so I do think that they may already be aware of the problem. (But a good try anyway Mr jaapfries)
The question is, how will they spend the money?
Free Visas? 
Yes... already working - see my report from London. 
Edited by Mobi, 2009-06-24 12:39:01.
Posted 2009-06-24 12:40:45
tpkhk, on 2009-06-24 12:33:26, said: Need to see the numbers - this initiative on its own may spur very little impulse travel or cause people to change decisions - but China & India passport holders need to pay around 1000Baht or so on arrival/person if applying on arrival, or about the same via Thai embassy in their respective countries.
This together with the low flight fares, may help the travel agents - market packages. (or they may collect the visa fees anyway under some other charge).
Some airlines are offering rock bottom rates to Bangkok - this combined with visa waivers - could spur some incentive/group travel... but definitely of no value to Visa Waiver countries (Singapore, Japan... Europe etc...). May also help some middle eastern countries.
Precisely.
If those who have been quick to laugh at the Thai governments supposed stupidity had as much intelligence they could have reasoned that for themselves.
In the future the real growth in tourism could be comming from place like China and India. Not more established markets which are also suffering badly in this recession.
Posted 2009-06-24 12:41:45
Given the current economical crisis on the one hand, and on the other hand the reduction in tourists selecting Thailand as their destination, the Thai department of tourism had to come up with some promotional activities, hence the offer as stated here, 60 % of tourists enter Thailand without a visa since they get 30 days visa free and that time span is enough for the average holiday maker.
Nevertheless, the department for tourism feel that they have done their duty to promote Thailand in terms of increasing tourism, since it sounds good when advertised somewhere, but it will have little effect in real terms since Western tourists do not visit Thai Embassies in their country prior to getting here, simply because they do not need a visa.
Posted 2009-06-24 12:44:43
[quote name='george' date='2009-06-24 11:33:43' post='2826351']
Free tourist visas between June 25, 2009 and March 2010
BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications, effective 25 June 2009 to March 2010.
All foreigners who apply for Tourist Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies and the Royal Thai Consulates-General worldwide will be exempted from tourist visa fee from 25 June 2009 to March B.E.2553 (2010).
Such arrangement is for Tourist Visa single entry only.
-- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok 2009-06-24
[/quot
Ahh you poor guys trying to be honest with thailand and stay or go there or whateva,,,its a clown show and the show must go on,,viet nam is the new place to go,,thailands done may as well accept it and be done with it.Thailand wont undo the damage they have done to themselves over night if ever,itll take a long time and they just arnt smart enough to do it..Just gotta get out and visit now and then to reminisc about the good ole days.even the rich folk will be getting the lesson as per the elite card kick.Its just the way the earth is,it couldnt last forever and aint comin back.check out VN and Laos ,they are taking off,much nicer
Posted 2009-06-24 12:45:34
Mobi, on 2009-06-24 11:47:49, said: I really don't see the point of this.
Do they seriously think that by issuing free tourist visas it is going to increase the number of tourists coming to Thailand?
Firstly, how would any potential tourists even know that the visa was free until they went to apply for one. It's not as though the news of this wonderful freebie is going to be plastered all over the press, radio and TV.
And secondly, once they goe to apply for said visa, they have probably already booked their holiday or their flight, so the fact that it is free will no no way influence their decision to come here.
If this is the best idea they can come with to boost tourism, then they are in for a lean time in the coming months.
I agree with Mobi.
The Govt would be better off reducing air fares or landing taxes to make cheaper flights into the country. Apart from all the recent strife the one thing is that it doesn't last for long and I think many people still see Thailand as getting value for the $, yen, paseo pound etc. People will come if they lower the price to get there. A visa cost equals sweet f a, in terms of how I think of cost.
Posted 2009-06-24 12:46:56
Capealava, on 2009-06-24 12:07:28, said: minxwhale, on 2009-06-24 12:00:44, said: alfieconn, on 2009-06-24 11:41:11, said: Watch out for the stampede !!!
Wow how completely meaningless since most people secure a tourist visa upon arrival without charge!
This is a 60 day tourist visa that can be extended for 30 days easily-total 90 days-with 2 entries 180 days. The visa on arrival is only 30 days with a 15 day extension
I repeat. How completely meaningless. how many of the millions of tourists that come here do you honestly think stay here for more than a month anyway?
Slim to none I'd venture
Posted 2009-06-24 12:47:02
personchester, on 2009-06-24 12:41:45, said: Given the current economical crisis on the one hand, and on the other hand the reduction in tourists selecting Thailand as their destination, the Thai department of tourism had to come up with some promotional activities, hence the offer as stated here, 60 % of tourists enter Thailand without a visa since they get 30 days visa free and that time span is enough for the average holiday maker.
Nevertheless, the department for tourism feel that they have done their duty to promote Thailand in terms of increasing tourism, since it sounds good when advertised somewhere, but it will have little effect in real terms since Western tourists do not visit Thai Embassies in their country prior to getting here, simply because they do not need a visa.
Does anyone have the actual breakdown of nationalities of tourist arrivals for Thailand? Or know where to find it?
Cheers
Posted 2009-06-24 12:49:42
Mobi, on 2009-06-24 11:47:49, said: I really don't see the point of this.
Do they seriously think that by issuing free tourist visas it is going to increase the number of tourists coming to Thailand?
Firstly, how would any potential tourists even know that the visa was free until they went to apply for one. It's not as though the news of this wonderful freebie is going to be plastered all over the press, radio and TV.
And secondly, once they goe to apply for said visa, they have probably already booked their holiday or their flight, so the fact that it is free will no no way influence their decision to come here.
If this is the best idea they can come with to boost tourism, then they are in for a lean time in the coming months.
Couldn't agree more, it will make absolutely ZERO percent difference, I am glad I don't own a hotel is this country, I forecast the lowest high season known since records began will be 2009/10 and the country will get nothing less than it can expect due to its own actions which is so unfortunate for those hard working honest Thais in the tourist industry. And they thought the tsunami was the biggest ever threat to the country's tourism future? Hmmmm
Edited by Robbie Dye, 2009-06-24 12:50:36.
Posted 2009-06-24 12:50:25
rajuismythainame, on 2009-06-24 12:12:38, said: it will boom the thailand traffic ..
or u can say its good step for thai tourism industry
no it wont,to much mishandling for to long and itll change for bad again soon like it always will,,we arnt stupid over here,some are
Posted 2009-06-24 12:51:36
minxwhale, on 2009-06-24 12:46:56, said: I repeat. How completely meaningless. how many of the millions of tourists that come here do you honestly think stay here for more than a month anyway?
Slim to none I'd venture
backpackers, that's it really. this doesn't impact at all on the thousands of families and couples who are now taking their two weeks' worth of dollars, pounds or euroes to other destinations rather than phuket, samui, chang or the other islands.
Posted 2009-06-24 12:53:05
Free tourist visas between June 25, 2009 and March 2010.
   , Larry-Moe & Curly could'a done a better job of ruin/running this country!
Posted 2009-06-24 12:56:32
george, on 2009-06-24 12:33:43, said: Free tourist visas between June 25, 2009 and March 2010
BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications, effective 25 June 2009 to March 2010.
All foreigners who apply for Tourist Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies and the Royal Thai Consulates-General worldwide will be exempted from tourist visa fee from 25 June 2009 to March B.E.2553 (2010).
Such arrangement is for Tourist Visa single entry only.
-- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok 2009-06-24
I payed for visa to come Thailand 25th June till 10th Aug bet they don't do refunds. £38 pounds thats day and good1 at that lol...
Posted 2009-06-24 12:59:17
Think about it! They are not giving anything away free.The cost of the visa only really covered the cost or part cost of employing the staff at consulates.If no one comes here they are not giving anything away.As for the post that asked if giving away visa's free these last few months helped tourism I say have a look around you..I see no ships!
Better they look after the farangs that are here already i.e. lower the required amounts to get marriage and retirement visas.Also do not have a age limit on retirement visas.many people can give up work or have given up work before they hit 50.
TIT I suppose...lol
Another point that the TAT do not seem to understand, flights to here from our home countrys are the cheapest they have ever been in real terms and no one is comming! Free visas a joke better close the borders so no one can get out!
No axe to grind I have a retirement visa and still some brain cells!!!lol
Posted 2009-06-24 13:15:24
Posts containing Insults , Flames and Racial remarks have been deleted.
Posted 2009-06-24 13:18:53
Don't understand the fuss. I live in Seychelles. There no visitor requires a visa. Immigration stamp your passpor ton arrival. 30 day stay. Extendable for any and all nationality. Requirement on arrival is a passport and a return air ticket. Has been like that since I can remember. Why can't the rest of the world be the same. 
Posted 2009-06-24 13:19:28
davidwright, on 2009-06-24 12:59:17, said: Think about it! They are not giving anything away free.The cost of the visa only really covered the cost or part cost of employing the staff at consulates.If no one comes here they are not giving anything away.As for the post that asked if giving away visa's free these last few months helped tourism I say have a look around you..I see no ships!
Better they look after the farangs that are here already i.e. lower the required amounts to get marriage and retirement visas.Also do not have a age limit on retirement visas.many people can give up work or have given up work before they hit 50.
TIT I suppose...lol
Another point that the TAT do not seem to understand, flights to here from our home countrys are the cheapest they have ever been in real terms and no one is comming! Free visas a joke better close the borders so no one can get out!
No axe to grind I have a retirement visa and still some brain cells!!!lol
Hey Bro aint this fun,good to see you on here,,retired at 35 6?good show,see ya soon,,yeah yu still wants her condo there regardless LOL
c
Posted 2009-06-24 13:20:19
Capealava, on 2009-06-24 12:07:28, said: minxwhale, on 2009-06-24 12:00:44, said: alfieconn, on 2009-06-24 11:41:11, said: Watch out for the stampede !!!
Wow how completely meaningless since most people secure a tourist visa upon arrival without charge!
This is a 60 day tourist visa that can be extended for 30 days easily-total 90 days-with 2 entries 180 days. The visa on arrival is only 30 days with a 15 day extension
Would the 15 day extension cost you 1,900 Baht or would that be waived too ?
Thanks.
Posted 2009-06-24 13:20:56
Why not just grant 60/90 days upon arrival?
It's less bureaucracy and a lot more attractive to tourists (and expats).
One of the major reasons for many expat farangs to leave Thailand and relocate, is the necessity of going on long and expensive visa-runs
for the sole purpose of getting just another stupid stamp in their passports.
Naturally the Thai authorities wants to keep some degree of control with foreigners staying in the country, but there has got be be a better way.
Posted 2009-06-24 13:21:40
Jeez, they just cant win can they? They do nothing, people complain, they do something people complain. Visiting the board here is sometimes listening to Groucho Marx classic 'I'm against it'.
Clearly having free tourist visas is absolutely better than having to pay for them, give 'em some credit for God's sake.
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Posted 2009-06-24 13:23:01
threedot, on 2009-06-24 11:48:20, said: What kind of deluded idiots think that a free visa is the answer to the revival of the tourist industry? The complete lack of thought process in government here never ceases to amaze me.
I would be interested to know how effective the previous 'free visa' strategy was before... any figures out there?
are you interested in travel or interested in how many visitors increase last free entry visa time . if government is giving free visa entry that good others may be not good for you. because u like to know how many visitors increased in last free entry time.
Posted 2009-06-24 13:29:19
Phuketian, on 2009-06-24 13:21:40, said: Jeez, they just cant win can they? They do nothing, people complain, they do something people complain. Visiting the board here is sometimes listening to Groucho Marx classic 'I'm against it'.
Clearly having free tourist visas is absolutely better than having to pay for them, give 'em some credit for God's sake.
Exactly.
It was not so long ago that people here where slagging them off for clamping down on border runs. Oh well.
Edited by Moonrakers, 2009-06-24 13:30:11.
Posted 2009-06-24 13:29:38
Phuketian, on 2009-06-24 13:21:40, said: Jeez, they just cant win can they? They do nothing, people complain, they do something people complain. Visiting the board here is sometimes listening to Groucho Marx classic 'I'm against it'.
Clearly having free tourist visas is absolutely better than having to pay for them, give 'em some credit for God's sake.
well ,thai visa has always been about showing up the 'wolf in sheeps clothing' which it is continueing to do so well here,,,thailand will get credit when they deserve it ,which they dont here.
This is like giving kids candy to quiet them down,,what about tomorrow ,,candy don't work long term.itl take an intelligent plan to get it together,,any ideas?long term stuff,,comon you can do it
hey DW whats up!!!it musta been a hot season ove there ,,yikes
Posted 2009-06-24 13:29:52
ThaiMaiYaak, on 2009-06-24 13:20:19, said: Capealava, on 2009-06-24 12:07:28, said: minxwhale, on 2009-06-24 12:00:44, said: alfieconn, on 2009-06-24 11:41:11, said: Watch out for the stampede !!!
Wow how completely meaningless since most people secure a tourist visa upon arrival without charge!
This is a 60 day tourist visa that can be extended for 30 days easily-total 90 days-with 2 entries 180 days. The visa on arrival is only 30 days with a 15 day extension
Would the 15 day extension cost you 1,900 Baht or would that be waived too ?
Thanks.
All extensions will cost 1,900 Baht.
Posted 2009-06-24 13:30:40
On a free double entry would the 30 days extension cost you 1,900 Baht or will be free at the Bangkok immigration bureau
Posted 2009-06-24 13:31:55
Ok thanks
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